Fashion designers, artists, and businesses in Ukraine are leveraging consumer power to keep the creative industries afloat amidst the Russian invasion. They have launched initiatives to support Ukrainian creatives, including websites such as Spend With Ukraine that links to Ukrainian-based businesses and the Ukrainian Emergency Art Fund that allows for supporting artists through stipends.
The idea behind these initiatives is simple, yet powerful. By purchasing Ukrainian, consumers can support the country’s economy and contribute to the financial balance. The founder of Spend With Ukraine, Andrey Klen, states, “Armies win battles, but economy wins wars.” Ukrainian fashion designer Anna October, who is featured on Spend With Ukraine, adds that almost all Ukrainian brands are operating and every sale supports the country in different ways, such as the Children’s Emergency Fund. Sustaining the interest in spending with Ukraine is crucial, and the team behind these initiatives is working to spread the word and scale their impact.
