Bentleys have been bought and penthouses purchased as Russia’s wealthy splashed their cash at the world’s largest exhibition of luxury goods.
Some of Russia’s wealthiest people have been attending the final day of the city’s Millionaire Fair. For them it was a last chance to stock up on a new yacht, find something to stand out in the neighbourhood or to make their significant others deliriously happy. One final-day event that no one wanted to miss were the ‘Most Invited’ awards. After a few musical numbers the king and queen of Russia’s networking scene were announced. The winners were TV-host Andrei Malakhov and Russia’s answer to Paris Hilton, Ksenia Sobchak, although sadly she couldn’t pick up her award as she’d already been invited elsewhere. It was the third Millionaire Fair hosted by Moscow, and the biggest by far. It’s hardly surprising the vendors are pleased. Tens of millions have been spent at this year’s exhibition, with one buyer reputedly making off with a U.S.$50-million-dollar private jet. Elena Kudozova, the Fair’s managing director, says the event was a great success. “Judging from the happiness expressed by customers, quite a few million dollars have been spent here,” she said.