Russian Fashion in Courchevel Sparks Conservative Outrage
- A russian fashion retailer has landed in hot water with conservative and pro-Kremlin figures after organizing a luxury brand trip for celebrities and influencers to the French ski...
- Rendez-Vous, wich sells mid-priced to luxury brands, celebrated its 25th anniversary and the 16th anniversary of its Courchevel boutique with the four-day trip earlier this month.
- Attendees like media personality Ksenia Sobchak, blogger Oksana Samoilova, model Elena Perminova and stylist Alexander Rogov were reportedly flown in private jets and helicopters flights and entertained at...
A russian fashion retailer has landed in hot water with conservative and pro-Kremlin figures after organizing a luxury brand trip for celebrities and influencers to the French ski resort of Courchevel.
Rendez-Vous, wich sells mid-priced to luxury brands, celebrated its 25th anniversary and the 16th anniversary of its Courchevel boutique with the four-day trip earlier this month.
Attendees like media personality Ksenia Sobchak, blogger Oksana Samoilova, model Elena Perminova and stylist Alexander Rogov were reportedly flown in private jets and helicopters flights and entertained at lavish parties, with an eye-watering price tag of at least 30 million rubles ($395,907) in total.
One of the dinners alone reportedly cost over 1 million rubles ($11,242).
Ten company employees also reportedly took part in the trip.
Lawmakers and pro-Kremlin figures were speedy to condemn the displays of luxury amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Ultra-conservative lawmaker Vitaly Milonov suggested that while Russia has many “patriotic companies,” Rendez-Vous might be better off relocating its business abroad.
“The Rendez-Vous party in Courchevel is a sabbath of Ukrainian ‘swine underlings’,” Milonov said, calling the female celebrities who attended the brand trip “gold diggers.”
Lawmaker Amir khamitov argued that “extravagant parties” during Russia’s war in Ukraine are “immoral.”
“Unfortunately, despite the challenging period our country is going through, there are still those who believe it does not concern them,” Khamitov wrote on Telegram.
Adidas Russia Controversy: Allegations of Employee Rights Violations and Tax Issues
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Adidas Russia faces scrutiny over alleged tax violations and potential infringements on employee rights, sparking a public debate and a response from the company defending its labor practices. The controversy centers around claims of wage reductions and unfavorable working conditions, countered by adidas’s assertion that salaries have not been cut and fixed wages have increased.
Allegations of Tax Violations and Employee Rights Concerns
The Investigative Committee of Russia initiated a preliminary inquiry into Adidas Russia following reports of potential tax violations and infringements on the constitutional rights and freedoms of its employees. TASS reported on January 22, 2026, that the committee is examining these allegations. The investigation aims to determine if the company’s actions constitute criminal offenses.
- Tax Violations: The specific nature of the alleged tax violations remains undisclosed, but the Investigative Committee is examining the company’s financial records.
- Employee Rights: concerns raised involve potential violations of labor laws and constitutional rights related to working conditions and compensation.
Adidas’s Response and Defense
Adidas Russia responded to the criticism on January 26,2026,stating that salaries had not been cut and that fixed wages had been increased across all its stores. RBC reported on this statement, highlighting the company’s attempt to address the allegations. Adidas also emphasized its long-standing presence outside of Russia, including a 16-year operation in Courchevel, France.
The company invited influencers to celebrate the anniversary of its Courchevel store, framing the event as a exhibition of its continued international operations and commitment to its brand.
Context: Adidas’s Operations in Russia and International Presence
Adidas initially suspended operations in Russia in March 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. Reuters reported on July 27, 2023, that Adidas intended to sell its Russian assets. Though, the company continues to operate stores in Russia through a franchise agreement. The company maintains a important international presence, with locations in various countries, including france, as evidenced by the Courchevel store.
The Courchevel store anniversary event appears to be a strategic move by Adidas to showcase its continued global operations and brand strength despite the ongoing challenges in Russia.