Russia's up-and-coming VIP heirs

Finans magazine recently compiled a list of heirs to Russia's billions. They're the so-called "golden youth," the sons and daughters of Russian richest, who are often looked down upon by the general population and thought to be capricious and spoiled. It's no coincidence European and foreign press are including more and more of them in their lists of the world's most pampered off-spring. But that being said, quite a few of these children do more than just shock the public with their grotesque and gaudy purchases. Some of them have received top-notch educations abroad and are now engaged in successful business.

Two little Derpaskys

It's hard to say what the young children of aluminium oligarch Oleg Deripasky will do when they're older. Finans named his 7-year-old son Petr and 5-year-old daughter Marusya Russia's richest heirs, each entitled to around $20 billion.

Deripasky sent his children to the prestigious Moscow Economic School, which accepts students from three years old. When they graduate at 18, they'll receive an international diploma, and be able to attend any university in the world. It's no surprise their parents paid $50,000 per head to enroll them at the school, where Derpasky is a board member.

Boris Yeltsin goes online

Ex-Russian President Boris Yeltsin's grandson, Boris, is perhaps the country's most well-known bachelor. He has made a name for himself as a genuine party goer, and clubs on weekends at venues where champagne sells for several thousand euro.

Yeltsin has long been a paparazzi favorite. He has graced the covers of Russian tabloids time and time again, and housewives across the country gleefully followed his romance with Shakhri Amirkhanova, the granddaughter of renowned Dagestani poet Rasul Gamzatov. Recently, though, it seems Yeltsin has faded a bit from the spotlight — a sure sign he is engaged in more or less serious business. It wasn't too long ago that Yeltsin completed his doctorate at Moscow State University's Higher School of Business. Most Russians remember that Yeltsin was made the Formula-1's marketing director in Russia three years ago, and how his name helped to build their brand — even though he only held the position for three months.

Yeltsin is now developing online networking sites, which is an extremely popular trend throughout Russia and Western Europe.

Kira Plastinina, designer at 14

Kira Plastinina, daughter of millionaire founder of the Vimm-Bil-Dann company, Sergey, recently took the international fashion world by storm. Two years ago, when she was only 14 years old, Kira was introduced to Moscow's high society as the nation's youngest up-and-coming designer.

Only 1.5 years later, in October 2007, Kira showed her first collection at Fashion Week in Moscow. Paris Hilton flew over from the U.S. to advertise the collection. Newspapers reported that Hilton received $2 million for her services, which included posing next to Kira at the show and smiling.

Last winter, Kira debuted at Fashion Week in Rome. Her brand was recently introduced in the U.S. She plans to open two stores in New York, and later three in Los Angeles.

Emin Agalarov, the singing businessman

The son of the founder of the Crocus Group, Aras Agalarov, is already a successful businessman at 29. His father's friends all Emin as his "best project."

Emin doesn't waste his time at parties, and began working at 15 at a supermarket while studying in the U.S. Three years later, he opened a shoe store in New Jersey with $50,000 that his father gave him for the venture. At 22, Emin headed back to Russia and began working with his dad. Their joint efforts soon led to his father making the Forbes 2004 list of richest Russians.

Emin recently began hosting VIP presentations and concerts in Moscow. Besides his business, Emin is a musician, and has released three solo albums in the past two years. He has also shot several musical clips singing both his own songs and Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra hits.

In 2006, Emin married Azeri President Ilham Aliyev's oldest daughter, Leyla. Leyla studied in the UK and publishes the Baku magazine in Moscow. The two are expecting their first child.

Nastya Potanina eyes fashion

Head of the Interros Holding Vladimir Potanin also has good reason to be proud of his children. All three are fans of the extreme water sport, aquabiking.

Although his youngest child, 10-year-old Vasiliy, is still learning the ropes, his brother and sister have already made names for themselves in the sport. His 19-year-old brother Ivan is the world champion and Russia's 8-time champion, while his 24-year-old sister Nastya has won both Russian and international tournaments. Unforuantely, she was forced to give up the sport after an injury and is now eyeing the world of fashion. Although she graduated from the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Relations with a degree in Finance and Credit, Nastya has been offered a position as a designer of athletic clothing.

Abramovich's daughter throws party for $500,000

Several years down the line, Roman Abramovich's chidren might also make a name for themselves. The country's most envied oligarch has five children, 16-year-old Anna, 15-year-old Arkadiy, 13-year-old Sofya, 7-year-old Arina and 5-year-old Ilya. After his divorce, Abramovich's children remained with their mother in London. His oldest daughter has already graced UK tabloids. She threw a party for her 16th birthday that cost a whopping $500,000. Over 500 guests were invited.

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