The world of Instagram is hardly as vast as it feels—like every medium, it has "stars," and most of us follow the same hot names. There's nothing inherently wrong with that . . . but what if by staring at Rihanna's g-string or Alexa Chung's sofa, you're missing out on lesser-known people worth following?
Recently, I developed a hobby of finding off-the-beaten-path Instagram accounts, specifically focusing on style icons from other countries. My latest addiction? Ksenia Sobchak, a Russian TV personality and socialite (find her at @xenia_sobchak).
Unlike women such as Miroslava Duma or Lena Perminova, Sobchak's name rarely makes it to the international media market. Yet her popularity in Russia is unprecedented. The daughter of the late millionaire and political figure Anatoly Sobchak, Ksenia rose to fame a decade ago, just as Russia was starting the imbibe the Western celebrity tonic. Promptly crowned as "the Russian Paris Hilton," Sobchak dedicated her life to parties and expensive cars, gathering quite the following with her beauty and flirty nature.
In recent years, however, Russia's little princess grew up—Sobchak started voicing her political opinions and even dated an opposition leader, all while establishing a credible career in television and journalism. Well-spoken and sharp, she transformed her public image, becoming a worthy role model for modern young women. Last year, she shocked everybody by marrying a theater actor rather than, say, a mogul—a move deemed "unexpected" and "feminist" by many progressive Russian journalists, as her husband isn't as wealthy as she is.
All of this makes following her lavish Instagram account a little easier on the conscience. Sobchak may be an activist, a media professional and a smart, inspiring leader, but she still loves herself some couture and glamor—and that, plus her controversial background, keep those 928,000 followers coming back.
Yachts, designer rings, evening gowns, exotic destinations (and occasional theater and books recommendations)—Sobchak knows how to spark healthy envy and conversation. Each picture usually draws an unbelievable average of 300 comments, and though you might not understand the hilarious reactions to her beautiful life, it doesn't take a Russian to get sucked into Sobchak's magical world.
The escapist thrill of entering a reality so removed from ours is guaranteed.
Images: Instagram
