Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska continues to support Ukrainian brands

Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska continues to convey solidarity to her homeland through her clothing choices.

Last week, Zelenska wore a bespoke suit designed by Olena Bettiar to the US Congress, where she gave a historic 15-minute speech.

Lawmakers and viewers focused on what Zelenska said during her speech - that the United States and NATO are providing Ukraine with air defense systems for its counter-terrorism efforts. invasion - and showed images of some of the casualties and war-torn streets in Ukraine caused by the Russian invasion. Speaking in person at the United States Capitol is something her husband, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has yet to do, despite addressing members of Congress almost months ago. /p>

For this appearance, Zelenska wore Bettiar's brand, AMG. Bettiar said she knew she was tailoring the suit for a work trip, but she had no idea where, when or for what occasion it would be worn.

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The striking black and white pantsuit that Zelenska wore carried a certain symbolism. The weathered black jacket was meant to evoke strength, the elegant white waistcoat was meant to convey fragility, and the ensemble's local embroidery reflected the country's heritage, according to the designer via email. Collectively, these elements "summed up all Ukrainian women" from her point of view.

The vest worn by the first lady featured a "Vyshyvanka" embroidery panel specific to the region in which it is produced, which is usual in Ukrainian folk shirts. The embroidery worn by Zelenska was a fragment of the traditional shirt of eastern Ukraine, the region of the country which is the epicenter of military operations.

On Sunday, the Russian Federation's armed attack on Ukraine caused 12,272 civilian casualties, including 5,237 dead and 7,035 injured, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. In addition, more than 12 million people have left Ukraine since Russian soldiers invaded the country five months ago.

"Very grateful and honored" that the first lady chose her outfit for such a historic event, Bettiar noted how Zelenska continues to be "a huge supporter of Ukrainian fashion business and talent".< /p>

For a photo op at the White House with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden during last week's Beltway trip, Zelenska wore jewelry from last year's Guzema x Gunia capsule collection called "Nezalezhna", the Ukrainian word for independent. Like Bettia, Guzema's designer, Valeria Guzema, helps people affected by war by raising funds and donating profits through the Guzema Foundation.

Interested in working with the first lady, Bettiar took the initiative some time ago and submitted a request to her office and soon had a meeting. Before the start of the war, Bettiar usually discussed an outfit and any necessary protocol with Zelenska's stylist, Natalia Kamenska. This would be followed by another meeting to discuss sketches, as well as fabric and material options. One or two fittings would then be necessary. The process is now significantly different due to security protocols and is no longer done in person.

Underlining how greatly every company and person in Ukraine has been affected by the Russian invasion, the AMG founder was forced to suspend all production for three months. During this time, she and her team focused on charity work to help war-affected women and children and to benefit those with thyroid problems.

AMG has reopened all business operations in Kyiv and continues its charitable efforts. With shipping being "very complicated at the moment", the brand is relying on a few companies to help transport its garments overland to Europe. Overall the team didn't change apart from a few who moved to Europe to escape the war. "But I think and hope that the whole team will be together soon," Bettiar said.