Balmain show sparkles, Ukraine designer evokes life at home

By THOMAS ADAMSON
AP Fashion Writer

PARIS (AP) — Geopolitical activism met tuxedo jackets at Paris Fashion Week as a vocal Ukrainian designer put on a show that paid homage to her country and to her team of over 20 people working in Kyiv. Lila Litkovska titled her show “On air.” It was a metaphor for the unpredictable way life in Ukraine is unfolding by the minute. The soundtrack of the ready-to-wear show flicked between radio stations. Litkovska’s collection reflected this haphazardness, mixing up styles in a generally loose and oversized display. The designer said that by organizing activist fashion events with other Ukrainian designers over the last year, she has raised about 50,000 euros ($53,000) that has gone toward supporting the Ukrainian war effort.