As Ukrainian fashion designers seek refuge, their designs are being promoted in New York

Six Ukrainian fashion designers had their work on display in New York City for wholesale buyers to purchase just as they were in hiding after the invasion by Russia.

​"Kachorovska is in the center of Kiev right now," said global fashion brand strategist, Jen Sidary.
"Her and her family are in a bunker right now, hiding from what's happening upstairs," she added.
Another designer, Frolov, tried to flee to safety like thousands of other Ukrainians but was stopped from leaving the country.

"A drive that would normally take you about six hours took him 25 hours just to reach the Polish border. But unfortunately, they announced yesterday that males from 18 to 60 now cannot leave the country, so they are in hiding as well." Sidary said.

The Los Angeles resident started the project last year. As tensions in the European country increased, she knew this would be a good time to help the designers.

"So initially, yes, it was to, you know, build awareness and get buyer orders," Sidary said.  "And now, of course, with what has happened this week with their neighbor invading their country, it's now a larger mission."

Her assistant, Alina Bairamova, was born in Kiev and still has family there. The branding and marketing specialist has been helping Sidary with translation and other aspects of the project. It's been hard for her to sleep as her family struggles to survive overseas.

"One of the big explosions happened like six, seven minutes ago, some seven minutes away from my mom's house," Bairamova said.

It is important she says for the global community to understand the significance of the Russian invasion. She believes it is starting with Ukraine but could get worse for the world.

"Not just to get out of it," Bairamova said. "Just to stop him (Putin), because it's just that there is a there is a strong belief that we are the gateway to this whole thing."

They are planning to continue helping their friends and family in Ukraine. Sidary said she stays in touch with the designers every day to make sure they are safe.