Ukraine has been near and dear to my heart long before Russia invaded their borders. I have followed the incredibly talented Julie Pelipas for many years… once editor of Vogue Ukraine and now founder of one of my favorite upcycling brands- Bettter US.

Julie does what women do best, which is support each other. She has shined a bright light on what has now become our Ukrainian fashion family- Bevza. Founded by Svitlana Bevza who is not only an incredible visionary in fashion but also a wife and mother- and whose husband is apart of Ukraine’s brave military. The many layers of what it takes to continue on creating while in the depths of wartime is something I don’t think many of us can comprehend...

I’ll never forget the spring season I saw their sheer bicycle shorts and ribbed tops that were cut to show a woman’s body in ways I had never seen. Their seashell cups paired with silky dresses were so feminine yet powerful at the same time.

Bevza uses no waste technology in many of their forward thinking designs, and the quality of each piece is really hard to find in fashion these days.

I then discovered Hempful, a soulful brand created by photographer Inna Postnikova. I first discovered Inna's simple and classic Cindy set, a pair of perfect white shorts and oversized one size fits all tee (again seen on Julie). The power of influence done well and with incredible intentions is never lost on me.

Not only are Hempful pieces effortless and laid back, but they are also made of hemp. Which has endless health properties not just for our bodies but also the planet.

Nué Studio is truly one of my favorite discoveries in fashion… their crystal bras and undies are like wearable jewelry. They can transform the simplest of looks from a black blazer, white button down or cashmere skirt into something spectacular. So feminine and strong in design, making whoever slips their designs on feel absolutely unstoppable. They are absolutely heirloom pieces that should be kept in your wardrobe forever and passed to the next generation of fashion lovers.

Daily Sleeper is a luxury loungewear brand that I fell in love with after seeing countless “it” girls wear their designs. Imagine going out but getting to wear your most comfortable pajamas while looking fabulous… what woman wouldn’t love that? The feathers are detachable making them quite versatile as focusing on sustainability and the environment is another essential component of the brand Sleeper. Manufactured by hand in limited quantities using readily recyclable materials means production expenses are reduced and waste is eliminated. Female founders Asya Varetsa and Kate Zubarieva empower women with their timeless designs and allow us to celebrate womanhood while honoring the planet.

Ukrainian brands need our support now more than ever- and we are proud to show our unwavering support anytime- but particularly in wartime ✊🏻 🇺🇦