This is a message to the world. Olena Zelenska's stylist explained why the first lady often wears suits after February 24

Many Ukrainians have noticed that the wardrobe of Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska has noticeably fewer dresses and skirts since the outbreak of full-scale war. Instead, the president's wife prefers classic suits, often cut for men. She wears pastel and dark colors, which, as it turned out, are chosen for a reason.

Natalia Kamenska, the first lady's stylist and founder of the Gunia Project brand, confirmed that Zelenska's style has changed since February 24, and the idea of wearing pantsuits instead of dresses makes a lot of sense. The designer shared her secrets in an interview with Elle.

Zelenska's images today are not just about clothes and style, but also an additional opportunity to show the unbreakable position of our country on the international stage.

"Dresses are great, but I think a suit is a better way to convey the state of a Ukrainian woman. It is a symbol that we are focused, strong and always ready. And a men's tailored suit is even more confident. Why does the First Lady appear in suits more and more often? It is a message to the world: Ukraine is fighting," commented Kamenska.

The stylist emphasized that she and her team had abandoned bright colors and bold experiments after February 24. For the first lady of a country engulfed in a terrorist war, they chose a laconic style with a restrained cut and color scheme.

"But it is still an image that emphasizes the strength of Olena Volodymirivna, her intelligence, culture and independence," the designer added.

Kamenska also shared that over the past year and a half, the wardrobe of the guarantor's wife has been updated by ten percent. Clothes are made only for important trips and major holidays, such as Independence Day. The rest is combined from what is available. At the same time, the stylist notes that she is still trying to introduce more dresses into Zelenska's wardrobe.

Kamenska also said that immediately after the invasion, she and her team had to put their activities on hold. At the time, the first lady said she didn't need stylists and makeup artists - "it's not the time for that now."

"Everyone supported this decision because it was absolutely logical. Soon, when the first lady's meetings intensified, she needed our help. After all, any action with the wardrobe is time that the president's wife can and should use for something more. Therefore, we gradually began to get involved in the preparation of new outings and trips, and it was decided that we would not sew anything new, but work with what we had, we mixed things from the pre-war wardrobe. But last summer, the first lady was supposed to go on a visit to the United States and speak in Congress. Of course, she couldn't go there in jeans and sneakers," Kamenska recalled.

The stylist noted that the first lady and the president have different roles, which should be reflected in their style. For Volodymyr Oleksandrovych, the commander-in-chief of a country at war, khaki fleeces and T-shirts are an obvious choice. But his wife "communicates with the world in a slightly different way."

"We realized that she would be the first wife of a foreign leader to speak in Congress. Of course, her image should reinforce her messages: "Yes, we are at war, but there are still many people in Ukraine who continue to work, volunteer, and finally live their lives." In addition, such events are also a statement to the world about talented Ukrainian designers. It is also support for the industry: Olena Volodymyrivna went out in a suit - the demand for this brand has grown," the designer said.

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