Founded in 2010 in the vibrant city of Kyiv, RIOTDIVISION is more than just a fashion label; it embodies a movement. At its core, the brand seeks to unite individuals from diverse worlds and communities, fostering a community of free souls marked by strong spirits and clear minds. The brainchild of Oleg Moroz, who has nurtured a passion for clothing since childhood—crafting pieces from scrap materials—RIOTDIVISION’s story is one of perseverance and evolution.
Oleg’s journey from hobbyist to chief designer was anything but linear. A series of life experiences, seemingly unrelated to fashion, equipped him with invaluable skills. His time as a storekeeper taught him the nuances of warehousing and organization, while his work as a videographer honed his eye for storytelling through visual mediums. Infused with a deep admiration for Japan’s culture and customs, Oleg’s designs reflect a rich tapestry of influences, a testament to his multifaceted background. Ultimately, it was his determination and resourcefulness that allowed him to save enough to launch his first mini collection, laying the groundwork for what would become a brand synonymous with creativity and resilience.
An interview by Sofia Tchkonia @sofiatchkonia / www.sofiatchkonia.com
All photos by Sasha Mazur @mazur_sasha
Follow @iamriotdivision / riotdivision.tech
RIOTDIVISION: A Journey of Creativity and Resilience
In this interview, we delve into Oleg Moroz’s inspiring journey as a designer and the vision behind RIOTDIVISION, exploring the intersection of fashion, culture, and the indomitable spirit of Ukraine.
Oleh: I’m Oleh Moroz, a fashion designer from Kyiv. I work with the brand Riot Division.
What did you do before you became a designer?
Oleh: I was involved in film production — I shot programs, music videos, and so on.
How did you get to the point of creating your own brand?
O: Actually, there were two parallel paths. I started with photography, then got into video, and that’s when I became interested in clothing. It’s a pretty ordinary story. Back when I was still a bit of a troublemaker, a friend brought me a hoodie with a built-in mask. I thought it would be cool to create my own version — one that could be used during street fights, so cameras couldn’t catch your face. There was also that whole fan culture around certain brands — from Stone Island to Belsta. I used to search for these clothes in second-hand shops. I was already curious — I’d look at them and wonder how they were made.
Then I tried making a hoodie. Then another version. I didn’t become a designer overnight — it was a gradual process. At first, you make something and fail. Then you give up. Then you start again.
Life before the war was probably very different for you, like for most of us. Do you remember your first reaction when the full-scale invasion started? What went through your mind?
O: My team and I had agreed that if war broke out, we’d meet at the studio and figure things out. But there wasn’t a concrete plan — nobody really believed it would actually happen. The night before, I went to a shooting range with a friend. He gave me a plate carrier, a helmet, and we bought some ammo. We even joked about what we’d do if war started the next day.
I had a plan to go to his base — he was already part of a group that had been fighting since 2014. They were well-organized, and I knew I would join them.
That night I woke up very early — around 3 or 4 a.m. — and I couldn’t sleep. I was listening for explosions, but it seemed quiet. I eventually fell asleep again. Then, around 6 a.m., my friend called and said: “Wake up, or you’ll sleep through the war.” There was a 10-second pause. That’s when I realised — the life we had before was over.
We gathered our things, withdrew money — there were no lines at the ATMs yet — and went to the studio. The whole team met there. We pooled our resources, helped get the women to Ivano-Frankivsk or Vinnytsia, and then… it all began.
Ukraine is a young country. Since independence, a lot has happened. Aside from the war, what moment in history was most important to you personally?
O: The Maidan Revolution. I took part in it with my friends. After Maidan, I started working on the brand more seriously. It gave me a sense of confidence — like I could do anything. That’s when I really began.
What kind of country would you like to see in the future?
O: A fair one. Where people in power — and people in general — don’t just think about money or themselves, but about their neighbours. Where empathy exists. If we get there, everything else will follow.
