– I find that there are people who don’t dare to be drunk because they can’t afford it. it’s a challenge we have to tackle. The Russian era should not be about money and demands that you have to buy everything, says Kenni Yang, Russian president at Rana in Nordland. Russ belongs to spring. Young people celebrating the end of 13 years of schooling. But the several-week celebration comes at a cost. Consumer economist Thea Olsen at Danske Bank says that some drunks can spend up to NOK 100,000 during their drunken days. Russian cars or buses, tickets to parties and events, food, drink, Russian cards and, not least, clothes. – It is almost mandatory to have a minimum Russian suit with different brands and Russian hat. The price tag on the clothes themselves quickly ends up at several thousand kroner, says Kenni Yang. He himself has spent around NOK 1,200 on his entire outfit. And the suit stands out in the crowd. TWO WEEKS: Kenni’s aunt took around two weeks to sew the Russian suit by hand. Photo: Kristian Rødvand / Rana No Would like to create a trend Kenni has been told by her aunt to sew her own Russian dress. In gold. – Firstly, it was cheaper. In addition, I could not find any company that sells Russian clothes that could supply a specially made Russian suit. It was Rana No who mentioned Kenni’s Russian suit first. Now he hopes that he can inspire others. – It would be cool if this became a trend. After all, the economy in the Russian era has changed dramatically in recent years. I think many people spend a lot more on Russian time than they expect. Maybe it can help if more people are a little creative, he says. In addition to having made the Russian suit himself, Kenni Yang has bought the iron-on badges from smaller companies. He has saved money on that. He has ordered the Russian cards from a company that claims to be environmentally friendly. – It was also cheaper. Then I could order just as many, or as few, Russian cards as I wanted, says the Russian president. Consumer economist Thea Olsen is impressed by Kenni’s choice. LOOKING FORWARD: Kenni Yang is looking forward to the Russian season. Photo: Kristian Rødvand / Rana No Small measures for a cheaper Russian time – I think it is sensible and creatively done by the Russians. I’m rooting for this. All ways to reduce expenses make sense, rather than spending a lot of money in a short rush. I think you can have fun without these enormous sums, says Olsen. – THINK AHEAD: Thea Olsen at Danske bank encourages young people to think a bit long-term. – It is not many years after the Russian era that young people will enter the housing market, and much of the savings you make will come in handy then, she says. Photo: Danske Bank / Sturlason But she emphasizes that such choices are easier said than done. – There is a certain pressure on the Russians. I think it is important to pay tribute to those who follow other paths, she says. She herself recommends that the Russians look at other ways in which they can cut down on expenses. – For example, you don’t need to spend so much money on a sound system, Russian songs and lights for the Russian bus, says Olsen. – I am not saying that you should drop Russian time, and understand that it is important to many. But that it is important to be smart with the money. In Rana, the Russian is focused on everyone going along, regardless of finances. The year’s two most important Russe parties, the night of May 1 and the night of May 17, will be held indoors. – Here we could have charged a lot of money for the entrance tickets, but we have chosen to stay at a price level that everyone should be able to afford, says Kenni Yang. – I am looking forward to the Russian season. It should be something no one will forget, and everyone should be able to participate. Watch the accompanying documentary “Finally Russ” for a small insight into the Russian era.
ttn-69
This year’s coolest Russian suit? Kenni has sewn it herself to save money during the rush hour. – news Nordland
