Fashion historian Alexander Vasiliev: photo, biography and tips for creating your own style. Alexander Vasiliev is a fashion historian. Biography, family and style tips

30.04.2019

Art critic, fashion historian, TV presenter - and that’s all he, Alexander Vasiliev, who gained wild popularity after he became the host of the program “ Fashionable verdict" They began to gossip about Vasiliev, imitate him, invite him to various shows, and the ubiquitous journalists began to interview him. The fashion historian always answers questions condescendingly and frankly, initially knowing that nothing can make him angry.

Currently Alexander Vasiliev (fashion historian) is an honorary member Russian Academy arts, works as a theater decorator, collaborating around the world, exhibits his own collection of historical costume, and also gives lectures on the history of fashion.

Biography

The famous fashion historian Alexander Vasiliev was born on December 8, 1958 in Moscow. Parents are extremely intelligent people. Alexander Pavlovich Vasiliev - the father of Alexander Jr., was a theater artist and fashion designer. In the mid-fifties, he received the Grand Prix at the Brussels World Exhibition and also earned the title “ People's Artist Russia." Still at the Chekhov Theater and Bolshoi Theater works of Alexander Pavlovich are stored.

Mom, Tatyana Ilyinichna Vasilyeva-Gurevich, a woman with magnificent appearance and artistic talent, could not imagine herself outside the stage in her young years. Having served long enough in Melpomene, she moved to teaching activities to universities such as the Moscow Art Theater School and the Bolshoi Theater Choreographic School.

The cultural situation could not help but influence young Alexander and his older sister Natasha. WITH early childhood he dreamed of becoming an actor, became interested in historical costume and helped his father in sewing scenery, and Alexander Vasiliev invented his first exclusive costumes and scenery at the age of five.

First time on set

His mother brought him to Shabolovka 37, where he first took part in the fascinating program “Alarm Clock”, the host of which was then popular actress Nadezhda Rumyantseva. As a teenager, he starred in the children's program "Bell Theatre", and at the age of twelve he became a set designer for the children's play "The Wizard of the Emerald City".

All this hectic life has affected future biography Alexandra Vasilieva.

After graduating high school, he enters the Moscow Art Theater School-Studio in the production department, after which he begins to work as a costume designer at the Theater on Malaya Bronnaya.

Personal life of Alexander Vasiliev

Further fate young man changed in many ways thanks to his first love. Masha, that was the name of his passion, went to live in Paris after her mother married a French citizen. The girl’s dream came true, but difficult days came for Alexander.

At that time it was unthinkable to just pick up and leave Soviet Union. Good reasons were needed, and Alexander Alexandrovich Jr. thought about a fictitious marriage. Fate smiled on him in the face of a young French woman who came to Russia to learn the language.

Fictitious marriage

Anna, having become the fictitious wife of Alexander Vasiliev, lived in marriage with him for several years. The expectations of the future fashion historian associated with his beloved girl did not materialize. Masha was married and expecting a child. She explained her behavior by saying that the father of the unborn baby is French. That said it all.

Vasiliev was unable to return to his homeland - he was awaiting service in Afghanistan, and in addition, according to the laws of the USSR, he did not have the right to leave his place of residence for fifteen years. I had to apply for a residence permit in France, becoming a “defector”.

Life of Alexander Vasiliev in France

At first, life in an unfamiliar environment was not sweet. Young Alexander was forced to rent an apartment, eat poorly, and save money.

This strengthened his character. The hardest thing was the separation from loved ones, especially my mother. Then no one could predict the future - the restructuring of the regime and so on. It seemed that I would have to live in a foreign land until the end of my days. The French wife of Alexander Vasiliev, being a calculating woman, fled to her next passion, and Alexander himself no longer formalized the official marriage.

Thanks to his talent and hard work, Alexander Vasiliev, whose photo is posted in the article, quickly found a use for himself. He began to design street festivals and performances in French theaters. His love for history led him to the Louvre School, from which he graduated with a degree in palace interior design.

