“We don’t have control over most of our work schedules, but we would like to walk ‘for’ something,” Gigi Hadid wrote in an Instagram post.
Amid fashion month, where the top houses presented their A/W 2022 collections, Russia invaded Ukraine. During the global crisis, Fashion Weeks in Paris and Milan continued; however, the industry isn’t turning a blind eye to its victims.
On her Instagram story, while working in Paris, Argentinian model Mica Argañaraz said it felt “very weird walking in fashion shows knowing there’s a war happening in the same continent.”
Model movement
Argañaraz encouraged fellow models to do the same, and her story was shared by supermodel sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid. On her account, Bella shared words by musical artist Mustafa on the devastating situation.
“This is about Ukraine, and nothing should undermine the magnitude of their suffering, of the violence against them,” the post read. “But it’s as much about the nation as it is about justice. And the way we’ve failed to uphold it elsewhere dictates this. Our lack of tools here is a result of our neglect elsewhere. “
Argañaraz pledged to donate all her earnings from this season’s fashion week, and the Hadid’s followed her lead. “Having a set Fashion Month schedule has meant that my colleagues and I often present new collections during heartbreaking and traumatic times in history. We don’t have control over most of our work schedules, but we would like to walk ‘for’ something,” the 26-year-old posted.
“Following the footsteps of my friend @micarganaraz, I am pledging to donate my earnings from the Fall 2022 shows.” Gigi adds that the funds will benefit both Ukraine and Palestine war victims.
Brands supporting Ukraine
“To my model friends and colleagues and whoever is also struggling with this feeling, perhaps this is something we could all contribute to,” Bella shared. At the same time, brands the models are walking for are communicating their stance on the war.
Last week in Milan, Giorgio Armani paid tribute to Ukraine by showcasing his Fall collection in complete silence. During the Isabel Marant show, the designer announced that her eponymous Endowment Fund has donated to UNICEF, the UN High Commissioners for Refugees, and the UN Children’s Fund.
While backstage in Balenciaga’s Paris show, the crew wore blue and yellow shirts supporting Ukraine.
Other global models that joined Argañaraz’s movement are Cindy Crawford’s daughter Kaia Gerber, Italy’s Vittoria Ceretti, the Netherland’s Kiki Willems, UK’s Francesca Summers, and Australia’s Ayla Peterson.
In addition, Russian model and actress Irina Shayk also shared she’ll be donating to Unicef and Red Cross Ukraine after condemning the situation.
