A charity fashion show, Fashion 4 Ukraine, took place in New York. This time, the event, held near Wall Street, was called “Love and the City” and became a symbol of love, passion, and the unbreakable spirit of Ukrainians.
The presentation of the collections by the brands Mary Witch Corsets and Goya Concept at the Fashion 4 Ukraine show in New York. Photo: @ph_anastasiiad, @michael.weinberg1
Ukrainian designers, including Mary Witch Corsets, Anna Yudaeva Couture, Muse & Sensia, Olya Mak, Goya Concept, Ira Lysa, Sarasvaty Lingerie, and Bellanita Intimate, showcased their exceptional craftsmanship and innovative approach to fashion.
Collections by the brands Olya Mak (on the left) and Ira Lysa (on the right). Photos: Joe Michael Phillips @j.o.seph_photography, Michael Weinberg @michael.weinberg1
Models showcasing the Mary Witch Corsets collection by designer Mary Dusheiko. Photo: JRF Studio @jrfstudio _
“The main inspiration comes from Ukrainian literary figures. Our heroines are strong, alluring women who lead their families. The main character of my collection is a woman who knows her worth, is confident in herself, and loves herself. The universe is open to her. This is what I wish for all women,” emphasized Mary Dusheiko, designer of the Mary Witch Corsets brand.
Mary Witch Corsets collection. Photo: Michael Weinberg @michael.weinberg1, Alex Dani @alexdanifotografo
The event was also attended by notable influencers and media representatives. Miss Ukraine Universe 2012, Anastasiia Chernova, was eager to support Ukraine: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in this wonderful event — the Fashion 4 Ukraine charity show. I believe they are not only spreading kindness but also raising awareness about the war in Ukraine.”
Miss Ukraine World 2012 Anastasia Chernova in a wedding dress by the designer of the Olya Mak brand. Photo by Joe Michael Phillips @j.o.seph_photography
Joseph Fraia, Senior Correspondent at Livein Magazine and founder of JRF Studio:
Livein Magazine and JRF Studio became sponsors of Fashion 4 Ukraine because, for us, this project supports creativity and high-quality craftsmanship. Ukrainian designers stand out for their originality, attention to detail, and refined taste. Additionally, the charitable aspect of the show, supporting children impacted by the war, makes our involvement especially meaningful. I attended last year as a member of the press and was impressed by the quality of the collections. This year, I participated as a sponsor with JRF Studio, offering studio and promotional material services free of charge. JRF Studio, безкоштовно надавши студію та послуги для зйомки промо-матеріалів. I would like to particularly highlight Olga Ivanidi, the founder and executive producer of Fashion 4 Ukraine. She is not only a professional in her field but also a person you can trust. Her responsibility, motivation, and work quality have convinced us that this project deserves our support. We believe that fashion should inspire, open doors for new names, and create space for bright talents.”
Guests and Livein Magazine senior correspondent and JRF Studio founder Joseph Fraia awaiting the show. Photo: Viktoriia Shapovalova
Fashion influencer, New York guide, and marketing expert for Fashion 4 Ukraine Veronica Cooper noted:
“Fashion is a form of self-expression. What’s in style today might not be tomorrow, but what matters is not what you wear but how you present it. Everyone has the right to individuality, and style is a key way to express that. This applies not only to fashion but to every area of life. In every field, there’s a way to connect with people and convey your message.”
Wedding dresses by Olya Mak. Photo: Joe Michael Phillips @j.o.seph_photography, Michael Weinberg @michael.weinberg1
In addition to representing Ukrainian designers in the fashion capital of the United States, New York, the goal of the show is also charity. Fashion 4 Ukraine directs the net proceeds from ticket sales to the Birds of Light Foundation to help children affected by the war in Ukraine.
Looks by designer Anna Yudaeva Couture. Photo: Alex Dani @alexdanifotografo, Anastasiia Dzhus @ph_anastasiiad _
“The most important thing is simply being there. People in Ukraine who’ve been forced to leave their homes and have suffered due to the war receive significant humanitarian aid from us.