Europe

Alexander Vasiliev’s creative and labor savings (photo is in the article) began to expand. At the same time, he began teaching fashion history to students of the Russian theater school and the famous fashion school in Paris. The fame of the talented decorator spread beyond France. From London he received an offer to collaborate with the National London Theater and the Scottish Ballet in Glasgow.

They learned about him in Spain, Turkey and Japan, and everywhere Alexander Alexandrovich managed to draw up a long-term contract, enjoying his work, studying the languages and life of Europe. Today our favorite TV presenter is fluent in Spanish, French and Italian. Since 1994, having received French citizenship, he began to lecture on the history of fashion in these countries in their native language.

"Fashionable verdict"

Perestroika and the collapse of the Soviet Union allowed the popular fashion historian and designer to return to Russia.

Wanting to educate his native people in the field of design, fashion and aesthetics, Alexander Vasiliev opens the Volga Seasons fashion festival in Samara.

Two years later, in 2002, he became the host of the television project “Blow of the Century” on the “Culture” channel. Many people sign up for private lectures with him, at Moscow State University he teaches students the history of fashion, and organizes traveling fashion schools in the cultural capitals of the world. One can endlessly list the vigorous activity of the master of fashion and design, but despite this, many first learned about Vasiliev through the TV show “Fashionable Sentence”.

Having replaced Vyacheslav Zaitsev on the set of the popular show, Alexander Alexandrovich became a constant favorite of women. Not one of the participants was ever offended by the presenter for criticizing their appearance. He chides the invited guest with a smile and gives advice with the same smile and insinuating, soft tone. There are many famous phrases from the TV presenter that have become catchphrases: “Yes, you are not Angelina Jolie, but she too will go out of fashion,” “You can wear a mini until you’re 99 years old, but you don’t need to show it to anyone,” “You remind me of the heroine of Mayakovsky’s comedy “The Bedbug” or Red A retirement cap” and so on.

The hard work of a show host

Four or five episodes of “Fashionable Verdict” are filmed a day. Alexander Vasiliev is the “judge” in the show, Evelina Khromchenko got the role of the “prosecutor” and Nadezhda Babkina played the “lawyer”. During the program they had to change clothes several times. And this is just the beginning. Sometimes people with inappropriate behavior come to the studio and start scandals, but this is rather the exception.

Alexander Vasilyev’s favorite model in “Fashionable Sentence” was a milkmaid from the Republic of Mari El, Zinaida Enova, who had in her wardrobe a work robe in which she milked about thirty cows, and a weekend outfit in the form of a national dress.

After she was dressed in a modern suit and put on high-heeled shoes, the audience sitting in the hall and behind the TV screen simply gasped. The post-Balzac woman impressed with her elegance, simplicity and confidence.

The interests of the invited guests, in addition to Nadezhda Babkina, are also protected by others famous personalities, for example, Arina Sharapova, Daria Dontsova, Larisa Verbitskaya, Anzhelika Varum, Renata Litvinova and others. In many ways, the program’s rating is maintained thanks to the jokes and sparklingness of Alexander Vasilyev Jr.

Radio "Mayak"

Since 2012, Vasiliev has been hosting a series of programs “Portraits of Great Fashionistas” on Mayak radio, in which he talks about famous fashion designers, actors and actresses, people whose names are in one way or another connected with fashion. The program lasts about 30-40 minutes. The acting and extraordinary talent of the presenter, his intonations create a bright, convex image of those about whom the conversation is being conducted. This makes the program interesting and listens in one breath.

In 2011, the fashion historian established his own version of the Michelin Star - a ceramic lily, which is awarded to those whose interior design is the most successful. These are mainly public places open to the public: cafes, train stations, galleries, and so on. Each lily made has its own number, which can be used to determine its authenticity, and is made by hand.

Books

But this is not all the activities of Alexander Vasiliev. Unfortunately, he has no children, but he has goddaughters to whom he will certainly leave part of the inheritance. One of the master's main legacies are his books.

Not everyone will be able to attend Alexander Alexandrovich’s lectures and not everyone will be lucky enough to see his traveling costume collections. But reading books is much easier, because rich experience in the history of fashion should be passed on to descendants.

