Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Shopping
News flash: Moscow is an expensive city. So don't come looking for bargains. Do
come looking for creative and classy clothing and jewellery by local designers; an
innovative art scene; high-quality handicrafts, linens, glassware and folk art; and
unusual souvenirs that you won't find anywhere else.
Fashion
Beware of sticker shock when you check out the up-and-coming fashion industry in Moscow.
A few local designers have blazed a trail, inventing sophisticated and stylish fashions, which
you can try on at boutiques around town.
EVENTS
Moscow hosts two major fashion events:
Moscow Fashion Week
(
www.mfw.ru
) Held at Gostiny Dvor at the end of March.
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Russia
(
www.mercedesbenzfashionweek.ru
)
Held at the
World Trade Centre in April and October.
FUR
Winter brings out the best or the worst of Russian style (depending on your perspective).
Muscovites still see fur as the most effective and fashionable way to stay warm. Some advice
from a local fashion connoisseur: 'Your protests that fur is cruel are likely to be met by blank
stares and an uncomfortable shifting of feet. Don't come in winter if this offends you.' If you
think you might want to do as the Muscovites do when in Moscow, stop by Yekaterina and
pick out a fur hat.
Arts & Crafts
Moscow's prolific craftspeople display their knick-knacks and bric-a-brac at souvenir shops
around town, as well as at Izmaylovo market. Feel free to haggle, but don't expect prices to
decrease more than 5 or 10%.
The specialty of Russian craftsmen is painted wooden knick-knacks. Traditional wooden
nesting dolls, dishes and utensils are painted in decorative floral patterns, known as
khokhloma
. Painted lacquer boxes (
palekh
boxes) are usually black with a colourful, detailed
scene.
