Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's formal jacket and trousers at Monday's White House summit with Donald Trump were not designed in response to criticism from his first visit, according to the outfit's designer, Viktor Anisimov. Speaking to Womenswear Daily, Anisimov stressed that the outcome of the meeting was far more important than fashion, stating, 'It’s not about the suit – it’s about what happens to Ukraine.'
Zelenskyy has largely worn military-style clothing since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, avoiding formalwear as a gesture of solidarity. During his February White House visit, he faced criticism from pro-Trump reporter Brian Glenn for wearing a polo shirt with the Ukrainian trident. Glenn asked, 'Why don’t you wear a suit? ... Do you own a suit? A lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting the dignity of this office.' Zelenskyy replied, 'I will wear [a suit] after the war is finished.' Trump also noted the casual outfit, greeting Zelenskyy sarcastically with 'You’re all dressed up.'
Anisimov told the Wall Street Journal that he had begun working on Zelenskyy's new wardrobe in January, before the February meeting, aiming to 'gradually shift the president’s image towards a more civilian style, while still preserving the military reference.' Despite Glenn's praise on Monday—'You look good'—the outfit is not technically a suit but a French-style army jacket with coordinating trousers. Zelenskyy pointed out that Glenn was wearing the same outfit as before, saying, 'I changed, you did not.'