Currently, more than thirty books have been published. They are mainly dedicated to the style of Russian emigrants of the early 20th century. The book “Beauty in Exile” was published six times. He also wants to write a book dedicated to the memoirs of Tatyana Leskova, the great-granddaughter of Nikolai Leskov, famous writer late XIX and the beginning of the 20th centuries.

Over the years, Alexander Vasiliev has kept a diary, where he records significant or exciting events that happen both to him personally and to the country and people.

The master of fashion of the show “Fashionable Sentence” opens with a quote from Bernard Shaw: “Following fashion is funny, but not following is stupid.” This line between “funny” and “stupid” is style. Alexander Vasiliev’s sense of style and biography were influenced by his parents and life in France. Unlike Russians, the French tell children: “Beautiful or ugly,” while Russians say “Good or bad.” In a family where the parents, the parents' parents, were fashionable and stylish people, there is a huge chance that the future generation will also have taste and style.

Alexander Vasiliev’s advice can be written down in a notebook or notepad. They will become guiding star in the chaotic world of fashion. So, according to the fashion historian, it follows that:

Only women with fair skin and forget-me-not eyes, as well as green and gray eyes, are allowed to lighten their hair. It is advisable to dye your hair using highlights, that is, not completely.
There must be a mirror in the house showing the figure in full height, in order to really determine the type of figure, as well as its disadvantages and advantages.
Fur products should not be worn if you have to use public transport. It is better to match the color of the fur to the color of the hair.
Must be observed at all times and everywhere good tone, to be polite.
Diamonds (although they are girls’ best “friends”) are not recommended for unmarried women. In addition, you should wear jewelry with this expensive stone only in the evening, when going on a visit or to another event.
Brands cannot be displayed publicly. In Europe this is considered bad manners.
You should not dye your hair in flashy unnatural colors; natural hair color makes the image more expensive. Clothes should also be modestly cut, but of high quality.
You can't turn into a sloppy housewife. Clothing to be worn at home should be well-groomed, clean and smell nice. Women should not skimp on quality cosmetics and pleasant, bright scents.

The main wish of the beloved and popular fashion historian for women: “Try to always be beautiful, always on top!”

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. Her story is a reflection of how ideas about female beauty have changed over the 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, a fashion historian, was born on December 8, 1959 in a family of intelligent people who lived in the 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.

Even 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 at 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. Future collector and writer long time studied in France: he successfully graduated from the Louvre School with a degree in interior design 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.

Homecoming

At the beginning of the 2000s, the fashion historian returned to Russia and began 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 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 Sentence.”

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.

The theater artist himself 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 great 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 came into this world, 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 masters seven foreign languages, 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 today. 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,” has been reprinted more than six times and has been 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 a co-author of the work “Lyudmila Lopato. The Magic Mirror of Memories", published in 2003.

Awards

Presenter of "Fashion Sentence" 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.

Alexander Vasiliev, fashion historian, honorary member The Russian Academy of Arts, whom the Russian public recognized thanks to the popular TV show “Fashionable Verdict,” is known far beyond the country’s borders. This outstanding art critic, collector and theater decorator works all over the world: he collaborates with various theaters, exhibits exhibitions of his collections of historical costume, and also lectures on the history of fashion in several languages.

Alexander Vasiliev was born in Moscow into an exceptionally intelligent family. His father, Alexander Pavlovich Vasiliev, was a famous theater artist and fashion designer, winner of the Grand Prix at the 1959 Brussels World Exhibition.

For his creative heritage, Alexander Vasiliev Sr. was awarded the title of People's Artist of Russia, in different years he headed the Soviet Center of the International Association of Stage Designers and Theater Technologists, the department of theater and film artists at the Moscow Union of Artists, and was the secretary of the board of the Union of Artists in the USSR. His works are in State Museum them. Pushkin, as well as in museums of such famous theaters as the Theater named after. Chekhov and the Bolshoi Theater.

