The unfortunate humanitarian crisis has emerged with Ukraine’s invasion by Russia leaving people around the globe anxious about the latter’s every move. Aid and empathy seem to be coming from many countries but that seems barely enough. With much of the world continuing to ‘wait and watch,’ the fashion fraternity has stood in solidarity with Ukraine.
On March 1, Vogue Ukraine, owned by Media Group Ukraine and licensed under Condé Nast International took it to their social media account to post a strong-worded plea with respect to the recent situation. Taking names of big and established fashion as well as luxury labels, the publication urged them to place an embargo on exporting their goods to Russia. Brands such as LVMH, Kering, Richemont, Prada Group, Swatch Group, Puig, Chanel, Hermès, Dolce & Gabbana, Max Mara, Burberry, Valentino, Versace, Hugo Boss, Calzedonia and Shisheido in its caption.
"In the wake of unprecedented military aggression from the Russian Federation and the growing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, Vogue UA urges all international fashion and luxury conglomerates and companies to cease any collaborations on the aggressor's market effective immediately," read an excerpt of its caption. Showing your conscience and choosing humanity over monetary benefits is the only reasonable stand one can take in confronting the violent behavior of Russia. Moreover, Vogue UA appeals to the global fashion industry to not keep silence during these dark times as it has the strongest voice. Vogue UA encourages its partners and colleagues to join this call for action,” it concluded.
Responding to the invasion and ongoing war, many of the fashion brands too, have either suspended their business operations in Russia or extended donations.
Post temporary closure of its stores in Ukraine to ensure staff and customer’s safety, H&M Group has now put a pause on their sales to Russia. The retail giant has also made donations to Save the Children and to UNHCR through the H&M Foundation.
Athleisure giants Adidas, Nike and Puma ceased their operations in the ‘aggressor’s market.’ Nike paused its online sales due to the lack of guaranteed delivery of goods to customers. Puma stopped making deliveries to Russia although has kept its brick-and-mortar stores in the country running. As for Adidas, the sportswear brand has paused its partnership with the Russian Football Union.
As reported by Bloomberg, British luxury house Burberry has temporarily suspended its shipments in Russia citing ‘operational challenges,’ However, the brand’s two stores and one concession remain to be open in the said country. The fashion label also committed to supporting relief efforts in Ukraine through donations made to British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
Luxury giants too played their part and did their bit. Kering pledged an undisclosed sum of the amount to UNHCR while LVMH committed its ‘first emergency donation’ of €5,000,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Gucci, too, donated $500,000 to the UNHCR through its Chime for Change initiative. Tapestry announced making a $100,000 donation to the USA for UNHCR.
Tech giant Apple ceased its product sales in Russia. In addition, it has also disabled the traffic and live incidents in Apple Maps in Ukraine “as a safety and precautionary measure for Ukrainian citizens,” as reported by WWD.
Apart from these, brands like Maison Valentino, Gianni, Asos, Boohoo and Nanushka has joined hands with Ukraine in solidarity while doing their bit.
(Source- Fashionista, WWD)
