Odessa was the summer destination for the Ukrainians. Packed with clubs and restaurants, night turned into day here. Now, however, the front is pretty close – and the city on the Black Sea is trying a difficult balancing act.
As the sun sets over Odessa’s popular Arcadia beach district, the promenade becomes a catwalk. Women parade past expensive restaurants and hot dog kiosks, showing themselves and their clothes to the city, yes, it sometimes seems: to the world.
The city’s financial elite, who have always had a reputation in Odessa for making a living from not-so-clean deals, are waiting in front of the famous Ibiza club nearby. While the men are rather casual, the same applies to the women here: artificial eyelashes and hair fit perfectly, the lips, which are often sprayed on, shine. Dress code: high heels, short tight dress. Summer in Odessa.