Dressed from head to toe in black. This is how Volodymyr Zelensky appeared at the meeting on February 28 at the White House. In general, the same casual outfit he has accustomed us to in the last three years since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Was it a suitable choice or not? That is the question many commentators around the world have asked. Including Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
But what does the Ukrainian designer who created this controversial outfit think? The journalists from Women’s Wear Daily spoke with the Ukrainian designer Elvira Gasanova, who signed the clothing worn by the leader from Kiev.
The fashion creator said she never imagined that one of her creations would become a geopolitical subject. "I'm just trying to be a designer who creates special dresses or suits," she said.
Zelensky arrived at the White House wearing a long-sleeved polo shirt with three buttons from the men's clothing collection of the Damirli brand created by Gasanova. He also wore a pair of pants from the same collection. The designer made a special version for Zelensky, which included the emblem of a trident, the coat of arms of Ukraine adopted in February 1991.
Controversy Surrounding Presidential Attire
Zelensky's casual attire sparked comments from Donald Trump and criticism from JD Vance and reporter Brian Glen from Real America’s Voice.
However, it is known that the Ukrainian president has long adopted this clothing style as a sign of solidarity with Ukraine's military forces. Until last fall, the war caused $170 billion in damages to the country's infrastructure, according to the Kiev School of Economics.
The designer stated that her team was "shocked" when Trump greeted Zelensky in front of the White House saying, "Today you are dressed elegantly."
Considering that the all-black outfit with black boots was "appropriate," Gasanova appreciated the fact that Zelensky defended his clothing choice. "I will wear a suit after this war ends. Maybe something similar to yours. Maybe something better, I don't know. Maybe something cheaper," the Ukrainian president replied to the reporter who pointed out that he came to an official meeting with the US president without wearing a suit.
Estimating that 99% of Zelensky's wardrobe consists of her creations, Gasanova emphasized that the Ukrainian leader has not worn a suit since the Russian invasion three years ago, as a gesture of respect and solidarity with Ukrainian soldiers. "It is a symbol of the indomitable spirit of a nation fighting for its freedom," she said.
"I am very proud of him"
In today's Ukraine, it is considered that a president should not wear a suit during wartime, the designer added.
Furthermore, Gasanova praised Zelensky for showing Trump and Vance pictures of Ukrainian soldiers taken prisoner by Russian forces. "He may be trying to get empathy from the American government," she said.
"In my mind, our president has truly shown his heroism. It is very difficult for others to understand everything we have been through. I am very proud of him because everyone else [outside Ukraine] only sees the war on TV or on social media. But we live it. We don't just talk about it. That's why only our Ukrainian president can talk about it," Gasanova declared.
Sales of the Damirli polo shirt worn by Zelensky increased last weekend, the designer said. "Now many people are buying this shirt, which is sold for 215 euros. Today we had many orders from America. Perhaps they want to own something worn by a Ukrainian president in a historic moment," she said.
The designer has also created outfits for Gigi Hadid, Rita Ora, Kim Kardashian, and the First Lady of Ukraine.
"We want to understand what is happening and what will be tomorrow. Of course, we all want the war to stop. But, as our president said, we must end the conflict with guarantees and a clear understanding that this will not happen again. That's why we live our lives, help the army with donations, support our president, and try to build a better future," Gasanova said, who had to relocate her production during the war, as her family's home was severely damaged by military attacks.