Zelenskyy’s new outfit was not a reaction to the difficult visit to the first white house, says designer
On Monday evening, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy collected compliments from Donald Trump and the pool of the White House for his formal jacket and pants.
But for the designer of the ensemble, Viktor Anisimov, the result of the meeting, not the judgment on the outfit, was concerned.
“It’s not about the suit – it’s about what the Ukraine happens,” Anisimov told women’s wear Daily (WWD) and spoke through an interpreter.
Zelenskyy has largely avoided formal clothing since the beginning of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine and instead opted for the military style clothing as a gesture of solidarity with the citizens of his country.
In February, he was criticized by the Pro-Trump TV reporter Brian Glenn for being determined to wear a long-awesome polo shirt with the Ukrainian trident from the Ukrainian men’s brand Damirli.
“Why don’t you wear a suit? You are at the highest level in this country and you refused to wear a suit. If you have a suit? Many Americans have problems with not respecting this office,” said Glenn at the time.
“I’ll wear [a suit] After the war was completed, ”replied Zelenskyy.
Trump also noticed the casual outfit in February and greeted Zelenskyy with a sarcastic: “They are all disguised.”
Anisimov told the magazine that Zelenskyy’s new look was not designed in response to the first meeting of the White House. “We had already started working on the new wardrobe and the new style of the president in January. After what happened in February, I knew the principles of our president, I thought he would not want to change his style. But no, he decided that we should continue.”
He told Wall Street Journal that “he gradually changed the image of the President to a civilian style and at the same time maintained military reference”.
On Monday, Zelenskyy with Trump was back in the Oval Office for another summit about the future of Ukraine. This time Glenn praised Zelensky’s new look and said: “You look good.” “I said the same thing,” added Trump.
Zelenskyy pointed out that Glenn was now wearing the same outfit. “I changed, you didn’t do it,” he said.
Despite the opposite of Glenn, Zelenskyy’s outfit is technically not a suit on Monday evening. It is a French-style army jacket that is made in a military screen material with four patch bags-a style that is more similar to a counter coat. Zelenskyy wore the jacket with coordinating pants, which could possibly have been the source of Glenn’s confusion.
Anisimov meanwhile had different concerns. “I’m not worried about it whose suit he will wear,” he told the magazine. “It’s more about the results of this entire meeting. I am more concerned about who will be with us as a country.”