HOMELESS UKRAINIAN MAN BECOMES UNEXPECTED STYLE ICON
True style is about self-expression, creativity, and confidence rather than privilege or money. Slavik, a homeless guy in Ukraine, is one of the best examples of this. He became an unexpected fashion icon in 2011 after photographer Yurko Dyachyshyn saw his constantly evolving, well-curated street style.
Slavik, in contrast to conventional fashion influencers or models, has an amazing sense of individualism but neither wealth nor designer labels. During their chance meetings on the streets of Lviv between 2011 and 2013, Dyachyshyn took more than 100 photos of Slavik, getting to know the 55-year-old and his constantly changing sense of style. Slavik makes a strikingly daring statement with everything he wears, from crop tops and baggy slacks to fuzzy jackets and graphic hoodies.
“Slavik almost never wears the same clothing which is very strange for a homeless man,” reveals Dyachyshyn. “Besides the everyday outfit change (sometimes twice a day), he changes his hairdo and his beard regularly and shaves his armpits.” He adds, “He has a hiding place and nobody knows about it. He keeps the secret of his home.”
Although Slavik's clothing may appear to be a collection of disparate pieces gathered from the streets, each ensemble is thoughtfully and creatively put together. Dyachyshyn explains, "Slavik recommends that you should take care of your health and stay away from people who could harm your peace of mind." "Slavik's suits are not arbitrary, and he still has a sense of style, fashion, and beauty. He carefully adapts them to the weather and season, changing them daily, and this is no coincidence.
The pictures that Dyachyshyn posted of Slavik on the Instagram account Slavik's Fashion went viral very fast. Although Slavik was never given official credit, many have since pointed out remarkable similarities between his distinct style and subsequent collections from well-known fashion brands like Balenciaga and VETEMENTS. Unacknowledged despite his indisputable impact on the fashion industry, Slavik sadly vanished in 2013.
Over the years, Dyachyshyn made several unsuccessful attempts to find Slavik. The photographer then started a second project, Slavik Super Star, in which he pasted Slavik's photos on the covers of fashion publications like as Vogue, Glamour, and GQ in remembrance of his deceased buddy. According to Dyachyshyn, "even if you are a celebrity, you have to fall into problems or die in order to get on the cover of a magazine." "You are a celebrity for a few days, weeks, or months as everyone instantly remembers all of your merits, accomplishments, or misdeeds." Slavik may or may not be alive, but one thing is for sure: he will always have impeccable taste.