But they understand that this aid is temporary. They say it warms their hearts to see that we haven’t forgotten them. Our presence means so much to them. They say they feel that they won’t be abandoned,” said Santosh Govindaraju, a representative of the foundation.
Model Iryna Kushnerchuk in looks from Muse & Sensia and the first-season designer from Ukraine KATERYNA during the Fashion 4 Ukraine show at NYFW. Photo: Alex Dani @alexdanifotografo, ph_anastasiiad, Jordy Antonio @jordy.antonionyc _
Tamara Velsher, President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Culture, Diplomacy, and Commerce, discussed Fashion 4 Ukraine (F4U):
“We came to New York from Dallas, Texas, representing all U.S. states. We are at F4U because fashion unites. We believe it’s important to be together because only together are we strong. And beauty has the power to unite the world.”
Muse & Sensia at the Fashion 4 Ukraine fashion show. Photo: Anastasiia Dzhus @ph_anastasiiad, Tetiana Asandi @asandi_photographer _ _
Collections by Sarasvaty Lingerie and Bellanita Intimate. Photo: Alex Dani @alexdanifotografo, Anastasiia Dzhus @ph_anastasiiad _
Ira Lysa at the Fashion 4 Ukraine show. Photo: Michael Weinberg @michael.weinberg1, Alex Dani @alexdanifotografo, Anastasiia Dzhus @ph_anastasiiad _
The Ukrainian brand Goya Concept, specializing in national clothing and jewelry, was created to preserve folk traditions. Photo: Michael Weinberg @michael.weinberg1, Alex Dani @alexdanifotografo, Anastasiia Dzhus @ph_anastasiiad _
This show was not just about fashion, it was about our culture, spirit, and resilience. Ukraine is not just fighting, but continues to create, despite all the trials. What’s important is that this event, organized by Olga Ivanidi, brought together so many people.
The inspiration behind Fashion 4 Ukraine was shared by its founder and executive producer, Ukrainian model and journalist Olga Ivanidi:
“When I walked the NYFW runways, I noticed there wasn’t enough representation of Ukrainian designers. There were other events for different minority groups (Indian Heritage Fashion Week, Asian Fashion Week), but no Ukrainian Fashion Show. I noticed something was missing — where are the Ukrainian designers? I had been participating in fashion weeks across various states for years, but the absence of Ukrainian representation in one of the world’s key fashion centers was a real challenge for me.”
Founder and general producer of Fashion 4 Ukraine, Ukrainian model and journalist Olga Ivanidi, during an interview with Vilni Media journalist Viktoriia Shapovalova. Photo: Max Flores.
Instead of waiting for change, Olga decided to create it herself. Using her modeling experience, business education, and boundless love for Ukraine, she founded Fashion 4 Ukraine — a platform that gives Ukrainian designers the chance to showcase themselves in New York. But her idea went beyond just a fashion show. Olga wanted F4U to be a cultural bridge between Ukraine and the U.S. So, she invited American designers, stylists, and makeup artists to collaborate, creating a true fusion of Ukrainian and American creativity. Many models flew in from various cities, including Chicago, Miami, Houston, and Austin. One of the designers for the second season, European designer Muse & Sensia from Zurich, Switzerland, also expressed a strong desire to join and support Ukraine:
“At first, I worked alone, searching for designers, models, and volunteers. It took a lot of time, but later I asked my friend Peyton North, Executive Producer of Fashion 4 Ukraine , American artist, and designer, to helpWe invited American stylists and designers. The first season of the show was held at the MRIYA gallery, and I’m incredibly grateful to the owners for their support. I’d also like to thank Mary Dusheiko for her inspiration and support. She was so passionate about the idea and kept reaching out to me, which motivated me even more for the second show. Today, I’m proudly wearing a piece from her collection, and everyone is raving about the outfits we used in the promo video.”
