The most inopportune opening of Dolce & Gabbana

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana went to Moscow last May to open an impressive new boutique. Is the exclusive third company store in the Russian capital, about 1200 square meters in an area for more elitist trade, particularly in front of the Bolshoi Theater and a few meters from Red Square.

This new store has four floors and is located in a beautiful classic building, constructed in Moscow by representatives of the aristocracy of the nineteenth century. It has conducted a very original renovation of its interior stucco, incorporating columns and decorative details are harmoniously blended the characteristic elements of the Italian decor, including beautiful Sicilian mosaics.

The main staircase connecting the floors, has a central element, an impressive panoramic bronze and wrought iron lift. The roof of the building culminates in a 10 meters dome 10 .In the top floor opened a  Martini Bar, similar to the that of central store of the company in Milan, which is designed in its classic red colors.

The inauguration was attended by Russian celebrities including the model that was Miss Russia and Miss Universe in 2008, Ksenia Sujinova.

Monica Belucci also with Dolce & Gabanna in Moscow
Speaking of beauties and celebrities, we remember that  just a year ago, and a few meters from the new D & G store actress and model Monica Bellucci made a presentation to Dolce & Gabbana  at TSUM department store. After giving a press conference on the top of the Ritz Hotel (with panoramic views  to the  Kremlin), after that she went to  that great central store for the opening of a new space of perfume and cosmetics from Dolce & Gabbana. In addition, he presented the new Classic colors of D&G lipstick.

Bad times for the ruble.
It is necessary to consider whether the timing of the opening of this majestic D&G store is appropriate. While it seemed that 2014 had started on the right pace for the Russian currency, greatly appreciate against major currencies, however, and since mid-March, the ruble has fallen from 56 RUB/EUR up to 62RUB/EUR.

Russia must face heavy foreign debt payments, apart from paying in dollars or euros in dividends to institutional investors of its largest companies, for example, Norilsky Nickel and Gazprom. Apart from these factors, a new escalation of tensions in Ukraine looks set to extend economic sanctions with the West. The stagnant oil price does not help much to the revival of the Russian economy and currency. The numbers of Russian travelers abroad have a fall of 40% , which is bad news for the luxury sector in the countries of destination of these tourists.

Dolce & Gabbana continues its international expansion.
In any case, «Dolce & Gabbana» is very popular in Russia, a brand that in0 2009 it was considered  «luxury brand of the year». The opening of this new store will strengthen the image of D & G in Russia. The company had in the its fiscal year finished on  March 2015, above-the EUR billion sales. An increase of approximately 7% from previous year, overcoming the psychological barrier of one billion. The company opened 50 new stores last year and this year plans to open 40 more.

Photographs: Twitter D & G.