Russian socialites in Dubai have discovered that they can’t get their hands on top brands like Chanel since the stores refused to offer them their favourite accessories.
Socialites fleeing to the UAE following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are angry that they can’t get their hands on their favourite designer labels since Chanel imposed sanctions on Russia.
Liza Litvin, a Russian interior designer and influencer, was enraged when the famous company refused to sell her a bag in a prominent Dubai mall, and she vented on social media.
The allegations come as hundreds of Ukrainian rebels and civilians are killed fighting back against invading Russian soldiers under the instructions of President Vladimir Putin.
Litvin stated: “In the Mall of the Emirates, I visited a Chanel boutique. They refused to sell me the bag because (take note!) I am from Russia!!!”
Chanel, she further claimed “had a new order that they would only sell to me if I sign a piece of paper stating that I will not wear this bag in Russia. They asked for my ID, and I gave them my Russian phone number.”
The Russian designer was angry when she said the manager told her that “as of today, they were only selling to Russians provided they signed an agreement not to wear their things in Russia.”
Litvin is not the only one who has taken to social media to express her displeasure, with Russian musician and TV personality Anna Kalashnikova, 37, claiming she was denied the purchase of earrings and a bag from a Chanel store in Dubai.
She described how a store manager informed her, “We know you’re a Russian star.” We know you’ll be bringing your purchases to Russia, therefore we won’t be able to sell our brand’s merchandise.”
Kalashnikova was unimpressed and launched a boycott of Chanel, along with a post that stated, “‘Oops,’ I thought. Then I realised Coco Chanel was not only the mistress of a Nazi commander, but also a German espionage operative.
“So her brand’s behaviour definitely helps me recall her story.”
Influencer Yana Rudkoskaya, 47, who posted an Instagram video of herself skiing in opulent attire while carrying a champagne flute, expressed “horror” at Chanel’s actions, according to The Daily Mirror.
“This is a shock for a lady who has been buying Chanel and Chanel Haute Couture for more than 20 years, and who has sat in the front row at its events,” she remarked.
Rudkoskaya, a music show producer based in Moscow, noted that the restriction was “quite embarrassing” after spending over €1 million (£830,000) on Chanel items.
Chanel acknowledged that it will not sell items to Russians outside of Russia, stating that it “complies with all regulations relevant to our businesses and employees internationally, including trade sanction legislation.”
However, Snezhanna Georgieva, 46, said that there was a method around the prohibition, noting that “certain shops are still open when a frequent client phones.”
