Nottingham's world famous fashion designer brand Paul Smith has released a statement after pictures of the store in Moscow which appears to still be open have emerged on social media. The photos, which were posted on Twitter on January 28, depict the luxury store in the exclusive Russian mall GUM, which is located near the Kremlin in Red Square.
The pictures caused rage on social media, attracting criticism from fans at the Beeston-born designer. It comes as the UK government has imposed a range of measures, including trade and financial sanctions, under The Russia Sanctions Regulations.
The guidance, which was published on June 8 last year, states that UK businesses are responsible for the decision on whether to trade with Russia. The purposes of the Russia Sanctions Regulations are to encourage Russia to cease actions to destabilise Ukraine after their large-scale invasion on February 24 last year.
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In response to the photos, a spokesperson for Paul Smith said: "Paul Smith has traded in Russia for many years through a franchise partner. Paul Smith has requested that the stores are closed with immediate effect and to cease trading completely and indefinitely."
Sir Paul Smith, 76, was last year made a member of the Order of Companions of Honour, one of the highest gongs available to anyone in the creative industry. He was invited to the Windsor Castle investiture ceremony hosted by the Duke of Cambridge.
Many of his fans took over to social media, speaking out over the pictures, with one tweeting "very disappointing", while Mrs. Lars Thorwald @IAmTondelayo said: "Clearly no more Paul Smith for the men in our lives".
Another tweeter commented: "Won’t be buying Paul Smith Design anymore."
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