Fashion historian … It is the appearance of Alexander Vasilyev that pops up in our memory when we hear these two seemingly ordinary words. But delve into their meaning: this is a man who has known all the subtleties of world fashion trends throughout the history of mankind. His life cannot be ordinary; millions of people all over the world listen to his opinion. Shouldn't it be called a “style icon”?
Alexander Vasiliev: biography
So, Sasha was born on December 8, 1958 in a family, to put it mildly, of people of creativity: the national artist of Russia Alexander Pavlovich and the actress of the drama theater Tatyana Vasilyeva. Apparently, the son from the very childhood followed in the footsteps of his parents, since at the age of 12 he staged his first performance. But long before that, he tried (and very successfully) his strength in the field of creating theatrical costumes and stage decorations. Having succeeded in this matter, he easily entered the Moscow Art Theater and in 1980 received a diploma in his hands on graduation from the Faculty of Performing Arts. After that, his professional career began. First, he got a job in one of the Moscow theaters as a costume designer, and two years later he flew to France to become the world famous theater decorator.
From those who wanted to learn from a developing artist, there was no end, so Alexander Vasiliev decides to become a teacher as well. He conducted his lectures and master classes in four languages, and they took place literally around the world.
TV presenter 2009
The beginning of a new century promised Vasiliev new opportunities. In 2002, he began his work on television. He became the author and presenter of the program "Blow of the Century", which was broadcast on the channel "Culture". In parallel, Alexander Vasilyev opens his own design studio in the capital, with the help of which he plans to popularize rich Russian traditions and present them in a “Parisian gloss”.
He does not forget about his pedagogical activity - he teaches fashion theory at Moscow State University and other large domestic universities. Starting in 2005, Alexander opened his touring school, which recruits students and makes tours with them to world fashion capitals.
In 2009, with the release of the program “Fashionable Sentence” on the blue screens, Alexander Vasiliev became known to a wide range of viewers. And although the fans vigorously accepted the replacement of Slava Zaitsev with a new TV presenter, Sasha, always self-confident, quickly won their sympathy.
In the same year, the fashion critic became the head of the Moscow Academy of Fashion at Ostankino.
Awarded means recognized
"Lilies of Alexander Vasiliev" once again confirm his internationally recognized taste in fashion. This international prize is awarded only to the most worthy, according to Vasiliev, interior work of Russian and foreign designers. Laureates will receive branded hand-made lilies as a prize, each of which has its own number and passport.
Alexander himself also does not suffer from a lack of recognition: he was solemnly awarded the Diaghilev and Nizhinsky medals, the Gold Medal of the Russian Academy of Arts for his contribution to the development of Russian art, as well as the Order of the Patron. In addition, he twice became the winner of the Tobab Award, and in 2011 joined the ranks of honorary members of the Russian Art Academy.
Museum Life
It turns out that an extravagant fashion designer and collector Vasiliev can be found in a regular antique store or in the market. Of course, where else can you so easily find an old little thing and add it to your collection! And Alexander collects literally everything that can only come to mind, but his pride is a collection of outfits with a long history, which by approximate standards costs about two million euros.
Nadezhda Babkina, a colleague of the designer on the filming of the program Fashionable Sentence, shared with her reporters the impressions of what she saw in Vasiliev’s house. According to her, Alexander’s housing very reminded her of some huge museum. There is everything here: from the wondrous beauty of old dresses and hats to antique caskets and other interior details. But the most valuable exhibit in this collection is still Alexander Vasilyev himself. The biography of the outstanding 55-year-old artist, fashion designer, critic and simply extravagant and charming man will not allow to doubt this.
Golden hero of the day
Yes, yes, it was 55 years old that Vasilyev turned in 2013. But you will not say! A man is young in soul and body, he sincerely loves art and in his years has already become its integral part. But guessing how old Alexander Vasilyev is is not necessary - he himself does not hide this. What is it for? For his half a century, he managed as much as not everyone can do, and at the same time, as the fashion historian himself says, he made himself, although he pays tribute to his parents, who made the very first push into the world of art.
And, strangely enough, the audience of the not so young designer is quite diverse: his fans are the fair sex at the age of 14 to 96 years. But the statistics of the personal site of Vasiliev suggests that his main fans are girls under 26 years old. Well, Sasha, women's attention is always an indicator, so keep it up!
Alexander Vasiliev: personal life
As we said earlier, Alexander moved to Paris at a very young age. But how did this happen? The prudent Sasha simply married a friend of the French, who at that time was on an internship in Russia. But the formal wife of Alexander Vasiliev, with whom he had been married for four years, knew about everything: that he simply wanted to leave for the fashion capital, and about her husband’s true love. She was the artist Masha Winber-Lavrova, with whom he lived neither more nor less, but three magnificent years.
Collection - Above All
It’s not strange that one of the leading domestic (and not only) trendsetters allows himself to refuse world-class stars in their whims. Take even the Nicole Kidman incident anyone would like to wear
designer in the world. The Australian beauty wished to appear in the film “Lady from Shanghai” in one of Vasiliev’s collection dresses. But he had the audacity to refuse her agent. He explained this act by his reluctance to spoil the historical original, although he cordially proposed to imitate the dress that Nicole liked. And if you believe his words, then neither Coco Chanel, nor Audrey Hepburn, he would not have awarded such an honor. Although, as the fashion designer admitted, he is an ardent admirer of both legendary women. Apparently, Alexander Vasiliev loves his exhibits more than his popularity.
