Of course, Alexander Vasiliev is a fashion historian, whom almost everyone knows, since he is a public person. He teaches at universities, hosts a well-known television program, and speaks to a wide audience, talking about what wardrobe items are most relevant today.
Probably, many will agree that Alexander Vasiliev is a fashion historian with a capital F. As you know, fashion is a fickle and capricious lady. Its history is a reflection of how ideas about female beauty for centuries. And it is very important to learn to catch the slightest changes in what clothes will be popular tomorrow.
And it should be noted that Alexander Vasiliev is a fashion historian who has perfectly mastered this skill. From childhood he dreamed of devoting himself creative profession. Who is he, what was his path to fame? Let's look at these questions in more detail.
Biography
Alexander Vasiliev - fashion historian - was born on December 8, 1959 in the family intelligent people who lived in Russian capital. His father was a national artist, and his mother served in one of the Moscow theaters. Little Sasha was brought up in an atmosphere of love for art and creativity.
Today Alexander Vasiliev is a fashion historian, whose advice is an invaluable gift for many Russian couturiers.
Childhood
Alexander himself recalls with delight and nostalgia the years of his youth: “My father was a real master of the brush, and my mother played roles superbly in the theater. All my ancestors were in one way or another connected with creativity. Dad himself created costumes and scenery for the theater. He was a true professional in his field. We had a huge library, so I read a lot. I enjoyed going to plays and art exhibitions.
Already as a child, it was clear to me that my life would also be connected with creativity.”
Fashion historian Alexander Vasiliev, whose biography is simply unique, as a young man became so attached to the theater that he began sewing costumes on his own and inventing decorations for his dolls. At the age of 12 he was already staging plays.
Moscow Art Theater student
It is quite natural that after graduating from school he wanted to connect his life with the theater, submitting documents to enter the production department of the Moscow Art Theater School. The dream comes true, he becomes a student of this theater university. After receiving his diploma, he worked for some time as a costume designer in
In 1982, the future fashion historian Alexander Vasiliev, whose biography is extremely interesting and remarkable, goes abroad to the capital of France, where he subsequently studies and works. And this is where success awaits him.
Path to glory
It should be noted: despite the fact that the family of Alexander Vasiliev, a fashion historian, was very famous in the Russian capital, the aspiring theater artist was not immediately noticed in Paris. There was a time when he could barely make ends meet financially. He couldn’t even afford to buy a chair, and he made money by singing Russian songs with street musicians.
However, the dark streak in life could not continue indefinitely. After some time, several famous Parisian theaters began to order decorations from Vasiliev. The future collector and writer studied in France for a long time: he successfully graduated from the Louvre School with a degree in interior designer for large palaces. He also devoted a lot of time to self-improvement, regularly reading books about fashion.
As a result, in 1994, he prepared his own course of lectures on this topic, which was translated into several languages. And today the host of the “Fashionable Sentence” program is actively involved in teaching. University and college students know him different countries peace.
Return to Homeland
At the beginning of the 2000s, the fashion historian returns to Russia and unfolds active work. He becomes a TV presenter on the Culture channel. Alexander hosts his own program called “Blow of the Wind.” He is invited to teach at the Moscow State University. He also organizes tours for students to get acquainted with European culture. Students of his course travel to Spain, Italy, England and France.
In 2003, Alexander Vasiliev created a design studio, whose stylists in their work combine the unique traditions of Russian culture with
A few years later, the writer and collector becomes the head of the Fashion Academy, which was established at the Ostankino Institute of Television and Radio Broadcasting. Currently, Alexander Vasiliev hosts a TV show known to Russians called “Fashionable Verdict.”
Attitude towards the opposite sex
Despite the fact that Alexander Vasiliev is a public figure, he clearly does not intend to reveal the secrets of his personal life. And the fact that he managed to achieve a lot (became a successful decorator, art critic, TV presenter, collector, fashion historian, writer) does not go unnoticed by representatives of the opposite sex, so they show special interest in Vasiliev.
Of course, there were ups and downs in his personal life, it was simply impossible to do otherwise, since the path to fame was difficult and thorny.
Due to the fact that the presenter of “Fashionable Sentence” does not like to advertise his personal relationships with the opposite sex, some Russian printed publications began to actively spread rumors that, they say, our Alexander Vasiliev, a fashion historian, is gay. Whether this is true or not is unknown.
