A promotional trip organized by a Russian clothing chain to Courchevel has sparked outrage in Russia. Russian celebrities enjoyed a lavish weekend featuring winter sports, champagne, and helicopter rides, amid the economic strains from the war in Ukraine. Harsh criticisms from soldiers and parliamentarians decry this extravagance as disconnected from everyday realities.
The Russian clothing chain Rendez-Vous invited about a dozen celebrities to mark its 25th anniversary with a weekend in Courchevel starting January 15. Attendees included influencers, models, and Ksenia Sobchak, a TV personality close to Vladimir Putin. The itinerary featured winter sports, a helicopter tour over the mountains, tastings of oysters and champagne, stays in luxury hotels, piste parties, and a professional photo session. French singer Patricia Kaas performed a private concert. Russian media estimate the cost at around 30 million rubles, or about 337,000 euros.
The trip has ignited backlash in Russia, where the economy is strained by four years of war in Ukraine and related sanctions. Internet users and frontline soldiers voiced fury. 'While we defend the homeland, others have fun in Courchevel. Aren't you ashamed?' said one serviceman, as reported by France Info. The Telegram channel 'La Voix du Mordor' urged sending 'immediately to the gulag all those who flaunt themselves in the Alps.'
The controversy reached Russia's Duma, with deputy Alexandre Tolmachev denouncing the 'wild party' as 'pure and simple betrayal of the country's interests.' He drew parallels to the December 2023 'Almost naked' party hosted by blogger Anastassia Ivleeva, which outraged Russian patriots. Tolmachev raised concerns over spending money in France, a nation providing military aid to Ukraine.
Rendez-Vous responded on Instagram, stating the trip was initiated by its local Courchevel team and noting that employees received a raise this year amid inflation and stagnant wages in Russia.