Since the war began, the world united to support Ukraine. But now, as time goes on, some people seem to lose interest. What would you say to them if you had a global audience?
O: Politicians have said it a hundred times: Ukraine is the outpost holding back Russian aggression — not just for Europe, but for the whole world. If you let evil move forward, it won’t stop here. It’ll go further — to Poland and beyond.
Right now, it’s like the darkest hour before dawn. The longer it goes, the more hopeless it may seem — but I believe everything will end well.
Would you say this to the world?
O: Look, everyone knows about corruption, about propaganda — and that’s demotivating. People abroad think, “Why should we help if they’re just stealing?” First, our own people need to change — to think not only about themselves, but about victory. Then people abroad will see that their help makes a difference. That’s what matters.
Did you discover anything new in Ukrainians during the war?
O: I already saw it during Maidan. It was only a matter of time before this war started — we’re a nation constantly fighting for independence, and we’ve always had that enemy next door.
Standing on Maidan, surrounded by people, is indescribable. We can do anything if we really want to. During the battles near Kyiv, I was surrounded only by friends — the kind of people who give their last to support victory. That kind of unity is priceless. I’m proud of the people around me.
I’ve heard you also draw cartoons?
O: That’s a secret.
Still, you create colourful things, which seems unexpected for your image. Where did it start?
O: A friend of mine loves painting. For me, painting is a way to take a break from everything — it’s like meditation. I enjoy trying new creative things. One day, I want to shoot films. You have to do what you love. Right now, I paint in my free time — and I like it.
What’s your definition of courage?
O: There was a story in Donetsk where some of our guys killed a Russian soldier, and they filmed a video saying they were finished. That’s courage — when you know you have no chance, but you keep going. That kind of drive — that’s bravery.
And freedom?
O: Freedom is doing what you want with your life. I live freely — I do what I want. Others might not get it. On a broader scale, it’s a political issue.
What would you like Ukraine to be like after the war?
O: Utopian. Everything rebuilt. Everyone happy. A clear future. The economy and culture reborn. Though honestly, even now, our cultural life is thriving. Nobody stops you from doing what you love.
What does patriotism mean to you?
O: Patriotism is staying and defending your country. If you can’t fight, you help some other way — volunteer, support, do logistics. For me, it means being with your country through good and bad.
Describe Ukraine in three words to someone who’s never been here.
O: Talking about right now? I’d say: “Fascinating, dangerous, and…Berlin.” Kyiv is like a new Berlin — tons of techno events. Honestly, three words aren’t enough. People abroad used to ask me if Ukraine was in Russia. So no, three words can’t describe it.
Do you think Ukrainians are underrated?
O: Yes — and mostly because we underestimate ourselves. From designers to artists, we’re creating amazing things. If we were in the U.S., we’d be billionaires. But it’s also a blessing to create here. It’s harder, so you value it more. When I started, there were no high-tech fabrics or zippers — everything had to be imported. That fight made us better.
You’ve shown at international fashion shows. Did you feel treated unfairly?
O: We’re still outsiders. We weren’t even invited to Ukrainian Fashion Week. We fought our way in. Our first trip to Seek Berlin changed everything. No one stole our spotlight — we just stood out. They even listed us as the most interesting brand in the catalog later.
You can complain, but if your product isn’t good, no ad campaign will save you. We know the value of our work — that’s what matters.
What drives you in these difficult times?
O: I grew up with the saying, “Do what you can, and it will be as it should be.” We’re organizing now, trying to work while training. That’s harder than serving in the Territorial Defense. Back then, everything was clear. Now, I have to think about fabric orders, team tasks, and raising money for drones.
My wife helped in a café during that time, cooking for soldiers. Work is what keeps you sane. Without it, you can lose your mind from all the pressure.
Do you feel hatred?
O: I asked myself that early on. I thought, what will it be like to pull the trigger? But these are invaders — we have to do something. I don’t feel hatred. I just don’t care about them. It’s about clarity. Now we know who is who.