Myself theater artist has previously stated that he likes the point of view that justifies male polygamy.
Alexander Vasiliev admitted that he can experience passion for several women at the same time. However, he is not at all shy about it. This outrageous behavior attracts the opposite sex even more. Of course, famous TV presenter, writer and collector huge amount fans
Is Alexander Vasiliev married today?
A very curious fact is that the first wife of Alexander Vasiliev (fashion historian) was French. They say that it was only thanks to this marriage that he ended up abroad.
It should be noted that the marriage with her was fictitious and did not last long - only three years.
After some time, the theater artist married for the second time. His chosen one was an Icelandic woman, from whom he also later divorced.
The children of Alexander Vasiliev (fashion historian) never appeared on white light, which the presenter of “Fashionable Sentence” greatly regrets. The reason is that he never managed to marry the woman he loved. Today Alexander Vasiliev is not bound by marriage.
Alexander Vasiliev is proud that he was able to prove that a girl with brightly colored white hair is no longer as stylish and fashionable as before. He is also pleased that he managed to dissuade the fairer sex from the need to bare their bellies in front of others and wear jeans decorated with rhinestones.
The theater artist masterfully speaks seven foreign languages and has traveled around the world three times. He firmly believes that it makes no sense for a person to sit in one place, since life is very short.
Alexander Vasiliev is the owner of a unique collection of dresses from Russian culture. He repeatedly demonstrated it in European and Asian countries, the USA and Australia. The collection was collected over three decades. It is represented by exclusive models, ranging from the 17th century to the present day. These include exhibits that were created by the fashion houses Chanel, Doucet, Givenchy, Valentino, Paco Rabanne, and Gaultier.
Some models from the collection were worn in the past by famous ladies of their time, such as Baroness Galina Delvig, Countess Olga von Kreutz, Princess Maria Shcherbatova. Many exclusive items were donated by celebrities: Natalya Fateeva, Klara Luchko, Maya Plisetskaya, Lyudmila Zykina, Natalya Durova, Lyudmila Gurchenko.
Also a writer
Alexander Vasiliev is known as a talented writer. His work entitled "Beauty in Exile" was reprinted more than six times, it was translated into English language and was awarded the title “Best Illustrated Book of 1998.” He also wrote a series of articles about the history of Russian fashion, which was called “Russian Fashion. 150 years in photographs." Vasiliev is also the co-author of the work “Lyudmila Lopato. The Magic Mirror of Memories", published in 2003.
Awards
The presenter of “Fashionable Sentence” was awarded a medal for the fact that he managed to draw even greater public attention to Russian art and also he received gold medal Academy of Arts, V. Nijinsky medal, Order of Patron.
In this article you will meet Alexander Vasiliev. He is a fashion historian and art critic, an honorary member of the Academy of Arts in Russia. He gained great popularity thanks to the TV show “Fashionable Sentence”.
Also, its popularity goes beyond Russian Federation, because he works at various theaters and organizes shows of his historical collection. Behind him are several famous lectures, which he delivered in several languages.
Height, weight, age. How old is Alexander Vasiliev
Many fans of the art critic are interested in such external data as height, weight, age. How old is Alexander Vasiliev is a frequent question among those who follow or take part in the fashion world. So, Alexander Vasiliev’s height is approximately 178 centimeters. The fashion historian weighs approximately 80 kilograms. Alexander Alexandrovich Vasiliev was born in 1958, which means he will turn 59 years old this year. By the way, his Zodiac Sign is Sagittarius, which fully corresponds to his character and aspirations.
An interesting fact is that among famous people, there are two more Alexander Vasiliev - a fashion designer from Ukraine, who, by the way, was trained by the protagonist of our article. And the vocalist of the group “Splin”, which is also well known in the CIS countries. Many journalists asked him about his pseudonym, but the fashion historian does not want to hide under fictitious names. Moreover, as he tells it, the French already pronounce and spell his last name incorrectly.
Biography of Alexander Vasiliev (fashionable verdict)
The biography of Alexander Vasiliev originates in the capital of the USSR. The future fashion historian was born in December 1958. The family had an intelligent background.
Since childhood, he was surrounded by an atmosphere inextricably linked with art. Later he would say that it was precisely this environment that determined his development vector back in early age.
From an early age he helped his father sew costumes for the theater. He made the first costumes that belong to his hand at the age of 5. At the same age, he starred in such programs as “Alarm Clock” or “Bells Theatre,” which are well known to Soviet television viewers. And at the age of twelve he acts as a decorator for children's theater performances.
