Angry Russian women have initiated a bizarre trend that involves cutting up expensive designer handbags.
As part of various economic and political sanctions imposed by the world on Russia following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Chanel pulled out of the country and sparked a controversial debate after asking Russians who wish to buy their products outside their country to sign an agreement and vow not to wear Chanel products in Russia.
Furious by the prestigious brand’s order, Russian models, influencers, and presenters began sharing videos showing themselves cutting up and throwing away their designer products in protest.
Among the critics was 42-year-old model and businesswoman Victoria Bonya who is based in Monaco. In her viral video, Bonya cut her Chanel handbag in half using industrial scissors.
“I have to say if Chanel House does not respect its clients, [why] do we have to respect Chanel? Bye bye,” the model said.
Joining the protest against Chanel was also Russian travel blogger Sharli Prokopif who said: “I am Russian, living in Europe – and I refuse to wear Chanel.”
Infuriated by the ban, DJ Katya Guseva, who has more than half a million followers, vowed to ditch the luxury brand as she accused Chanel of Russophobia.
“They are forcing me to sign a humiliating document, forcing me to reject my Motherland in favor of their brand,” she cried out.
“I am against Russophobia and against segregation by nationality. To show you I am serious, I will simply cut up this bag. I don’t need it any more. Bye-bye, Chanel.”
She added: “We Russian women are stunning regardless of having Chanel – we know it, Chanel knows it, the whole world knows it.”
Cutting her handbag into pieces was also Russian presenter, actress, and press agent Marina Ermoshkina who urged her fans to follow her suit.
“Not a single item or brand is worth my love for my motherland and my self-respect. I am against Russophobia, and I am against Russophobia-supporting brands,” she said.
“If owning Chanel means selling my Motherland, then I don’t need Chanel.”
As wealthy Russian women continue ripping their Chanel bags apart, they have begun facing an increasing backlash among their own followers who have since accused them of caring more about the brand and its products than the suffering of millions of Ukrainian people who were killed or forced to flee after Putin invaded their country.
“Why don’t they start a challenge on selling their Chanel accessories in favor of children and refugees, or whichever is closest to their heart?” one viewer responded.
“Why don’t they worry about the Ukrainian deaths Putin has caused? And the Russian soldiers being sent to their slaughter like cannon fodder? Instead they do this childish stunt with scissors,” another questioned.
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