Alexander Alexandrovich's mother, Tatyana Ilyinichna Vasilyeva-Gurevich, played in the theater and also taught stage speech and acting in universities such as the Moscow Art Theater School and the Bolshoi Theater Choreographic School. Thus, the boy was surrounded by an atmosphere of art from childhood. It was his early immersion in the world of beauty that gave him the first impetus for development, the fashion historian claims in his numerous interviews.

Since childhood, Sasha was extremely passionate about the history of fashion and often helped his father with tailoring theatrical scenery. Your first theatrical costumes and the future maestro created the scenery when he was only five years old. At the same time, Sasha took part in the filming of Soviet children's television programs "Alarm Clock" and "Bell Theatre". Already at the age of twelve, Alexander Vasiliev acted as a decorative artist for the complete decoration theatrical performance for children "The Wizard of the Emerald City".

Naturally, with such an early start creative activity, noticeable talent and comprehensive support from loved ones regarding the choice future profession didn't stand. After graduating from school, the young man entered the Moscow Art Theater School in the production department, which he graduated in 1980, and began working in famous Theater on Malaya Bronnaya as a costume designer.

At the same time in life young Alexander Vasiliev's first love comes. However, circumstances turned out to be such that the mother of the girl Masha, for whom the artist had romantic feelings, married a French citizen and moved to Paris with her daughter. This was a big blow for the young man, but the decorator did not resign himself and began to look for opportunities to get to France, which was almost impossible in the USSR. Vasiliev had to enter into a fictitious marriage in order to leave the country. Then the future maestro did not suspect that his absence would drag on for many years.

Life in France

When the exit visa was about to expire, Vasiliev learned that, firstly, upon returning to his homeland, he would be sent to serve in Afghanistan, and, secondly, a ban on leaving the USSR would come into force for fifteen years. Both of these facts led to the fact that the young art critic became a “defector”, having issued himself a residence permit in France.

In Paris, thanks to his talent and hard work, Alexander Vasiliev quickly found a job in his specialty. He began to receive orders for the design of various performances in French theaters, as well as street festivals. At the same time, the artist constantly improved his skills: in addition to self-study, he graduated from the Louvre School with a degree in palace interior design.

Over time, the decorator's track record expanded to include such famous clients as the Ronde Pointe Theater, the Royal Opera of Versailles, the Studio de Bastille Opera, Lucerner, the Avignon Festival and many others.

At the same time, Alexander Vasiliev began his teaching career: he taught fashion history to students of the Russian Theater School and the famous Parisian fashion school Esmod, which is the first in the world educational institution similar orientation (founded in 1841).

Subsequently, the geography of Vasiliev’s works expanded noticeably, since the Russian decorator was considered exotic in Europe. Alexander began to receive offers of cooperation from Great Britain: the National London Theater and the Scottish Ballet in Glasgow became interested in the talented decorator; orders came from all over the world - Iceland, Turkey and Japan.

Thanks to long-term contracts in France, Spain and Italy, the artist had the opportunity to master the languages of these countries, which subsequently gave him the opportunity to lecture in Spanish, Italian and French. The fashion historian began his visiting lecture practice in 1994, having received French citizenship by that time.

"Fashionable verdict"

Returning to Russia after the collapse of the USSR, Alexander Vasiliev continued his educational activities in the field of design, fashion and aesthetics. In 2000, under his patronage, the first Samara fashion festival “Volga Region Seasons of Alexander Vasiliev” took place. Two years later, the fashion historian began hosting his own program “Blow of the Century” on the “Culture” TV channel.

TV presenter Alexander Vasiliev

In addition to private lectures, Alexander Vasiliev teaches fashion history at Moscow State University, is the founder of his own design studio, as well as a traveling fashion school that organizes educational trips to the cultural capitals of the world. IN different time the decorator gave a course of lectures at the Moscow Institute of Television and Radio Broadcasting "Ostankino", at the style school "MODA.RU". Also, thanks to his patronage, the first Museum of the History of Fashion of the Twentieth Century was opened in Chelyabinsk in the history of Russia.

Since 2009, Vasiliev has replaced him as the host of fashion court meetings in the popular TV show “Fashionable Sentence”, in which the maestro works together with, and since 2012 he has been hosting a series of original programs “Portraits of Great Fashionistas” on radio “Mayak”.

