According to the Russian “Arguments and Facts” weekly website on August 15, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov arrived in Alaska wearing a sweater with the words “CCCP” (the Russian abbreviation for “Soviet Union”) on it. What signal does the appearance of Soviet symbols at the Russia-US summit intend to send?
The report stated that the designer of the sweater, Valera Kova, introduced the process of this “Soviet-style” sweater entering Lavrov’s wardrobe:
“We supply the Foreign Ministry, and they purchased this sweater from us. Of course, we knew that the sweater would be handed over to Lavrov, but we were completely surprised that he chose to wear it to Alaska.”
Lavrov was wearing a white sports hoodie.
The Russian “Arguments and Facts” weekly website reported.
Valera Kova said that Lavrov’s appearance in Alaska wearing their brand’s sweater “fills us with endless joy and pride.” She introduced that the sweater was made of high-grade semi-cotton yarn and produced locally in Russia. The price of Lavrov’s sweater is 10,990 rubles (about 982 yuan). “This style is undoubtedly very popular, and now it’s even more popular. I cannot disclose the specific production volume, as it is a business secret.”
Why did Lavrov choose to wear this sweater with the word “Soviet” on it? Clothing designer Shishkin explained: “Recently, clothing containing Soviet elements has become fashionable. Perhaps because in this rapidly changing era, people need to find their roots in history – whether it is the aesthetics of the Tsarist Russia or the Soviet period. For those born in the Soviet era like us, Soviet symbols are closer to us.”
He added: “Through his attire, the Foreign Minister emphasizes the historical continuity between the Soviet Russia and today’s Russia. We will remember history and have a unified view of all times. He shows that Russia will firmly defend its position as it did during the Soviet era.”