Founder and Executive Producer of Fashion 4 Ukraine, Olga Ivanidi, with the Executive Producer of Fashion 4 Ukraine, Peyton North. Photo: Marty Gottlieb @martygottlieb, Alex Dani @alexdanifotografo _
Olga emphasized that her goal is not only to showcase Ukrainian designers but also to foster cultural collaboration between Ukraine and the U.S. Many designers who participated in the first show also took part in the second, including Mary Witch Corsets, Anna Yudaeva Couture, Ira Lysa, Sarasvaty Lingerie, and others. The funds raised from Fashion 4 Ukraine will be divided between the Birds of Light Foundation, which helps children affected by the war in Ukraine, and New Horizons Hub, which offers IT courses for military personnel returning from war and assists with mental health recovery:
“Our first show, which we held in September, aimed to unite Ukrainian and American beauty and fashion professionals in New York, while also highlighting the need for a platform for Ukrainian designers. That mission was achieved. For the second event, we wanted to dedicate it to Valentine’s Day and named it “LOVE AND THE CITY.” It’s no secret that New York can sometimes feel reserved and practical. Despite being held near Wall Street, the heart of business transactions, throughout the evening we tried to find love through fashion — love for each other, for Ukraine, and for this strong and beautiful city of New York.”
Important information from the founder and producer of Fashion 4 Ukraine, Olga Ivanidi: Olga invites Ukrainian designers to participate in the third season of the show, which will take place during New York Fashion Week in September 2025. Interested designers can reach out via the Fashion 4 Ukraine Instagram page (@fashion4ukraine) or directly to Olga Ivanidi (@openyournolafashion4ukraine) або безпосередньо до Ольги Іваніді (@openyournola).
Performance by Los Angeles-based singer and actress Riley Lai Nelet. Photo: Joe Michael Phillips @j.o.seph_photography _
Singer and actress Riley Lai Nelet from Los Angeles performed as a special guest at the event. Her heartfelt performance added emotional depth to the evening, blending fashion, art, and charity.
A standout moment of the evening was the jazz quartet led by Markiian Krysa — a wonderful blend of Ukrainian and American musicians. The difference in their temperaments created a palpable tension on stage, making their performance particularly strong. This is the essence of jazz. Each member of the ensemble is a promising artist on the New York music scene.
Jazz quartet of Markiian Krysa during their performance at the Fashion 4 Ukraine fashion show. Photo: Tetiana Asandi @asandi_photographer
Pop-up shops at Fashion 4 Ukraine included hand-embroidered hats featuring Ukrainian poetry by Harna, footwear brand LONZA with headquarters in both Kyiv and New York LONZAunique stage lingerie and costumes from Sarasvaty Lingerie, natural cosmetics and health products by Vivasan, дизайнер першого та другого сезонів Ira Lysa, дизайнер першого сезону з України та її колекція Ira Lysa, KATERYNA collection, and hand-painted T-shirts and hoodies by Khristina Vasilevska.
Headpieces with hand embroidery of Ukrainian poetry by Harna at the Fashion 4 Ukraine Pop-Up store. Photo: Tetiana Asandi @asandi_photographer
F4U also thanks its team members who helped create the show: videographer and content creator Olga Kovalychuk, photographer and content creator Anna Karagodova, New York guide and model Veronica Cooper, and photographer and influencer Olga Zalizovska, The jazz quartet of Markiian Krysa, DJ SteezGeek Productions, Street Frame NYC Vintage Newspaper Photo Service. The event was supported by Livein Magazine, JRF Studio, Ukrainian restaurant Veselka (Jason Birchard), GEOMETRIA Media Company, Ukrainian.US, the IBFA (International Beauty & Fashion Association), Flowers Central Jersey, Salvini Flow Florist, Natalis Art Cake, and Vivasan USA.
The catering for the Fashion 4 Ukraine show was provided by the Ukrainian restaurant Veselka and Natalis Art Cakes. Photo: Tetiana Asandi @asandi_photographer
Photo Gallery from the Event:
Author: Viktoriia Shapovalova