By the way, he painted his first painting at the age of seven. When he starred in children's programs, it came large number letters from his peers who begged for an autograph. Of course, Sasha could not refuse and many people got his painting.
Of course, this situation implied a further profession related to fashion and art. After graduating from school, he enters the Moscow Art Theater, where he is accepted into the production department. Having completed it with excellent marks, at the age of 22 he got a job at the Theater as a costume designer.
Around this time, he falls in love. But his beloved had to leave for France. Alexander could not come to terms with this, and found a way to leave for Paris. As you know, it was simply impossible to move from the USSR. The decorator had to arrange a fictitious marriage. At that time, Alexander had no idea that he was leaving home country for a long time.
When the period of stay abroad was coming to an end, changes began to occur in the USSR related to the policy of visiting other countries and the war in Afghanistan. Due to these factors, Alexander had to stay in France, where he obtained a residence permit. There he managed to get a job designing performances for theaters or festivals. His education developed in two ways - self-development and the Louvre School, where he received a diploma in palace interior design.
By that time, Alexander had served clients such as Ronde Pointe, the Royal Opera, the Studio de Bastia and so on. Along the way, he taught for the Russian Theater School and various fashion schools.
After a short period of time, theaters located in Britain, Iceland, and Turkey became interested in him. This comes from the fact that a Russian fashion historian was considered a great rarity in foreign countries. France, Spain and Italy taught him languages, after which he was able to translate and give his lectures in many parts of the world. In 1994 he received French citizenship.
When the USSR collapsed, Alexander returned to Russia, where he began organizing fashion festivals. Later, he became the host of the “Blow of the Century” program. For a long time he taught and continues to teach fashion history at various universities and fashion schools.
In 2009 he came to the TV show “Fashionable Sentence”, replacing V. Zaitsev. Later, he established his own award in the form of a lily, which is awarded for interior design in establishments such as cafes, train stations, etc.
Can speak seven foreign languages. She also conducts lectures related to fashion in countries where she is very popular.
Concurrently, Alexander Vasiliev wrote several dozen books. Some of them are still published, and in several languages. Basically, his books describe the history of the formation of fashion, both in the USSR and in the CIS countries.
It is impossible not to note the large number of collections that are exhibited in many countries around the world, for example, in France, Australia, etc. These collections include robes of princesses, countesses and baronesses. But most of all, his collection includes neckerchiefs and scarves, of which there are more than two hundred.
By the way, Alexander took part in preparing the scenery for the film “And the War Passes By,” directed by Roberto Enrico.
Alexander is inextricably linked with the theater. He has created a large number of sets for various productions and performances. During the design process, he visited 26 countries around the world, where he staged about a hundred performances. In 2012, he revived the ballet called “Pavilion of Artemis”, creating new and beautiful scenery.
He plans to create the first museum in Russia, which will display historical costumes. Generally speaking, this will be a permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of fashion.
Personal life of Alexander Vasiliev
The personal life of Alexander Vasiliev is a topic shrouded in darkness for ordinary fans. As previously mentioned, his lover went to Paris. To get there, Alexander arranged a fictitious marriage with a French woman who came to the USSR. They lived in this marriage for about five years, after which they decided to separate. As the actor admitted, Ann fell in love with him over time, and he also tried not to deprive her of sympathy.
He does not like to discuss his further love affairs, but only jokes that his only marriage is fashion, and he is happy with such a “marriage.” In numerous interviews, he says that women often do not give him a pass and offer to have a child. However, Alexander believes that a child born in such an atmosphere will feel uncomfortable.
There are rumors that Alexander had another short-lived marriage during his stay in Iceland.
Family of Alexander Vasiliev
As mentioned at the beginning of the article, Alexander Vasiliev’s family consisted of the intelligentsia. Alexandra’s dad worked in the theater as an artist and fashion designer, and had many awards related to his activities, including People’s Artist of Russia. Some of his works are kept in the State Museum. Pushkin. At different times he was chairman of the Soviet Center of the International Association of Stage Designers.
The fashion historian’s mother also worked in the theater and taught stage speech at famous universities in Moscow. Also, she was a teacher at the school at Bolshoi Theater. Such family ties, with early childhood helped Alexander decide on his future profession.
