On the surface, Saint Javelin's brand aesthetic may look like those touted by any other ready-to-wear clothing brands. Yet, a closer inspection of the brand’s designs will reveal messages of resistance against the Russian invasion of Ukraine that are hidden in plain sight. The brand was started by Christian Borys, a Canadian journalist who worked in Ukraine from 2014 to 2019. When the invasion began in 2022, Borys sought to raise aid funds by selling stickers of Saint Javelin, a work of art by American artist Chris Shaw which features the Virgin Mary holding an anti-tank Javelin missile.
The Javelin is known as the world’s most advanced anti-tank missile, which Ukraine had acquired from the USA as a form of their support. Hence, Saint Javelin is a symbol of the people’s solidarity with Ukraine’s fight against Russian forces. Borys’ stickers of Saint Javelin managed to raise USD 1,000 in just two days. This success prompted him to also sell t-shirts and hats to gather more donations. This led to the establishment of Saint Javelin, a fashion brand to support Ukraine’s fight for peace. This is why the brand is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Since being established in 2023, the brand has managed to donate over USD 2 million to on the ground organizations such as President Zelenskyy’s United24. The brand has also managed to move its operations to Ukraine, giving local manufacturers and garments workers their jobs back. In 2024, the brand remains strong by continuously launching innovative collections that are made in Ukraine. In an interview with Business Insider, Borys has also shared his goal of assisting Ukraine even after they have gained their freedom, so that they can help the nation rebuild.
Since Saint Javelin’s designs are made for everyday wear, they often have a subtle tongue-in-cheek element to them. One example is their design Smokers Club Novofedorivka, a plain t-shirt emblazoned with the sentence “Article 13 of the Law of Ukraine forbids smoking in public spaces, and on illegally built bridges.” The design pokes fun at Russian soldiers’ anecdotal chronic smoking habits which have caused fires in both Ukrainian facilities and Russian military bases.
Saint Javelin is more than a fashion brand—it is a powerful symbol of solidarity and resistance against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. By creating innovative collections made in Ukraine with subtle yet impactful messages, Saint Javelin combines everyday wear with advocacy for peace and justice. Their work not only aids Ukraine's current struggle for freedom but also lays the groundwork for rebuilding a nation once peace is achieved.
Find out more about Saint Javelin and their initiatives on their website www.saintjavelin.com or Instagram @saintjavelin.