A diplomatic fashion show

Some events organized within the Vatican confines can cause a bit of incredulity. Such was the case June 5, with an extraordinary fashion show organized by Ukrainian designers at the Belgian Embassy to the Holy See. Models in haute couture dresses paraded among the lemon trees in the embassy gardens, accompanied by Ukrainian songs.

“Every day, we hear about bombings,” commented Ukrainian Ambassador Andrii Yurash who was visibly moved. “But if we stopped there, we would be trapped in this tragic reality. We must continue to dream. Beauty is an inseparable part of our lives.” His Belgian colleague, Patrick Renault, highlighted “a very special day” on the eve of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. “Freedom, democracy, and rights always prevail,” he emphasized.

Seeing ambassadors and prelates attending a fashion show was somewhat unusual, even amusing. But amid heavy news and the continual presence of war in minds and some countries, these three hours in the embassy gardens likely provided some lightheartedness to those present, especially those from Ukraine thinking of their fighting brothers or missing friends. As someone in the audience remarked, it was a way to convince themselves that “life goes on.”