Children of Alexander Vasiliev
The children of Alexander Vasiliev are a topic that he does not like to discuss in public. He doesn't have his own children. He has to godfather for three children of their acquaintances and friends. His closest communication is with Marfa Milovidnaya.
The fashion historian admits that he wants to leave behind a legacy. However, in at the moment, he sees only his company in the form of his beloved dog. Many fans believe that he has a child from his first marriage. But he refuses to answer this question, because... believes that there are topics that cannot be disclosed to the public.
Alexander Vasiliev's wife - Anna
This marriage was fictitious and was needed in order to obtain a visitor visa to France. Alexander Vasiliev’s wife, Anna, came to study at Moscow State University, at the Russian language department. Their marriage was formalized in 1982.
In the same year, they leave the USSR. Unfortunately, it was not possible to start a family with the girl for whom he went to Paris. Now, he remembers Masha with gratitude, because who knows how his life could have turned out if he had not left for France.
Photo by Alexander Vasiliev before and after plastic surgery
Photos of Alexander Vasilyev before and after plastic surgery are a “testing ground” for a large number of speculations from the yellow press and journalists. As the fashion historian himself notes in numerous interviews, with the help plastic surgery You can delay old age.
However, he does not recognize the stars who perform a large number of such interventions and it is already difficult to understand where is natural beauty and where is the work of a surgeon. He himself states that he has not yet thought about changing anything in his appearance. But you don’t have to go under the knife to do this – you can change your style or type of clothing.
So, while still in at a young age, he often experimented with his appearance - changed the length of his hair, its color, grew a mustache and beard. All this took place in France, because... in the USSR they simply would not have understood him.
Instagram and Wikipedia Alexander Vasiliev
Like all modern cultural and stage figures, Alexander started a page on the social network Instagram. It contains a large number of photographs related to everyday life fashion historian. Also, there are announcements of his speeches or lectures related to fashion. For example, on May 12 there will be another performance in Miami.
Many people use social media fashion historian, to be in the trend of the latest innovations, to be aware fashion trends etc. Instagram and Wikipedia of Alexander Vasiliev contain the main life and career stages of the fashion historian that he had to go through in order to achieve unprecedented success, both in the Russian Federation and abroad.
The youth of Alexander Vasiliev
Alexander Alexandrovich's entire life was devoted to culture. Born into an intelligent family, where the father, Alexander Pavlovich, worked as the chief artist of the Moscow Theater, and the Mother, Tatyana Ilyinichna, mesmerized the viewer with her acting dramatic roles on stage. Alexander simply had no chance to escape his fate.Your first costumes for puppet show he developed at just five years of age. And at the age of 7 he was already delighting young viewers in the television programs “Bell Theater” and “Alarm Clock”. For a rather serious production of “The Wizard emerald city", the boy created the costumes and scenery when he was only 12. So it is not surprising that in 1974, as soon as he turned 16 years old, and the law allowed Sasha to draw up a work book, he was immediately hired as a props maker in the theater “Sovremennik” where he worked before the Moscow Art Theater. Vasiliev graduated from studio school at the age of 22 and went to work as a costume designer at “On Malaya Bronnaya”.
The role of women in the life of Alexander Vasiliev
It is unknown how the fate of the great art critic would have developed further if not for his stormy romance with Masha Lavrova. The young hot blood always wanted to be close to the woman he loved. But her mother married a Frenchman, taking her daughter to another country.- “You should come to me there - to this most beautiful city on earth!” Alexander Alexandrovich still remembers these words. And he promised to come. The 21-year-old guy then had no idea how, but firmly believed that he would succeed.
The opportunity presented itself two years later. A French girl, Anna, came to Moscow State University to improve her Russian language. It became Vasiliev’s passport to Europe.
In 1982, young people sealed their relationship with marriage and left the country of the Soviets.
Alexander Vasiliev in Paris
Paris meets young man with their contrasts, the dark alleys gave way to the flowering Champs Elysees. Night city simply sparkled from the lightboxes, outlandish to the Russian people. In Paris there was choice, there was freedom. Even the ordinary restaurant menu was amazing. The newlyweds lived in the 14th arrondissement in a small apartment on the fifth floor.That building didn't even have an elevator. After the 100-meter Moscow chorus then. But freedom was more expensive. Freedom and that beloved girl to whom he promised two years ago to change his life.
