When designer Viktor Anisimov presented Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with a new black shirt on August 15, few people expected that the small detail on the back would have great significance.
It caused President Zelensky's familiar military-style costume to gradually lean towards civil form.
This is our hope for peace. If a soft detail from civil fashion is added to the president's military uniform, it will be like a lucky spell" - Anisimov shared.
Just a few days later, on August 18, that outfit became a highlight in a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. As soon as he arrived, Mr. Zelensky immediately received a compliments from Mr. Trump: "The vest is great".
This change is of special significance, because during the turbulent meeting in February, Mr. Trump publicly criticized Mr. Zelensky for his military shirt, round collar, heavy shoe style - an image he maintained throughout the war. A reporter at the White House, who once asked Mr. Zelensky "why not wear a vest", now also turned to praise: "I look great in this dress".
Designer Anisimov, 61, from Chernihiv, said he felt that criticism of the costumes at that time was like hitting the spirit of Ukrainians. It was a bit of a waste because they didnt understand how we live and breathe, he recalled.
Instead of seeking compliments and criticisms, Anisimov's goal is to make the President look worthy and dignified. If we win and will definitely win then who is the tailor of this shirt is no longer important, he said.
In fact, this black dress was originally prepared for Ukraina's Independence Day on August 24, along with the navy blue version. While still considering the amendment, Anisimov suddenly received an urgent call from the presidential office: An urgent request for a shirt for his US trip.
This is not the first time Anisimov has been trusted to shape Zelenskys style. Since the early 2000s, when he was a comedian with the group Kvartal 95, Mr. Zelensky asked Anisimov to transform from a black T-shirt, to a shirt - tie, and finally a performance vest.
After more than 5 years of no contact, in January, Anisimov was connected again to design a "small collection" dedicated to the president, inspired by military uniforms but still flexible, suitable for many diplomatic occasions.
Since then, Anisimov's designs have appeared with Zelensky at many important events: the funeral of Pope Francis in April, the NATO Summit in June. Both times, the costumes were seen as contributing to "softening" Zelensky's image, helping to narrow the diplomatic gap with Washington after the February rift.
