When Vogue Ukraine hit newsstands in 2018, it was with a sharp mission in mind: to use fashion to examine issues of identity, gender, and the country’s political climate. But when a military conflict broke out in the nation’s east in 2019, the magazine’s editors realised they must take an even bolder stance. This week, The Guardian takes a look at how Vogue Ukraine got itself on a war footing, and the powerful stories it’s been telling since then.
1. Breaking the News: Vogue Ukraine ‘Goes to War’
Vogue Ukraine is about to become the voice of a battle cry for fashion freedom. Taking a stand against the traditional, the magazine is bringing the fashion industry along on a path-breaking mission!
This announcement marks not just the beginning of a new trend in the fashion world, but of an era that demands change and equal rights. Without losing their modern and sophisticated essence, Vogue Ukraine is introducing a moral approach to their magazine publishing:
- Clothing free of discrimination. The magazine has pledged to fight for human rights, including supporting members of the LGBTQ+ and non-binary communities.
- Designers promoting body positivity. Emphasis is placed on the importance of health, rather than size, by featuring clothes that are inclusive and confidence-boosting.
- Representation of the underrepresented. Vogue Ukraine is focusing on telling stories from minorities that have traditionally been overlooked.
The fashion culture is ever-changing, and Vogue Ukraine is ready to be a part of the revolution that it will bring!
2. Exploring Ukraine-Russia Tensions Through the Arts
The long-standing tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been simmering for decades, becoming a hotbed of political discussion in the past few years. But for many creative artists, this conflict has been explored in works of music, theater, and film alike.
From The Pot-River by Russian-Ukrainian author Andrey Kurkov to the critically-acclaimed film Leviathan, the Ukraine-Russia dispute has been chronicled in the arts in a variety of ways. Other titles such as The Terminal, Here’s To Life! and FRIDAY express more universal themes, but still explore the situation between these two countries by addressing topics like immigration, identity, and injustice.
Through music, theater, and film, the Ukraine-Russia conflict has been viewed from multiple perspectives and shown the power and beauty of creative expression. Here are some of the highlights of what has been done so far:
- The Pot-River, a novel by Andrei Kurkov
- Leviathan, an acclaimed film by Andrey Zvyagintsev
- The Terminal, a musical group from Kiev
- Here’s To Life!, a play from the L’yubimka Theater of Odessa
- FRIDAY, a song by Ukrainian singer-songwriter Monatik
Clearly, there have been efforts to illustrate and explain the intricate, ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia through the prism of the arts. There’s no doubt that more stories will be told in the years to come.
3. Traveling to the Front Lines: How Vogue Ukraine Took Action
This summer, Vogue Ukraine rose to the challenge of getting aid and support to the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. The fashion powerhouse delivered a great example of how luxury goods can be put to good use. Here’s how they did it.
- Vogue Ukraine donated supplies to hospitals and medical teams on the front lines.
- They identified benefit concerts and aid organizations to donate to.
- Vogue Ukraine started their own donation drive and a charity gala to support the cause.
The Vogue Ukraine teams also encouraged local and international celebrities to join the campaign. Their efforts paid off: the team was able to deliver protective gear, medical equipment, and other supplies to the doctors, nurses, and medical facility staff in need. They also raised funds for highly in-demand services such as telemedical care and mental health support. But even though their efforts have paid off, Vogue Ukraine still community partners to join their efforts.
4. ‘We Didn’t Hesitate’: Vogue Ukraine Presses On in the Face of Conflict
In an effort to confront the adversity of armed conflict, Vogue Ukraine took a brave step and continued to publish and spread its message of hope and compassion throughout the country. With a group of courageous and determined editors, contributors, and staff, Vogue Ukraine pressed on despite the danger posed by the ongoing crisis.
- The magazine became a beacon of strength in the face of upheaval and dread
- Friendships were formed and creativity flourished whilst chaos flourished
- The team found a sense of solidarity that propelled them forward
In the midst of conflict, Vogue Ukraine remained true to its mission, staying nimble and responsive to the changing times. Despite operating under difficult circumstances, Vogue Ukraine allows the team to express their feelings and tell stories that needed to be heard. This principled stance has allowed the magazine to continue to thrive and resonate with readers, cementing its place in the Ukrainian hearts throughout this turbulent period of history.
As Vogue Ukraine enters its fifth year of publication, it seems clear that its team took a difficult journey to get where they are today, through war, uncertainty and advocacy. But their resilience has paid off, as the magazine and its staff continue to thrive and be sources of inspiration and strength for many in Ukraine and beyond. Today, their work stands for much more than just the production of a magazine, and for that, they have much to be proud of.
