When a Zelensky T-shirt turns into geopolitics
Who would have ever imagined that the choice of a polo shirt, even a designer one, would become a geopolitical issue?, writes agi.it.
Elvira Gasanova, the Ukrainian designer behind President Zelensky’s White House outfit, asked this question in an interview with Women’s Wear Daily magazine.
The Ukrainian president appeared at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue last Sunday wearing a long-sleeved three-button polo shirt from the menswear brand Damirli and pants from the same collection.
A choice that Donald Trump “mocked” immediately upon his arrival in the White House, as did JD Vance and “Saturday Night Live” comedian James Austin Johnson, who expressed their harsh opinion on the matter.
“I just tried to be a designer who makes special dresses or costumes,” Gasanova explained.
But the casual attire, a constant for Zelensky as a sign of solidarity with members of the Ukrainian military since Russia invaded the country, immediately drew mockery from Trump.
The stylist said she was completely shocked by Trump’s reception of Zelensky outside the White House, praising the president’s response to a reporter who asked him why he was dressed like that.
“I’ll wear the suit when this war is over. Maybe something like yours. Maybe something better, I don’t know. Maybe something cheaper,” Zelensky said.
Estimating that 99 percent of Zelensky’s outfits are made up of her own designs, Gasanova added that “Zelensky has not worn a suit since the Russian invasion three years ago, as a sign of solidarity and respect for Ukrainian soldiers.”
“It is a symbol of the indomitable spirit of a nation defending its freedom,” she explained.
Gasanova then praised Zelensky for showing Trump and Vance photos of Ukrainian soldiers held captive by Russian forces.
“From my point of view, our president has really shown his heroic mind. It is really difficult for others to understand everything we have seen. I am really proud of him, because everyone sees the war only on TV or social networks. But we are the ones who are living this war. Therefore, only our Ukrainian president can talk about it,” Gasanova emphasizes.
Following Friday’s events, sales of the “Damirli” polo shirt worn by Zelensky – now priced at 215 euros – surged this weekend.
The stylist also stated that “many requests come from America.”
“Maybe because they want something that a Ukrainian president wore for a historic moment,” she adds.
During her career, the designer has dressed Gigi Hadid, Rita Ora, Kim Kardashian and the first lady of Ukraine.