Jewelry collection of Alexander Vasiliev

In 2011, Vasiliev established his own version of the “Michelin star”: for the high aesthetics of interior design, the maestro awards the laureates a ceramic lily. Each award is handmade and has its own personal number to determine authenticity. "Lilies of Alexander Vasiliev" are awarded primarily for the design of public interiors open to the public - various cafes, train stations, public galleries.

Books

Of course, such a rich experience in the history of fashion was worth passing on to descendants. Alexander Vasiliev is the author of more than three dozen books, which are mainly devoted to the history of domestic fashion and the style of Russian emigrants of the early twentieth century. His work "Beauty in Exile" was published six times.

Alexander Vasiliev is not only a historian, but also a writer

The maestro has plans to publish the memoirs of Tatyana Leskova, the great-granddaughter of the famous Russian writer Nikolai Leskov, prima ballerina of the Russian ballet and ballet director in Brazil. The biography of Alexander Vasiliev, as he himself claims, is slowly being compiled from his diary entries, which he has diligently kept for many decades.

Collections

His passion for fashion history made Alexander Vasiliev an avid collector. Yes, him private collection historical costume is one of the largest in the world. Most valuable exhibits are masterpieces that belonged to Princess Maria Shcherbatova, ballerina Maya Plisetskaya, countesses Jacqueline de Beaugurdon and Olga von Kreutz. Russian theater and film actresses willingly provide their costumes to replenish this collection.

Since the main purpose of the collection is not so much ownership, but educational activities, Alexander Vasiliev forms thematic exhibitions based on it, which are regularly held in Russia and abroad. The fashion historian’s future plans include creating a permanent exhibition, which will become Russia’s first museum of historical costume.

Personal life

The maestro was married in a fictitious marriage, which he, being a graduate of the Moscow Art Theater School, entered into to obtain a French visa. This marriage lasted five years, but then the couple separated.

After this, Alexander Vasiliev’s personal life was connected only with art. As the maestro sometimes jokes, he married fashion and is happy in such a marriage.

Bibliography

Beauty in exile
Russian fashion. 150 years in photographs
European fashion. Three centuries. From the collection of A. Vasiliev
Series of book-postcards “Carte Postale”
I'm in fashion today...
Sketches about fashion and style
The fate of fashion
Little ballerina: Confession of a Russian emigrant
Russian Hollywood
Children's fashion of the Russian Empire
Paris–Moscow: a long return

Alexander Vasiliev is a world-famous theater artist, interior designer, as well as an art critic and fashion historian.

Alexander Vasiliev was born on December 8, 1958 in Moscow into a famous theater family. His father, People's Artist of Russia, Alexander Vasiliev Sr. (1911 - 1990), corresponding member of the Academy of Arts, creator of sets and costumes for more than 300 productions on the domestic and foreign stage. Mother, Tatyana Vasilyeva - Gulevich (1924 - 2003), dramatic actress, professor, one of the first graduates of the Moscow Art Theater School.

Since childhood, Alexander Vasiliev was brought up in a theatrical environment. At the age of five, Alexander created his first costumes and sets for puppet theater, at the same time he took part in the filming of children's programs on Soviet television "Theater Bell" and "Alarm Clock". He staged his first fairy tale performance, “The Wizard of the Emerald City,” at the age of 12, demonstrating extraordinary abilities in theatrical design and costume creation.

Particular influence on young artist He set the example of his father, not only a classical decorator, but also the creator of stage costumes for Lyubov Orlova, Faina Ranevskaya, Igor Ilyinsky. At the age of 22, A. Vasiliev graduated from the Production Department of the Moscow Art Theater School. Then he worked as a costume designer at the Moscow Theater on Malaya Bronnaya. In 1982 he moved to Paris, where he immediately began working for the French theater Ronde Pointe at Champs Elysees, at the Bastille Opera Studio, Lucerner, Cartoucherie, Avignon Festival, Bale du Nord, Young Ballet of France and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

Alexander Vasiliev - creator of sets for operas, theatrical productions, films and ballets for many famous theaters and troupes For example, they collaborated with him National Theater in London, Scottish Ballet in Glasgow, Royal Ballet of Flanders, Oya Masako Ballet in Osaka and Asami Maki Ballet in Tokyo, Nevada Ballet, Santiago Opera and Ballet Theater and many others. More information about this facet of A. Vasiliev’s work can be found in the “Performances” section ".

