Paris Fashion Week: Russian designer Valentin Yudashkin has been pulled in amid the crisis in Ukraine

“If he had doubts about the war in Ukraine, it would be difficult to get him out of the program. That didn't happen. It became clear that he was an offshoot of the regime. Therefore, I believe he has no place on the calendar,” said the President of the Haute Couture and Fashion Federation.

Ralph Toledano, president of the fashion organization, told Women's Wear Daily: "We strongly oppose the initiative of the President of the Russian Federation. We are not against [people's] Russia, but we will not support those who support his position or accept that they are on our calendar. 

Referring to the removal of Yudashkin, who designed the Russian military uniform in 2008, he said: "Our team wants to review Valentin Yudashkin's position. If he doubts the war in Ukraine, it will be difficult to get him out of the program. It was not like that. It became clear that he was a branch of the regime. So I don't think he has a place on the calendar."

"It's a modern uniform, more understandable for a young man in the army, and I hope it's liked," he said in an interview.

At this year's Paris Fashion Week, designers paid homage to Ukraine, with the most poignant performance coming from Balenciaga's Demna Gvasalia, who fled conflict in her home country of Georgia in the early 1990s. Earlier, Toledano also spoke about the war, saying: "When the big fashion family gathered for Paris Fashion Week, the war hit Europe brutally, leaving the Ukrainian people with fear and disaster. 

Creation is based on the principles of freedom under all circumstances. And fashion always contributing to individual and collective emancipation and expression in our society. In light of the current context, the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode encourages you to experience the show of the days ahead with solemnity and reflection of these dark hours.