At the recent fashion weeks in Paris and Milan, the catwalks were awash with political messaging as the fashion world tried to process the horrifying scenes unfolding in Ukraine. Now some of the UK and Europe’s leading luxury brands have launched their own initiatives, creating one-off pieces or donating a portion of their profits to help support those in Ukraine. From fine jewellery to British knitwear and ready-to-wear high fashion, these are the brands who are pledging their support.
Roxanne First
Until 11 March
London-based fine jeweller Roxanne First, whose mood-boosting smiley face necklaces and colourful bracelets are stocked at Net-a-Porter and Liberty London, is donating a ‘Love’ necklace in yellow gold and sapphires mimicking the Ukrainian flag to raise money for British-Ukrainian Aid. Donations are made via a Just Giving page, where Roxanne will randomly select one of the donors to give the necklace to, as well as donating £3,000 herself. So far, the fundraiser has raised almost £9,000, far surpassing their initial target of £3,000.
Cressida Jamieson
She’s the fashion and design set’s favourite embroiderer, having created bespoke designs for Carey Mulligan, Matilda Goad and Laura Bailey – now Cressida Jamieson has designed a T-shirt in collaboration with charity Choose Love, with all of the proceeds going to provide vital aid and services for those still in and fleeing the country. The classic white cotton tee costs £85 and is embroidered with a Ukrainian flag love heart and ribbon featuring the words ‘Choose Love’. A simple message with a big impact.
Robinson Pelham
Ongoing
Chelsea favourite Robinson Pelham has created a range of bracelets – entitled ‘Wear Your Support’ – for those looking to show their support for Ukraine on their sleeves. Available in four different sizes, the Arcadia bracelet is made from the brand’s signature Murano glass beads, which have been handmade in the yellow and blue of the Ukrainian flag. Each bracelet costs £100 with 100% of the price tag going directly to the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
Chinti & Parker
Until end of March
Until the end of March, this British cashmere brand – known for its colourful, playful knits – will be donating 100% of the profits from their aptly named ‘Love’ sweater and T-shirt to Save the Children’s emergency appeal in partnership with the Disasters Emergency Committee. According to the label’s founders, Anna Singh and Rachael Wood – who said in a statement they had “watched in horror and devastation as the conflict in Ukraine has escalated over the past week” – they hope the move will help to “spread love, not war.”
KNWLS
Until 20 March
The south London-based brand designed by Charlotte Knowles and her partner Alexandre Arsenault – which recently received an LVMH Prize nomination for its unabashedly feminine ready-to-wear pieces – is showing its support for Ukraine by donating all of the profits from any orders placed on their website from now until midnight on Sunday 20 March. What’s more, the brand is also currently offering 40% off all of its pieces to support Unicef and the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
Bibi van der Velden
Ongoing
Dutch fine jeweller Bibi van der Velden – whose designs have been worn by the likes of Rihanna and Ruth Wilson – has designed a special one-off piece, with all of the proceeds going to Unicef. The Ukrainian Alligator earring – which can also double as a pendant – is made from 18k yellow gold and specially sourced gemstones, including blue topaz, which is associated with compassion and communication, and yellow citrine, which represents the joy and peace we all long for. Together they make up the colours of the Ukrainian flag. “As a mother I am heartbroken by what is happening to families in Ukraine, especially children,” said the jeweller. “Now more than ever the people of Ukraine need our love and support.”