Alexander Vasiliev lectures in 4 languages at many colleges and universities around the world as a visiting professor on the history of fashion and stage design. Alexander Vasiliev is the owner of one of the largest private collections of costumes from the Russian period. Alexander showed this collection in many countries of the world - in Australia, Chile, Turkey, Hong Kong, Belgium, Great Britain, France and other countries. Awarded for the promotion of Russian art with the S.P. medal. Diaghilev, the V. Nijinsky medal, the Order of the Patron and the Gold Medal of the Russian Academy of Arts. Twice winner of the Tobab Prize in Turkey.

Alexander Vasiliev is the author of the book “Beauty in Exile”, which went through six editions - in 1998, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005. - and translated into English in New York in 2000. In 1998, Beauty in Exile was named best picture book of the year. He is the author of the book "Russian Fashion. 150 Years in Photographs", which contains more than 2000 photographs dedicated to the history of Russian, Soviet and post-Soviet fashion, starting from the 50s of the 19th century and ending beginning of the XXI century. The book contains texts from fashion magazines different eras, fragments of interviews with fashion models, famous people, film actresses, fashion designers. How social, political and economic reasons influenced the nature of Russian clothing, how the silhouette and fabrics were modified, how the canons of beauty were formed, posture, facial expression and the sparkle in the eyes changed - these are the range of issues discussed in the book. According to the author, he intends to later publish this work in New York, “since they know nothing about Russian fashion not only in Russia, but also abroad.”

Alexander Vasiliev is co-author of the book "Lyudmila Lopato. The Magic Mirror of Memories." Zakharov, Moscow, 2003. Alexander Vasiliev worked for the Russian editions of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar magazines as a special correspondent in Paris.

Since 2002, Alexander Vasiliev has been on the Kultura TV channel as the author and host of the program “Blow of the Century”. This series is based on the book "Beauty in Exile". In 2005, the Kultura TV channel will begin broadcasting a new 10-episode television series, “Blow of the Century - 22,” based on the book “Russian Fashion. 150 Years in Photographs.” Since 1994, Alexander Vasiliev has devoted a lot of time to master classes and lecture courses at Russian universities and colleges. Since 2000, under the leadership of Alexander Vasiliev, the fashion festival “Volga Region Seasons of Alexander Vasiliev” has been held in Samara.

In October 2003, the design studio “Interiors of Alexander Vasiliev” opened in Moscow. The goal of the new project is to present the rich Russian tradition in Parisian gloss. In Russia, Alexander Vasiliev lectures at the faculty of "Management and Fashion Theory" in Moscow state university, in lecture halls in Samara, Yekaterinburg, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Vladivostok, Ufa, Perm, Barnaul, Murmansk and many other cities.

In February 2004, the exhibition “Russian Interior in Photographs” was held, at which Alexander Vasiliev presented 55 rare photographs, never previously published or exhibited, dedicated to the theme of Russian interior design of the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. This prolific author plans to create a book about Russian interior design.

Art critic, fashion historian, TV presenter - and that’s all he, Alexander Vasiliev, who gained wild popularity after he became the host of the “Fashionable Sentence” program. They began to gossip about Vasiliev, imitate him, invite him to various shows, and the ubiquitous journalists began to interview him. The fashion historian always answers questions condescendingly and frankly, initially knowing that nothing can make him angry.

Currently, Alexander Vasiliev (fashion historian) is an honorary member of the Russian Academy of Arts, works as a theater decorator, collaborating around the world, exhibits his own collection of historical costume, and also gives lectures on the history of fashion.

