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While the European Union is working on possible new sanctions against Russia, Chanel seems to have already imposed further restrictions on Russian customers. According to what some Russian influencers posted on their Telegram accounts, some of the Maison’s stores asked them for documents to prove their nationality and to sign a pledge not to carry their purchases in Russia. These are boutiques located outside of Russian territory, since shortly after the war began, Chanel, like many other brands, decided to close its stores and cease its activities in the country.
Complaints from influencers: “We are prevented from shopping”
Dubai with its mega malls would have been the scene of the incident, according to Anna Kalashnikova, Russian singer, influencer and TV personality who was one of the first to denounce (with photos on Telegram) the fact that she would have been prevented from buying earrings and a bag in a Chanel store. Kalashnikova recounted in her post what she was told by a Chanel salesman that they couldn’t sell her their products because they knew she was going to bring them to Russia. However, interior designer (also influencer) Liza Litvin would have been denied a bag.
“It comes as a shock to a woman who has been buying Chanel and Chanel Haute Couture for twenty years and sitting in the front row at her shows,” wrote Yana Rudkoskaya, music producer and wife of Olympic figure skating champion Alexander Plyushenko.
Moscow spokesman’s response: “Boycott Chanel”
Also speaking on the subject was Moscow Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who in turn on Telegram (as reported by Russian newspaper Pravda) responded to Chanel’s new policy by suggesting that Coco Chanel would have been a collaborator with the Third Reich during World War II Selling and therefore not buying Chanel is consistent with the policy of “denazification” of Ukraine, which Vladimir Putin’s government uses to justify its aggression against the country.
Chanel: “We have complied with European regulations”
The fashion house Chanel has confirmed the new policy as it is in line with the European Council Decision 2022/430 of March 15, which tightens sanctions against Russia and provides for a ban on the sale of luxury goods with a value of more than 300 Euro according to the provisions of Article 4(J). A previous passage given by the Maison Chanel as justification for the new sales policy also states that “it is forbidden to sell, supply, transfer or export, directly or indirectly, luxury goods to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia and for use in Russia ». However, the restriction does not apply to “goods required for official or diplomatic purposes or consular missions of Member States or Partner States or international organizations enjoying immunity under international law, or personal effects of their employees”.