Designer denies Zelensky suit change was Trump response

Trump and Zelenskyy shake hands during their White House meeting, with Zelenskyy wearing the formal military-style jacket that drew compliments (Illustrative image) (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Getty Images

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy garnered compliments from Donald Trump and the White House press pool on Monday evening for his formal black jacket and trousers. The dramatic shift from his usual military-style clothing marked a stark departure from February's tense visit.

Designer Viktor Anisimov, who created the ensemble, remained focused on substance over style. "It's not about the suit - it's about what happens to Ukraine," he told Womenswear Daily through an interpreter before the meeting.

February's confrontational visit

The contrast with February was striking. Conservative journalist Brian Glenn had confronted Zelenskyy over his casual polo shirt emblazoned with the Ukrainian trident, demanding: "Why don't you wear a suit? You're at the highest level in this country's office, and you refuse to wear a suit. Do you own a suit? A lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting the dignity of this office."

Zelenskyy's response was defiant: "I will wear [a suit] after the war is finished." Trump greeted him sarcastically: "You're all dressed up." The February meeting ended with Zelenskyy leaving early and events being cancelled.

Strategic wardrobe evolution

Anisimov revealed the outfit change wasn't a reaction to February's criticism. "We had already started working on the president's new wardrobe and style in January," he explained. "After what happened in February, knowing our president's principles, I thought that he would not want to change his style. But no, he decided that we should continue."

The Ukrainian president has largely avoided formal wear since Russia's invasion began, choosing military-style clothing as solidarity with his country's citizens. European leaders attended Monday's meeting as strategic diplomatic backing for Zelenskyy.

Monday's diplomatic transformation

This time, Glenn praised Zelenskyy's appearance: "You look good." Trump agreed: "I said the same thing."

Zelenskyy responded with characteristic humour, noting Glenn wore the same outfit as February. "I changed, you did not," he quipped. Only The Express reports that Zelenskyy thanked Trump seven times in under a minute, marking a stark contrast to February's ungrateful perception.

Technical details and diplomatic focus

Despite appearances, Monday's outfit isn't technically a suit. The ensemble features a French-style army jacket made from military canvas with four patch pockets - more akin to a counter coat - paired with coordinating trousers.

Anisimov remained focused on diplomatic outcomes rather than fashion praise. "I am not worried about whose suit he will wear," he said. "It's more about the results of this whole meeting. I am more concerned about who will be with us as a country." According to The Daily Mail, Trump revealed a 40-minute phone call with Putin and planned Ukraine-Russia summit following the meeting.

Sources used: "PA Media", "Womenswear Daily", "The Guardian", "The Daily Mail", "The Express" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.