Ukraine’s fashion show in Diani ,Kenya
Chelangat’s vogue ,sir jay sartorial among the fashion designers /Photo Caroline kahonzi
By Caroline Kahonzi
The honorary consulate of Ukraine in Mombasa has announced a road show in Kenya with the charity fashion to demonstrate the desire for peace, the request for support and the struggle for freedom as it faces security challenges approximately for one year following the Russia Ukraine war.
The show was done in a unique way whereby collections of fashion designers such as Chelangat’s vogue ,Sir jay sartorial among others figured in dresses and costumes in the military mood to demonstrate the desire for peace.
Oleksii Sierkov the honorary consul of Ukraine in Mombasa while speaking to journalists during the show at bahari dhow beach villas in Ukunda ,Kwale county expressed his feelings of absenteeism of Ukrainians in Kenya following the fight between Ukrainians and Russians .
“South coast of Kenya especially Diani is fully booked during this festive season but unfortunately without Ukrainian tourists because in Ukraine we have a war with Russia ,but I appreciate all Kenyans and international tourists who attended this charity fashion show event to support Ukraine because they stand with Ukraine ,I believe that collection designers will put on their dresses and suits to express power and win our stand for freedom not to be colonized back by Russia ,”Said Mr. Sierkov .
The Ukrainian embassy representative Ilia karands, a political attaché at the Ukrainian embassy confirms the good relationship between Kenya and Ukraine.
“when the Russia invasion started almost one year ago ,we Ukrainians felt the support of Kenyan government and the Kenyan citizenry ,we have contributed a communitarian assistance of 25,000 metric tonnes of grain to the affected counties of Kenya to combat drought ,I think this is a true sign of friendship and cooperation between our countries ,”Emphasized Mr.Karands .
Mr.karands added the war has affected tourism.
“Before the war started we were working hard to develop and bring tourism close from Ukraine to Kenya ,actually with the help of honorary consul we have managed to launch the direct airline from Ukraine to Mombasa ,which if not thousands ,hundreds of Ukrainian tourists every end month visit Kenya and enjoy ,it was so great for me to be here and hear Ukrainian languages along the beaches and in the restaurants and everywhere but unfortunately now the tourism is much lower than it was because of the invasion we can’t fly, our people can’t travel ,we are fighting ,but we are hoping and praying that very soon the victory will come and we shall defeat ,we will continue working and strengthening efforts in all fields including tourism which is extremely important for both Kenya and Ukraine ,”Said Mr.Karands .
James Maina a fashion designer with a brand name of Sir Jay Sartorial confirmed to have come up with a special way of showcasing solidarity with Ukrainians
“We understand the relationship between Kenya and Ukraine during the drought season that hit at least 29 counties in Kenya, Ukraine government assisted us with relief food so as a fashion designer, I decided on my own way to come up with a way of telling the story and pass the message of peace through my work that is how I came up with the designs in solidarity with Ukrainians ,”Said Mr.Maina
Wilfried Schulte -Bernd general manager at bahari dhow beach villas who hosted the event reiterated the importance of supporting Ukrainians on the journey of seeking peace and justice.
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