Where have all the Russian celebrities gone, asks a Daily Mail reporter who returned to Paris Fashion Week. In past years, these events were unimaginable without supermodels and wealthy clients of Russian origin who came here on duty for shopping. This year, the only Russian was former world No. 1 Maria Sharapova.
What is the reason, the press wonders: the refusal of invitations as a sign of support for Ukraine? in the cancellation culture hitting the Russians? in the sanctions against the oligarchs, which affected the wallets of their wives and mistresses? The absence of rich Russian women will definitely affect the well-being of luxury brands, for which fashion weeks are a kind of catalog for the wealthiest clientele and which will lose orders this year. Many Russian fashionistas have or had close ties to oligarchs who have been sanctioned, such as Roman Abramovich's ex-wife Dasha Zhukova and ex-wife of billionaire and ex-president of the Rosgosstrakh group of companies Danil Khachaturov Ulyana Sergienko.
There were no Russians not only among the audience, but also on the catwalks: the most sought-after Russian supermodels missed Fashion Week this year, but used social networks to express their attitude to what is happening. Irina Shayk expressed her support to the people of Ukraine, writing: “I will be donating to @unicef and @redcrossukraine. Use the links and resources in my stories to give what you can. I pray for peace." Sasha Pivovarova posted the Ukrainian flag on her account. Sasha Luss called on subscribers to donate food, water and hygiene items to Ukrainian refugees. UN Goodwill Ambassador Natalia Vodianova wrote: “As a mother, I sincerely sympathize with all mothers who are suffering from the consequences of recent events in Ukraine and all those affected by this conflict. The heaviest burden of the conflict will fall on women. I cannot help alone, but together as a community we can do a lot. I will be listing organizations that I will donate to and that you can also donate to”.