In response to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Tsum Kyiv, a department store in Kyiv, has called on the international fashion industry to boycott Russia and support Ukraine. The store, which has been forced to shut down due to the conflict, plans to convert its underground parking garage into an emergency hospital. Tsum Kyiv is urging the fashion industry to raise awareness about the situation in Ukraine by distancing themselves from Russian brands, retailers, and media.
The department store is specifically asking retailers to ban the sale of Russian brands on both online and offline platforms, as well as suspend shipments to Russia. They are calling for a global initiative to support Ukraine and boycott Russia. However, the International Association of Department Stores has stated that no global agreement has been reached regarding the boycott.
Several European industry players have responded to the call for boycott. Luxury e-tailer Yoox Net-a-Porter has already suspended shipments to Russia from all its e-commerce platforms. However, other e-commerce platforms such as Farfetch, MatchesFashion, and MyTheresa have not yet announced any changes to their operations in Russia.
Paris Fashion Week has expressed solidarity with Ukraine, with the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode defending the role of fashion in society and suggesting that fashion shows be celebrated in a solemn manner. Ukrainian fashion magazines, including Vogue UA, L’Officiel Ukraine, and Elle Ukraine, have called for an embargo on the export of fashion and luxury goods to Russia, urging international fashion and luxury companies to cease collaborations in the Russian market.
In addition to boycotting Russian brands and media, the fashion community and influential fashion houses have been urged to use their platforms to offer help and support to Ukraine. A letter initiated by publishing platform 1 Grannary has gained 400 signatories, including industry figures such as photographer Nick Knight and designers Christopher and Tammy Kane.
Practical help has also been offered by some fashion brands. UK footwear and bags specialist Kurt Geiger donated its store profits from last week to support the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal. US footwear firm Keen has pledged to donate €50,000 to the Red Cross and Global Giving and is working with distributors in Poland, the Czech Republic, and other countries to provide support to Ukrainian refugees.
Useful links:
1. BBC – Ukraine Calls on Fashion Industry to Boycott Russia
2. Vogue UK – How the Fashion Industry Can Help Ukraine
