Artemy Lebedev, a prominent Russian designer and blogger, articulated a stance on Russians who choose to live abroad that rejects contempt. In a feature published on his site, he explained his view of citizens who emigrate and those who remain, emphasizing that personal choice about relocation should not be judged or generalized.
He stated that he never understood people who belittle those who decide to leave. Some want to migrate, others prefer to stay, and not everyone will make the same choice. There is no need to draw sweeping conclusions about any group, he suggested.
Lebedev argued that Russians who relocate should be met with greater sympathy because they often face a sense of loss by default. He noted that leaving behind family, pets, memories, and a familiar environment creates a heavy emotional burden that cannot be fully carried across borders.
According to his remarks, those who depart from Russia may find themselves estranged from much that once defined their lives, and the act of moving does not erase the ties that linger at home. This detachment, he implied, is a significant part of the immigrant experience.
The designer also highlighted that those who migrate encounter real challenges in new settings, despite the appealing outward appearance of foreign countries. Even with attractive surroundings, daily life abroad can present obstacles that test resilience and adaptability.
Lebedev warned that newcomers might face a status of second-class membership in unfamiliar communities and could struggle with language proficiency at a native level. He suggested that while children might pick up a foreign language more readily, adults often lag behind in achieving fluency, which can complicate integration.
The overarching conclusion drawn by the blogger was that Russians who settle abroad deserve empathy as they adapt to permanent life in another country, with all the practical and emotional adjustments that entails. The perspective presented emphasizes human experience over judgment and invites a nuanced view of migration from a cultural and personal standpoint.
Former remarks attributed to Artemy Lebedev addressed topics of dress and style as well, noting that certain outfits may never be worn again in the evolving life of an emigrant. This detail serves as a reminder that personal identity and everyday choices can shift in response to new surroundings, yet they remain integral to one’s story and adaptation process. (citation: interpretation of the designer’s public statements on migration and identity)