Designer Viktor Anisimov Reveals the Reason Behind the Change

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to trade in his military-style clothing for a more formal outfit has sparked attention in the media. The president’s new look, which includes a French-style army jacket and coordinating trousers, was on full display during his meeting with Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.

According to Viktor Anisimov, the designer behind the president’s new wardrobe, the change was not a response to the criticism Zelenskyy received for wearing a casual outfit during his first White House visit in February. Anisimov stated that the president’s new look was part of a gradual shift towards a more civilian style, while still preserving the military reference.

“We had already started working on the president’s new wardrobe and style in January,” Anisimov told the Wall Street Journal. “After what happened in February, knowing our president’s principles, I thought that he would not want to change his style. But no, he decided that we should continue.”

Zelenskyy’s decision to wear a more formal outfit during his meeting with Trump was seen as a departure from his usual military attire, which he has worn as a gesture of solidarity with his country’s citizens since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began. The president’s critics, including pro-Trump TV reporter Brian Glenn, had previously criticized him for not wearing a suit during his first White House visit.

However, it seems that Zelenskyy’s new look has won over some of his critics. Glenn praised Zelensky’s outfit during the meeting, saying, “You look good.” Trump also chimed in, saying, “I said the same thing.”

In an interview with Womenswear Daily (WWD), Anisimov revealed that the president’s new look is not just about aesthetics, but also about making a statement. “It’s not about the suit – it’s about what happens to Ukraine,” Anisimov said, speaking through an interpreter before the meeting. “I am more concerned about who will be with us as a country.”

The president’s decision to wear a more formal outfit has sparked a wider conversation about the role of fashion in politics. Some have praised Zelenskyy’s new look as a sign of his commitment to diplomacy and his desire to show respect for his hosts. Others have criticized him for abandoning his military attire, which they see as a symbol of his country’s resilience and determination in the face of war.

Despite the attention surrounding Zelenskyy’s new look, Anisimov remains focused on the real issues at hand. “I am not worried about whose suit he will wear,” he told the magazine. “It’s more about the results of this whole meeting. I am more concerned about who will be with us as a country.”

As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Zelenskyy’s new look will be received by his constituents and the international community.

Key Takeaways:

• Zelenskyy’s new look is part of a gradual shift towards a more civilian style, while still preserving the military reference.
• The president’s decision to wear a more formal outfit was not a response to criticism, but rather a deliberate choice to show respect for his hosts.
• Anisimov, the designer behind the president’s new wardrobe, is focused on the real issues at hand, rather than the president’s fashion choices.
• The president’s new look has sparked a wider conversation about the role of fashion in politics, with some praising his commitment to diplomacy and others criticizing him for abandoning his military attire.