Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin has ordered that the city's civil servants refrain from any "extravagance" in their work attire: no piercings, no tattoos, no unnatural hair colors and no exposed belly buttons.
The requirements, which were adopted in May of last year but only published Thursday, were added to the city administration's Code of Ethics and Service Behavior in a bid to increase the professionalism of workers.
The document's new dress code urges workers to refrain from wearing extravagant clothing, including "large, bright prints featuring images of people and animals."
Sportswear, shorts and sandals are strictly forbidden, according to the document, as are items of clothing that feature sequins, are made from transparent materials or expose the belly button.
Hairstyles are also strictly regulated by the document, which bans "unnatural hair colors" and "hairstyles with elements of punk-rock culture."
Men are urged to maintain a close shave, and women to avoid exposing cleavage or too much leg. Women are also encouraged to "maintain modesty" in applying their make-up.
Violators of the dress code face "moral judgment" by the administration, the document says.
Aigul Gornysheva, head of culture management for the city's executive committee, said in comments to RBC-Tatarstan that, so far, there had been no violations of the dress code.
Gornysheva said the regulations would be especially useful for younger workers, as "young people are inclined to break stereotypes."
"The post of a municipal civil servant prescribes responsibility. It is necessary to abide by the ethical norms and rules for work behavior, including the dress code. The rules did not raise any questions with us, and I think it will be useful for everyone to get acquainted with them," Gornysheva was cited as saying.
Contact the author at a.quinn@imedia.ru
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
