Giorgio Armani pays tribute to Ukraine

With Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine prompting a lot of discussion, what is fashion’s role in a crisis like this? How does fashion acknowledge this moment in history? What is the correct tone to strike? For Giorgio Armani, the 87-year-old designer, that tone came in the form of a silent runway. The Giorgio Armani show opened with a voice reading a statement from the designer in English: “My decision not to use any music in the show was made as a sign of respect to the people affected by the evolving tragedy.” Throughout the week, protests outside shows were staged, anti-Russian signs were held and Ukrainian flags were waved, but Mr Armani was first to address the conflict in his work. In February 2020, his brand became the first to cancel a show due to Covid-19 caution, and two years on he is the first to take a stand against another moment in history.

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