Supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin now have a new extravagant way of expressing their affection. An Italian luxury brand has launched a limited line of golden iPhones bearing the image of the leader.
The Caviar iPhone5S Supremo Putin, created by Perla Penna jewelry
house, went on sale with a price tag of 147,000 rubles (about
US$4,352).
Putin’s portrait, which is engraved on the gadget’s 18-carat gold
case, is accompanied by the Russian coat of arms and the first
two lines of the Russian national anthem.
The so-called ‘Putinphones’ are meant to target “people of
the highest circle,” the company says.
“It’s time to feel real pride and take a clear-cut stand,
without needless chat,” Perla Penna said while addressing
potential customers.
“The most powerful person according to Forbes and Time –
President Putin has come to symbolize the new generation, the
leader of will and resolution.”
The company describes the phone as being a statement, as well as
the “best expression of patriotism.”
The Russian president now joins the ranks of Leonardo de Vinci,
Mohammed Ali, and Steve Jobs, whose faces have also been featured
on Perla Penna's golden phones.
Read more: Two-thirds of Russians want Putin to remain president after 2018
Meanwhile, a recent poll conducted by the Public Opinion
Foundation found that 66 percent of Russian citizens want
Vladimir Putin to continue his presidential post for the next
term. The respondents especially praised his efforts in foreign
policy and strengthening the Russian military.
Two-thirds of Russians also claimed that Putin’s policies were
fully in line with their own interests. The number rose from 36
percent in September 2012 to 66 percent in June 2014.