Then there was a trip to a villa in Arcachon, heavenly place on the Atlantic coast. Wonderful beaches and simply amazing views could not leave you indifferent creative person. A genius spends a long time near the sea.
The only thing that caused protest was the uniformity and monotony. Dinner at the same time, the same dishes, the same orders. And everything alive in Alexander was playing, demanding reforms. The first thing the artist changed was the old bedspread on the marital bed. But he approached even such a small thing with all his talent and creativity. Everyone appreciated his choice.
Don't trust your friends - Alexander Vasiliev.
Three months flew by quickly, the visa expired, Sasha submits documents to extend his stay in France, and his request is granted. Now it sounds commonplace, but at the time it was fantastic. Only many years later did Vasiliev learn that this was facilitated by the KGB itself, which had its own plans for the Russian decorator.
First steps in Europe
The idleness is over. The artist enters the school at the Louvre, and upon graduation, graduate school theater department Sorbonne. Already in the fall of 1982, Vasiliev was invited to decorate the play “Pope Joanna,” which took place at the Poitiers and Cartoucherie theaters. Then there were the sets and costumes for the plays “Galleries of the Palace”, “Triumph of Love”, “Galleries of the Palace”... He got to work with such stars as: Valerie Dreville, Recep Mitrovica, Michel Witold.Unfortunately, the wife did not share her husband’s aspirations, and after he refused to be a Russian language teacher at the local lyceum, they separated.
Confession of Alexander Vasiliev
As it turned out, Vasiliev did not take the risk in vain. His talent did not go unnoticed. Already in 1985 he was invited to Reykjavik. Where he prepares costumes for the productions “Plato” and “Wild Honey”. The performances were sold out, and the artist was recognized.Also in 1985, Vasiliev began working for ballet performances. Which, a year later, led him to Galina and Valery Panov, who gave him the position of artistic director at the Royal Flemish Ballet. The genius is literally in great demand, he is literally bombarded with offers from the leading theaters of all European countries.
Fashion historian Alexander Vasiliev - about school uniforms
In 1989, Alexander Alexandrovich was invited to Japan. Where Masako Oya invited him to design Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker”.
Vasiliev also made his mark in cinema. Working closely with Roberto Enrico, he creates costumes for the film “And the War Passes.” And also for the films: “My Friend is a Traitor” by Jose Giovani and “Manjklu” by Moshe Mizrahi.
Vasiliev - teacher
This man’s ability to work is simply amazing; while he performs a colossal amount of work, he finds time to teach. Lectures and seminars in higher schools arts in London, Paris, Beijing, Brussels, Nice...and this is only an incomplete list of Vasiliev’s achievements as a teacher. In 1994 he presented his lecture program in 4 languages. This work is read all over the world.Alexander Vasiliev today
2003 And again Alexander surprises the world. Having opened in Moscow, yes, in his hometown, design studio "Interiors of Alexander Vasiliev", he amazes viewers with an unusually rich collection of antique clothes. Antique costumes purchased at various auctions are truly unique. And the collector will not part with them for any money. Although they offered quite a lot of money just for renting things. 
In 2009, famous fashion designer Vyacheslav Zaitsev left Channel One for health reasons.
Alexander Vasiliev is invited to take the place of the host of the popular TV show “Fashionable Sentence”. In the same 2009, he took the post of head of the Moscow Fashion Academy, which was organized at the Moscow Institute of Television and Radio Broadcasting "Ostankino".
Now the great fashion historian, despite all the years he has lived, is still 18. He is full of energy and initiative. He writes books, gives lectures, and is the host of many television and radio programs.
Fashion historian Alexander Vasiliev is a mysterious and shocking personality. No woman knows better than him how to dress stylishly and fashionably, and how to find that “golden mean” in clothes and accessories. Therefore, for many years Vasiliev has been the host of the popular show “Fashionable Verdict”. But what is known about his non-public side of life? Does the famous art critic and decorator have a wife and children? And how does Alexander Vasiliev himself characterize his sexual orientation?
Personal life of fashion historian Alexander Vasiliev: photos of the maestro’s wife and children
Many believe that fashion historian Alexander Vasiliev was never married. And in general, as a creative person, she has a non-traditional sexual orientation. However, this is far from the case. As a young man, the future fashion guru fell madly in love with a girl, Masha. But, as often happens, Vasiliev’s parents did not approve of their son’s choice. Sasha - a boy from the famous creative family. Father - People's Artist RSFSR, mother is a famous dramatic actress.
