Olena Zelenska is on the cover of Vogue
Olena Zelenska, wife of Volodymyr Zelenski, speaks out daily during the war in Ukraine. She now has three million followers, and she tells them daily about the situation in her beloved country. She refused to leave the country to wait safely until the war was over, as many Ukrainian women do with their children. Olena stands by her husband and for her people.
One way to continue telling people about the situation in her country was to say ‘yes’ to an interview with Vogue US. It would be a digital edition, with photos taken by Annie Leibovitz. Of course, Olena thought carefully about how she would present herself, so not draped on a sofa in a nothing outfit from Lanvin while being handed a glass of pink champagne. No, we see a powerful Zelenska, dressed in black trousers, a cream-colored blouse with rolled-up sleeves, and a strong, serious look. She sits on a step of their presidential residence, behind her stately columns and a fallen piece of wood, symbolic of the devastation in her country. Once so beautiful, so strong, now destroyed for nothing.
Of course, a brush has gone through her hair and Annie Leibovitz has lit the set to create a beautiful portrait. But there is criticism. Because a photoshoot on the foundations of war, that shouldn't be possible. ‘What’s next, an Oscar invitation?’ is one of the many criticisms. I am glad that Olena Zelenska climbs all stages to tell her story. Vogue.com can touch millions of people.
What do they say again, in times of war, anything goes? Then a Vogue shoot can't be that bad, right?
And as for the Oscars: I hope she is there for the next edition. Hand in hand with her husband. If allowed, I will personally roll out the carpet for them.
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