- Viktor Anisimov, a top Ukrainian fashion designer, has been approached by President Zelensky’s wife’s office for a “new look” for the president.
- This marks a reunion for the pair, as Anisimov first styled Zelensky 20 years ago, convincing the then-comedian and his troupe to wear classic suits.
- The potential style change challenges Zelensky’s public vow to wear only military-style clothing until the war with Russia concludes.
- Despite the president’s famous wartime attire and professed indifference to clothing, Anisimov’s immediate vision for the leader is, once again, a suit.
A Presidential Style Pivot?
For years, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been a global symbol of wartime resilience, his uniform of military green T-shirts and cargo pants a constant reminder of his country’s fight. But a surprising development from Kyiv suggests this iconic look may be facing a civilian overhaul, spearheaded by the very designer who first put him in a suit two decades ago.
The Designer Behind the Man
Viktor Anisimov, one of Ukraine’s most respected fashion designers, has confirmed that he was approached by the president’s wife’s office in January to create a “new look” for her husband. The request revives a long-standing professional relationship that began when Zelensky was a rising comedy star, not a world leader.
Anisimov recalls his first encounter with Zelensky nearly 20 years ago. The future president was a member of a comedy troupe known for its casual T-shirts and leather pants. Seeing an opportunity to elevate their image, Anisimov successfully coaxed the performers into adopting classic suits, a stark contrast to their established style.
A Challenge to a Wartime Vow
Now, faced with the task of reimagining the wardrobe of a wartime president, Anisimov’s first instinct remains unchanged: suits. This vision, however, directly conflicts with Zelensky’s own public statements. The Ukrainian leader has repeatedly asserted that he will not wear a suit until the war with Russia is over, choosing instead to dress in solidarity with the nation’s soldiers on the front lines.
This commitment has turned his simple, functional attire into a powerful symbol recognized worldwide. The prospect of him returning to formalwear raises questions about the message it would send. Anisimov is undeterred, even knowing that the president himself has little interest in fashion. The designer’s determination sets the stage for a potential and significant shift in the visual narrative of Ukraine’s leadership.
From Comedian’s Stage to World Stage
The story brings Zelensky’s journey full circle, from a young entertainer being guided on his professional appearance to a global leader whose clothing choices are scrutinized for their geopolitical meaning. Whether Anisimov can once again convince Zelensky to don a suit remains to be seen. If he succeeds, the change would be more than just a fashion statement; it would be a declaration, signaling a new phase in the nation’s struggle and its leader’s role within it.
Image Referance: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/world/europe/ukraine-zelensky-suit-fashion-designer.html