Amid air raid sirens, curfews, and wartime realities, the future of menswear in Ukraine is being written with resilience, functionality, and an unapologetic embrace of inclusivity. Ukrainian designers are turning fashion shows into statements of survival and strength, merging utilitarian design with cultural identity.
Fashion Against the Backdrop of War
At Ukrainian Fashion Week in Kyiv, the atmosphere is unlike any other global fashion capital. While Paris and Milan host late-night afterparties, Kyiv faces midnight curfews and shows that pause for air raid sirens. Veterans walk the runway, turning fashion into a platform for empowerment.
Andreas Moskin, the menswear label by Andriy Moskin and Andreas Bilous, embodies this new chapter. Their designs merge masculinity with sensitivity, creating garments with adaptive details such as removable sleeves and hidden zippers for prosthetic wearers. Function meets aesthetics, and every piece tells the story of resilience.
Adaptive Fashion Becomes Aspirational
Adaptive clothing has long been overlooked in high fashion, often reduced to plain or uninspiring designs. But in Kyiv, inclusivity is not an afterthought — it is the trend. From altered seam placements to elongated silhouettes, these collections are redefining how men with physical injuries are represented on the runway.
As co-designer Andreas Bilous explains: “The story is about the models themselves. The idea behind creating Andreas Moskin clothes is to bring their narratives to life.”
Viktor Anisimov: Practical Elegance
For designer VIKTORANISIMOV, functionality reigns supreme. His spring 2026 collection leans into militaristic themes, with all-black ensembles that echo uniform aesthetics. Anisimov has faced the harsh realities of blackouts while creating collections and even designed the official uniforms for Ukraine’s Paralympic Team. His work proves that practicality can still carry a powerful aesthetic statement.
Damirli: Minimalism with Meaning
Designer Elvira Gasanova of Damirli has shifted from bespoke tailoring to versatile essentials that reflect Ukraine’s new reality. Her standout piece, The President’s Polo, worn by President Volodymyr Zelensky, became a global symbol of strength and support. Featuring the embroidered Tryzub — Ukraine’s national emblem — it blends minimalism, elegance, and national pride.
A New Style Lexicon
Together, Ukrainian designers are doing more than creating clothing — they are redefining what menswear can mean in times of crisis. Adaptive fashion is now aspirational. Utilitarian garments are elevated with symbolism and cultural depth. And in the process, Ukraine is carving a unique space in global menswear, proving that creativity does not stop in the face of adversity.
As Andriy Moskin puts it: “We are really an unbroken nation, because we love our work and we love our art.”