Amid the Russian invasion, fashion designers, artists, and businesses in Ukraine are utilizing consumer power to keep the country’s economy afloat. Before the war, Ukraine was a hub for creativity in fashion, art, and design. Now, designers and artists are launching initiatives such as websites supporting Ukrainian brands, and programs like Spend With Ukraine and the Ukrainian Emergency Art Fund, which connect consumers with Ukraine-based businesses and allow for donations to support artists.
“Armies win battles, but economy wins wars,” says Andrey Klen, co-founder of Spend With Ukraine. By purchasing Ukrainian products, consumers can support the country’s economy and help businesses stay afloat. Brands like Anna October, which donates 30% of each sale to the Children’s Emergency Fund, are doing their part to help the country.
Sustaining interest in buying Ukrainian products is crucial, and Klen says that the program is working and they want to see increased demand. “Product demand allows businesses to stay afloat and contributes to a very important financial balance. Life goes on – investments definitely help with that,” he says. “Getting the word out is so important.”
