The Ukrainian leader’s fashion sense has been called into question once again after he swerved a suit while attending Pope Francis’ funeral
Although the funeral of Pope Francis wasn’t meant to be a fashion statement, some of the attire worn by attendees has raised eyebrows.
There is a specific dress code for the solemn occasion, which took place on April 26, but it seems a few individuals may have missed the memo regarding what was expected.
Men are required to wear dark suits with black ties, along with a black button on the left lapel of their jackets, and white shirts are allowed.
For women, the guidelines are clear: they should wear long black dresses, gloves, and a veil, with the only permissible accessory being a string of pearls.
However, former US President Donald Trump stirred up attention with his funeral outfit, choosing a blue suit instead of the traditional black, making him easy to spot among the sea of mourners dressed in somber hues.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also drew criticism for his choice to break from convention by opting out of a suit altogether. The 47-year-old wore a black jacket and shirt combination, but without a tie.
This decision sparked significant discussion on social media, adding to the ongoing conversation about Zelenskyy’s often minimalistic approach to fashion. Notably, before the service, he had a ‘good meeting’ with Trump in Saint Peter’s Basilica, as the ceremony for the Pope was about to begin.
Zelenskyy has come under fire for not wearing a suit at Pope Francis’ funeral – but there’s a reason behind his fashion choice (Alessia Pierdomenico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Back in February, Donald Trump made a sarcastic remark about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s attire during their White House meeting, commenting on how “dressed up” Zelenskyy was in his signature military-style outfit.
As we know, the meeting led to a heated exchange between the two leaders, and things escalated further when a journalist weighed in on Zelenskyy’s casual look. The Ukrainian President was dressed in black trousers, boots, and a black sweater embroidered with the Ukrainian trident, which prompted reporter Brian Glenn to accuse him of “not respecting the dignity” of the Oval Office.
Zelenskyy wasn’t hesitant to explain his choice of clothing, revealing that his decision to avoid dressing in a suit during the ongoing invasion of Ukraine was deliberate. The same reasoning applied to his outfit for Pope Francis’ funeral, as the President uses his clothing to send a message every time he appears on the world stage.
By wearing military-style attire, Zelenskyy aims to remind the world that Ukraine is still engaged in a war with Russia.
Responding to Glenn’s criticism back in February, Zelenskyy stated, “I will wear a suit after this war is over. Maybe something like yours, maybe something better. We’ll see, maybe something cheaper.”
He echoed a similar sentiment in the documentary A Year, created by Ukrainian TV star Dmytro Komarov, where he showed off a blazer he plans to wear when Ukraine triumphs. “It’s a symbol,” Zelenskyy said, according to the Kyiv Independent. “It means the war will be over soon, we will win, and we’ll all wear suits again.”
Ukraine’s leader, seen with Sir Keir Starmer following the service, wore more casual clobber than most attendees (Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
The creative director of Damirli, the brand responsible for some of Zelenskyy’s most talked-about outfits, has shared insight into how the Ukrainian President communicates through his clothing.
Designer Elvira Gasanova told Politico: “When world leaders see Zelenskyy in military-style attire, it sends a clear message—’Ukraine is at war, and I’m part of this fight.'”
She further explained that the push for him to wear a suit reflects a desire to return to conventional political dialogue, implying that people are saying, “Enough of the war, it’s time to sit down and negotiate.”
“In times of war, the president is not just a politician; he is the supreme commander of both the army and civilians under martial law,” Gasanova noted. “Wearing a classic suit would distance him from the harsh realities of the front lines.”
Her view is that Zelenskyy’s choice of clothing helps keep the world’s attention focused on Ukraine’s ongoing war.
Gasanova acknowledged that Zelenskyy’s choices do go against traditional diplomatic norms, adding, “His refusal to wear a suit is a refusal to play by the old rules.”
Ukrainian fashion historian Zoya Zvynyatskivska also weighed in, suggesting that despite his more casual look, Zelenskyy still shows respect through his clothing, even if it contrasts with what other world leaders wear.
“Yes, it’s not a suit, but it’s a kind of in-between option,” Zvynyatskivska told Politico earlier this year. “I believe he truly demonstrates respect. It’s a modest, elegant black outfit, restrained in color, with no khaki.”
She further explained, “If Zelenskyy were to take off his military-style outfit and put on a suit, it would signal that he agrees the war is over.”
Featured Image Credit: Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images