Undaunted by the Ukraine-Russia border crisis, fashion designers are continuing to work and remain strong.
Reached in Kyiv Friday, Frolov founder and creative director Ivan Frolov said of the situation in Ukraine: “To tell the truth, people continue with their day-to-day routines. There is no panic. But everybody is ready for everything. We have prepared all of our documents and warm clothes. We are ready for everything but we are leading our regular lives. We work every day. We go to parties. Everything is normal.
While people are of course constantly talking about the political tensions, Frolov said that Ukrainian people have a very good sense of humor. “We believe in our government and the ability to solve this problem in a diplomatic way. Ukrainian people are much more European-minded than other countries from the former Soviet Union,” he said. “We hope that Europe and the U.S. will help solve this conflict and protect us.
Specializing in glamorous designs like evening gowns, the designer said it has been interesting that despite the ongoing difficulties, people in Ukraine are continuing to order them for birthdays, parties and special events. “In business, we don’t feel like something is happening [politically]. In Kyiv, the biggest department store is Tsum. In February, sales have been so high that everything for our brand sold out,” he said.