Alexander Vasiliev in his youth
Soon Masha leaves with her mother for permanent residence in Paris. It would seem that nothing can reunite the lovers. Take into account: it’s the 70s, almost the entire country is “restricted to travel”... But a miracle happened! Alexander Vasiliev meets a French woman and enters into a fictitious marriage with her. Paris is becoming more and more real...
Alexander Vasiliev's first wife was French
Soon the future fashion historian receives the coveted positive response to travel to France. Together with his young wife, Alexander Vasiliev settled in a small rented apartment in Paris. Soon he meets again with his first love, Maria. But, as it turned out, the girl did not wait for her lover, and became pregnant by a Frenchman, a reporter for a well-known publication. True, she was soon left alone again. But Maria still has warm and friendly relations with Alexander Vasiliev. Moreover, Paris has long become a second home for the fashion historian.
Alexander Vasiliev in his Paris apartment
After a divorce from his first wife and failure to re-build a relationship with Maria, Alexander Vasiliev plunges headlong into his favorite work. The fashion historian travels a lot around the world - he is invited as a set designer by leading theaters, and universities are eager to get the best lecturer who knows everything about fashion and style. While working in Reykjavik, Alexander Vasiliev meets a charming Icelandic girl. Subsequently, young people decide to have a civil marriage.
« She was lovely. Her name was Stefania. She was very beautiful blonde With blue eyes... She was offered to me as an assistant. She was such a good assistant that she helped me with everything. And she helped!..”
But this love, alas, soon ended. The girl did not want to follow her lover to Paris, preferring to stay in her homeland, in cold and mysterious Iceland.
Even in his youth, Alexander Vasiliev was known as a master of fashionable shocking
As for the child, Alexander Vasiliev has... three of them! True, these are godchildren. The first and beloved goddaughter Marfa is the daughter of the maestro’s longtime friend and classmate. But the fashion historian practically does not communicate with the other two girls. One of the goddaughters lives in Germany, and the other in Paris, but contact with both has long been lost.
Fashion historian Alexander Vasiliev and his sexual orientation
Alexander Vasiliev honestly admits that he has always loved women. True, now that the maestro is already 59 years old, somewhat different priorities have appeared in his life. The fashion historian himself likes to joke about his personal life today: he is married to fashion and is happily married.
Alexander Vasiliev - fashionable presenter of “Fashionable Sentence”
Vasiliev admits that he loves to eat delicious food and in general, at the moment, prefers to enjoy life. And his financial resources allow him to do this. The fashion historian likes to call himself a “citizen of the world” and, apparently, that’s why he managed to buy himself a good, prestigious home in different corners Europe. Apartments in Moscow and Paris, an estate in the center of France and a large family estate in Riga... The list of personal real estate of the famous art critic and decorator is very impressive.
Alexander Vasiliev in his Moscow apartment
But it is also well known that Vasiliev never stopped loving and admiring women. But smart and... rich ladies are especially dear to his heart. And once in the show “Let's get married!” the fashion historian let it slip that he needed a rich and aged bride. And so that castles and estates must be available to house a truly huge collection of rare dresses and accessories by the maestro.
The collection of fashion historian Alexander Vasiliev contains thousands of interesting exhibits
And to the tricky question about the dominance of men with non-traditional sexual orientation in the world of bohemia, beauty and style - Vasiliev has an exhaustive answer:
“Why are there so many gay fashion designers? - AestheticsXXcentury was invented only by gays. Among the creative elite, 95% are men with non-traditional sexual orientation. A heterosexual man can only undress a woman, but a homosexual man can only dress her!”
With an abundance of unflattering rumors about Alexander Vasiliev’s gay orientation and his affairs with men, not a single “yellow” publication has yet been able to document them. In addition, the fashion historian himself is a public figure and is always willing to make contact with the press. Hundreds of interviews and press conferences every year, participation in all kinds of shows and programs on TV and radio. It seems that not a single question in the world can put the maestro of fashion and style in an awkward position.
And Vasiliev himself is famous for his sharp and always apt statements addressed to the participants of his television project. It’s no secret that Alexander Vasiliev has been the permanent host of the “Fashionable Sentence” program for almost 10 years. By the way, the fashion and style guru treats himself with irony. So, in one of the stories on the central TV channel, Vasiliev makes a fashionable verdict on himself.
