Will Anti Gay Law Impact Dior and Gucci Business in Russia

Protests against anti-gay law in Russia are gaining more power as several countries such as Canada are trying to ban the Olympic Games and move them from Sochi to Vancouver. United States and Germany have also voiced their disapproval, while Russia is defending itself citing that rights of gay athletes will not be compromised as law only affects those gays that are promoting gay movement in Russia. While the law itself is not very well understood as it was created to protect mostly children from so called "gay propaganda", most of people in Russia and abroad see it as a serious hit on democracy. The problem is that even in Russia law is taken out of context by various anti-gay groups that are trying to enforce justice outside of police and courts. 

Olympics aside, luxury fashion business has a choice to whether continue operate the stores or withdraw in protest as well. Majority of fashion designers for big brand names such as Dior, D&G, Hugo Boss, Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Armani are openly gay. It is just a matter of time when they will start coming out one by one in protest. Even brands that are not led by gay designers, such as Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, Ralph Lauren for example, may join the movement in support of so many employees that are gay. It is surprising that over the past few months no one from designers or label management spoke out. There are far less gay athletes than fashion designers who are gay. 

So far only Andy Cohen, former Miss Universe has announced his official disrespect towards the law. The Miss Universe pageant is also set to be in Russia next year. So Miss Universe anti-gay Russia law has already began.