The Russian invasion and subsequent war in Ukraine rages on and impacts the lives and livelihoods of its citizens, including the creative community, many of which were displaced.

As part New York Fashion Week, six such talents – Elena Burenina, Bobkova, Frolov, Litkovskaya, Kovalska, and Gudu – were given the opportunity to showcase their new collections in a group presentation at the Mastercard offices in Manhattan today.

The initiative started with CFDA member Keanan Duffty, who had participated in the Kyiv Art and Fashion Days (KAFD) last year. After the war broke out, Duffy contacted its founder Sofia Tchkonia with the idea to bring KAFD to New York.

“Seeing all of the devastation, loss of life and destruction of infrastructure that is happening in Ukraine, I want to help the creative people there, in order for them to know they are not alone and have some support from us here in New York,” said Duffty.

The designer secured safe passage and hosted two of the brands in the U.S. CFDA member Kay Unger provided assistance with travel and accommodation for the participating designers.

“Keanan reached out to me last February at the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He felt called to action to try and help in any way possible. I was immediately on board. We assembled a great team to help get them all here (ie. Deborah Weinswig of Coresight Research and Retailers United, Carmen Busquets, Kimberly Carney of FashWire, Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, Chris Constable PR, James LaForce PR and Mastercard). Everyone wanted to offer hope and help preserve their culture.

“I read a piece in the New York Times recently about how this war is actively seeking to erase Ukraine’s culture by bombing historical sites and museums,” Unger continued. “Bringing these designers and their collections here is our small way of keeping the cultural torch lit and shining a light on difficult times with beauty. I am Jewish, and Ukraine has the third largest population of Jewish people in the world.  It makes me proud to help in any way I can.

The six talents will showcase their collections on a model and in a static showcase. A panel discussion on the state of Ukraine and supporting its economic empowerment will follow. Mastercard’s Mike Froman will lead the the conversation with such panelists as Mickey Boardman of PAPER, designer Ivan Frolov, and Mastercard’s Jane Prokop.

“All six of these designers have a unique voice and are incredibly talented in communicating just how special and underrepresented Eastern European fashion is,” Unger added. “There couldn’t be a better time to bring it center stage. Fashion can sometimes be a self-centric industry, but I’ve marveled at how these designers have banded together and collectively want to empower democracy through design thinking. It’s truly remarkable and inspiring.”