Fashion historian Alexander Vasiliev in his youth: rare photos of the star
Alexander Vasiliev does not hide the fact that school years was not like everyone else. In terms of style. Financial opportunities allowed parents to purchase the most fashionable and expensive things for their children, Alexander and his sister. Many elements of the wardrobe of the future fashion historian were bought abroad - my father often went on business trips abroad. Therefore, the maestro himself says, flared trousers, the most fashionable shirts and the most beautiful and stylish shoes are what have always distinguished him from his peers. It’s clear that in the USSR only a few had the opportunity to dress beautifully and expensively “not like everyone else”!
Non-standard appearance and bleached strands - this was the “non-Soviet” style of Alexander Vasiliev in his youth
Despite his financial well-being, Alexander Vasiliev early years loved wandering... through garbage dumps and flea markets. He says that the Soviet-era garbage dump was a real treasure trove of rare, unique things. Often, people of that time easily got rid of trinkets inherited from their grandparents. Apparently, it was while walking through the capital's garbage dumps that the future master of fashion came up with the brilliant idea of creating a collection of rare antique items related to fashion. Even now, Alexander Vasiliev can often be found at flea markets in Paris, which, by the way, has always been famous for such unusual and popular places among tourists.
Alexander Vasiliev is busy looking for another item for his collection
But while collecting precious specimens for his collection and contemplating the beauties of his beloved Paris, Alexander Vasiliev does not forget about work for a minute. While still a newlywed, the future celebrity in the world of fashion and style goes to study at the school at the Louvre Museum, and then successfully completes graduate school at the Sorbonne. Immediately, the young and talented set designer was noticed in the leading theaters in France. Alexander Vasiliev became the author of the scenery for the plays “Pope Joanna”, “Triumph of Love”, “Galleries of the Palace” and many others. Later, the maestro was invited to work at the Opera and Ballet Theater in Reykjavik (where he met his second wife Stefania), and then to the Royal Flemish Ballet.
The desire for beauty has always been in Alexander Vasiliev’s blood
Needless to say, the young man easily charmed not only women, but also his potential employers with his relaxed and at the same time refined manner of conversation, his natural charm and signature smile.
Alexander Vasiliev’s trademark smile is easily recognizable even in a photo taken many years ago
However, the great experimenter Vasiliev did not want to limit himself to searching for himself only in style. He easily tried on different roles. Now he is a decorator, now he is a designer, now he is an art critic. While living in France, young Alexander Vasiliev even managed to try himself as an actor and model! True, as he himself recently admitted, these roles were so insignificant and mediocre that there is essentially nothing for a fashion historian to be proud of in this field.
Rare photos of Alexander Vasiliev in his youth
Fashion historian Alexander Vasiliev - How family happiness depends on clothes
Alexander Vasiliev knows everything about fashion and even more. He is a fashion presenter television program, author of nearly three dozen books on fashion and lectures on how to dress.
As a child, Alexander vacationed in Lithuania every summer with his mother’s relatives. His mother's family spoke Polish, so he knew this language from an early age. Their way of life was very strict. They ate only at certain times and according to all the rules, with a fork and knife, and the table was served by servants. The child was not allowed any liberties in the family. However, all this was useful to Alexander in later life when he lived in Paris. In France, manners, routine and strictness in everything are valued.
Alexander Vasiliev’s mother belonged to a Polish noble family, and some of her relatives lived in Belopanskaya Poland, as it was then called, and now this is the territory of Lithuania. It was there that Alexander rested in the summer.
His mother served as an actress in children's theater and was involved in performances almost every evening. Dad was the chief designer of the Mossovet Theater and created costumes for such stars as Lyubov Orlova, Faina Ranevskaya and Rostislav Plyatt. While his parents worked, a nanny looked after Alexander.
Already at the age of 8, he began acting on Central Television. Alexander was the main presenter of the children's program "Theater of Bells", and then together with Nadezhda Rumyantseva he hosted "Alarm Clock".
He studied poorly, but this is to a greater extent was associated with envy due to his popularity in such early years. In the 9th grade, for these reasons, Vasilyev was transferred to a school for working youth, where he was allowed not to wear a uniform and to smoke right in the classroom. It was in this institution that all the golden youth of that era studied.
