In a world where the notion of a third world war was once inconceivable, recent events, particularly the war in Ukraine, have thrust geopolitical tensions to the forefront. While the possibility of such a conflict remains improbable, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding not just heavy machinery and defense sectors but also the vibrant and resilient creative industry. Amidst this backdrop of uncertainty, Ukrainian fashion emerges as a beacon of creativity, resilience, and unity.
A captivating story surrounding Ukrainian fashion and entrepreneur Jen Sidary. She is the Founder and CEO of ANGELFORFASHION.com, an eCommerce website, showroom, and brand-building platform. The company supports Ukrainian fashion designers and helps drive global growth through strategic and innovative solutions. They represent over forty Ukrainian brands with over 2,000 products on the website to a worldwide audience. They have recently launched a wholesale, business-to-business platform on NuOrder showcasing fourteen designers to retail buyers.
Paris, the timeless epicenter of fashion and creativity, is about to experience fresh energy and innovation as it welcomes eleven outstanding Ukrainian fashion brands. These designers are set to captivate Paris with their distinctive blend of artistry and resilience. With its unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, the Ukrainian style is gaining international recognition.
The eleven brands showcased their collections in September 2023 at New York Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week with a generous grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development. This grant program with Jen Sidary began two years ago, in September 2021. It has now showcased twenty-six Ukrainian fashion brands at seven trade events to international audiences, verifying their dedication to this creative industry.
THIS SEASON BRINGS A DIVERSE LINEUP OF FASHION BRANDS, EACH WITH ITS UNIQUE STORY AND STYLE
T.Mosca leads the way with its AW23-24 collection, embodying the essence of an adventurous and free-spirited woman. The collection seamlessly merges iconic dresses and suits with whimsy and elegance, featuring delicate feathers that symbolize boundless spirit and grace. KATERINA KVIT, a Ukrainian label founded in 2012, redefines leather as a second skin. Known for its ‘Pleather principle,’ the brand combines minimalist design with luxury materials and tailoring to craft timeless pieces that balance practicality with sensuality. ELENAREVA’s SS’24 COLLECTION draws inspiration from the Mother Goddess cult, harmoniously blending feminine and masculine elements. The collection showcases structured jackets, transparent chiffon dresses, woolen bustier dresses, silk suits, and bold palazzo pants with intricate fabric patterns inspired by Trypillian jug ornaments. Bobkova celebrates Ukrainian heritage with its mallow-inspired collection, embodying cultural reverence, sustainability, and empowerment. The brand’s commitment to conscious fashion production, upcycling, and handmade details underscores its dedication to craftsmanship and female empowerment. A.M.G.‘s ‘X’ collection empowers modern women with timeless, eco-friendly designs crafted from premier materials like cotton, viscose, linen, and wool. The exhibition celebrates the multifaceted essence of women, offering tailored suits, vibrant summer ensembles, and elegant dresses. GASANOVA, a ready-to-wear fashion brand, effortlessly blends elegance with a playful twist, offering bold colors, textured materials, crystal-adorned gowns, and accessories that make a fashionable statement.
The other five designers are certainly to be noticed. KACHOROVSKA, a Ukrainian shoe brand, is synonymous with comfortable, self-sufficient classic designs crafted from natural materials. Their anatomically designed footwear combines style and comfort. GUDU‘s SS24 collection showcases innovative cuts that accentuate individuality, transforming familiar pieces into fresh interpretations that seamlessly integrate into any wardrobe. J’AMEMME is a couture brand renowned for pure yet wearable designs characterized by architectural silhouettes and distinctive pleats. The brand’s zero-waste approach and unique fabrics symbolizing vulnerability and power have gained international acclaim. MY SLEEPING GYPSY introduces the ‘GLASS HOUSE COLLECTION,’ marrying art, architecture, and fashion in a unique blend inspired by the GLASS HOUSE by Philip Johnson. OMELIA, a Ukrainian redesign brand, celebrates the beauty of diversity. Their upcycling of vintage and surplus shirts reduces environmental waste and breathes new life into clothing items, promoting tolerance and acceptance.
UKRAINIAN FASHION DESIGNER’S SHOWROOM
October 1 – 3, 2023
6 Rue du Sentier,
75002 Paris, France
JEN SIDARY: MEET THE UKRAINIAN FASHION “GODMOTHER”
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the country has shown remarkable resilience and unity in defending democratic values and resisting aggression. Ukrainian citizens have adapted their lives, work, and businesses to support their nation’s fight for freedom on a global scale.
What connects Ukraine to entrepreneur Jen Sidary, known for her solid southern Californian accent? Before her involvement with Ukraine, Sidary held exclusive positions as the President of Sales for Vivienne Westwood America and Head of Zappos Couture. While at Zappos, she facilitated a strategic alliance with the late André Leon Talley, who served as Creative Director for the website.
In 2020, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jen Sidary worked at Informa Markets for a year. However, due to restrictions on in-person events, layoffs occurred in October. A month later, in November 2020, Sidary embarked on a life-changing journey to Ukraine, purchasing a one-way ticket to Kyiv during a pandemic when no one was traveling.
Jen Sidary initiated collaboration on several ambitious projects with the USAID Competitive Economy Program (USAID CEP) as a fashion industry expert. She consulted Ukrainian grantees and showcased Ukrainian brands at prestigious events like New York and Paris Fashion Weeks.
AngelForFashion.com results from Jen Sidary’s visionary efforts to support Ukraine’s economy during these challenging times. The platform’s inception dates back to February 27th, 2022, when Ukrainian footwear designer Alina Kachorovska contacted Jen from a bomb shelter, inquiring about sustaining her business during the war. The following day, the global idea began to take shape.
The online platform experienced immediate success after going live just a mere 45 days into the war in April 2022, receiving orders in various product categories and attracting visitors from over 200 countries worldwide. ANGEL FOR FASHION has received orders from 85% of its brands and reached customers in the United States, Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, Dubai, Israel, South Korea, Japan, and more. It has welcomed over 100,000 unique visitors from around the globe.
Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing war, many satisfied customers have received their orders, showcasing the resilience and determination of these designers. The brands continue to ship products from the heart of Kyiv, even without air travel within the country.
In recognition of her exceptional work with Ukraine, Jen Sidary was honored at Delivering Good’s annual Women of Inspiration luncheon in New York City in June 2022. The event raised over $400,000 to support Ukraine’s recovery efforts.