Then Alexander entered the Moscow Art Theater School to become a production designer. It was there that he found his calling. The costume room of the School-Studio stored unique costumes for many famous performances. A love for the history of costume is what Alexander acquired there. The result of it all was very beautiful thesis Vasilyeva “Vivat, queen, vivat!”
Oddly enough, he was also driven to leave for the West by love, but for a girl from a parallel class at a school for working youth. She left for France, and Alexander could not let her go. To do this, he entered into a fictitious marriage with a French woman, Anna, who was meanwhile studying at Moscow State University, and immediately went after his beloved. But there he was disappointed; she had already found someone else. However, the choice was made and Alexander became a defector.
Despite everything, he is still grateful to that girl and even supports her good relationship, because otherwise Alexander Vasiliev would not have become what he is now.
1959
- I’m in the arms of my dad, the artist Alexander Pavlovich Vasiliev. The photo was taken on Frunzenskaya Embankment in Moscow in the courtyard of house No. 40, where we lived at that time.
1961
- This is me and my mother. The photo was taken in Vilnius (Lithuania), where my mother’s parents lived, and I came there for the summer. Grandmother lived in an old house, where in the attic there were chests with all sorts of utensils and household items. I enjoyed rummaging through them. The trophies obtained from the attic became the first exhibits in my collection of antiques and clothing.
1985
- After the Moscow Art Theater School, I married a Frenchwoman, Anne Bodimon, and moved to France. Here I am in the attic we rented. Three years later we divorced, but we are still friends. I lived in Paris for almost 25 years, now I come there to my apartment. He received it from the then mayor of the city, Jacques Chirac. It was like this. I worked as a decorator in an antiques store in the Louvre. Chirac came to the store’s 15th anniversary and celebrated my work. Later I wrote to him about how cramped I was in storing antiques. And they gave me an apartment overlooking the Seine.
1991
- This photograph was published on the cover of a weekly magazine in Hong Kong. At that time I was teaching fashion history at the Academy of Arts there. And I was invited to participate in a photo shoot. As you can see, it turned out well. I still have a very good relationship with the Hong Kong Academy of Arts. I became a professor there, and a month ago I received the title of honorary corresponding member. I was handed a purple robe and a beret.
1994
- With Countess Carmen Apraksina (she is a descendant of an old noble family - Note from Antenna), my good friend, in the Pavlovsk Palace near St. Petersburg. The wedding of her daughter, Countess Mira Apraksina, and the architect Nikolai Druzin took place there. We met Mira in Brussels. I talked a lot in Europe with Russian emigrants, and from their stories I reconstructed the history of our fashion in emigration.
1997
- Together with the great couturier Pierre Cardin after the performance of Maya Plisetskaya in Paris. We are both friends with our wonderful ballerina and often went to her performances. Pierre Cardin made many outfits for Plisetskaya, which Maya Mikhailovna donated to my collection.
1998
- Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Zaitsev at my home in Paris. We have known each other for more than forty years. It was Zaitsev who brought me to Fashion Sentence. Despite all the talk about our rivalry, Vyacheslav Mikhailovich and I are good friends. He often visits me in Paris, we have lunch together. I am terribly happy that the whole country can admire him in “Fashionable Verdict” and see his intellect. He runs the program in a very kind way.
2001
- My mother, actress and teacher Tatyana Ilyinichna Vasilyeva, nee Gulevich. She is a graduate of the Moscow Art Theater School and played in the Central Children's Theater for 25 years. My mother always supported my passion for antiques. I remember I studied at English school in the center of Moscow and old mansions were demolished there. And many residents, when moving, got rid of old things: dishes, dresses, umbrellas, hats... And I found them and restored them together with my mother.
2002
- Maya Mikhailovna Plisetskaya came to me in Lithuania with a French television group that was working on a film-autobiography of Plisetskaya. Part of the filming took place in my house near Vilnius.
2003
- Valentin Yudashkin and I are united by a love of ancient costume. And he, like me, wants to create a fashion museum in Russia, he loves antiques. This is us in my studio “Interiors of Alexander Vasiliev”.
2009
- On one of the first recordings of “Fashionable Sentence”. I felt some excitement. Although on TV since 1967. Hosted the children's program “Bell Theatre”, “Alarm Clock” with Nadezhda Rumyantseva. “Fashionable Verdict” gave me the opportunity to share knowledge on the history of fashion with the viewer. I am also convinced that the country is judged and That's why how women dress in it. Vyacheslav Zaitsev and I instill taste in people.