Biography

The famous fashion historian Alexander Vasiliev was born on December 8, 1958 in Moscow. Parents are extremely intelligent people. Alexander Pavlovich Vasiliev, the father of Alexander Jr., was a theater artist and fashion designer. In the mid-fifties, he received the Grand Prix at the Brussels World Exhibition and also earned the title “People's Artist of Russia.” The works of Alexander Pavlovich are still kept in the Chekhov Theater and the Bolshoi Theater.

Mom, Tatyana Ilyinichna Vasilyeva-Gurevich, a woman with magnificent appearance and artistic talent, could not imagine herself outside the stage in her youth. Having served for quite a long time in Melpomene, she moved on to teaching at universities such as the Moscow Art Theater School and the Bolshoi Theater Choreographic School.

The cultural situation could not help but influence young Alexander and his older sister Natasha. From early childhood, he dreamed of becoming an actor, became interested in historical costume and helped his father in sewing scenery, and Alexander Vasiliev invented his first exclusive costumes and scenery at the age of five.

First time on set

His mother brought him to Shabolovka 37, where he first took part in the fascinating program “Alarm Clock,” which was then hosted by the popular actress Nadezhda Rumyantseva. As a teenager, he starred in the children's program "Bell Theatre", and at the age of twelve he became a set designer for the children's play "The Wizard of the Emerald City".

All this hectic life influenced the future biography of Alexander Vasiliev.

After graduating from high school, he entered the Moscow Art Theater School-Studio in the production department, after which he began working as a costume designer at the Theater on Malaya Bronnaya.

Personal life of Alexander Vasiliev

The further fate of the young man changed in many ways thanks to his first love. Masha, that was the name of his passion, went to live in Paris after her mother married a French citizen. The girl’s dream came true, but difficult days came for Alexander.

At that time, it was unthinkable to just up and leave the Soviet Union. Good reasons were needed, and Alexander Alexandrovich Jr. thought about a fictitious marriage. Fate smiled on him in the face of a young French woman who came to Russia to learn the language.

Fictitious marriage

Vasiliev could not return to his homeland - he was awaiting service in Afghanistan, in addition, according to the laws of the USSR, he did not have the right to leave his place of residence for fifteen years. I had to apply for a residence permit in France, becoming a “defector”.

Life of Alexander Vasiliev in France

At first, life in an unfamiliar environment was not sweet. Young Alexander was forced to rent an apartment, eat poorly, and save money.

This strengthened his character. The hardest thing was the separation from loved ones, especially my mother. Then no one could predict the future—regime restructuring and so on. It seemed that I would have to live in a foreign land until the end of my days. The French wife of Alexander Vasiliev, being a calculating woman, fled to her next passion, and Alexander himself no longer formalized the official marriage.

Europe

Alexander Vasiliev’s creative and labor savings (photo is in the article) began to expand. At the same time, he began teaching fashion history to students at the Russian Theater School and the famous fashion school in Paris. The fame of the talented decorator spread beyond France. From London he received an offer to collaborate with the National London Theater and the Scottish Ballet in Glasgow.

"Fashionable verdict"

Perestroika and the collapse of the Soviet Union allowed the popular fashion historian and designer to return to Russia.

Wanting to educate his native people in the field of design, fashion and aesthetics, Alexander Vasiliev opens the Volga Seasons fashion festival in Samara.

Having replaced Vyacheslav Zaitsev on the set of the popular show, Alexander Alexandrovich became a constant favorite of women. Not one of the participants was ever offended by the presenter for criticizing her appearance. He chides the invited guest with a smile and gives advice with the same smile and insinuating, soft tone. There are many famous phrases from the TV presenter that have become catchphrases: “Yes, you are not Angelina Jolie, but she too will go out of fashion,” “You can wear a mini until you’re 99 years old, but you don’t need to show it to anyone,” “You remind me of the heroine of Mayakovsky’s comedy “The Bedbug” or Red A retirement cap” and so on.

The hard work of a show host

The interests of the invited guests, in addition to Nadezhda Babkina, are also protected by other famous personalities, for example, Arina Sharapova, Daria Dontsova, Larisa Verbitskaya, Anzhelika Varum, Renata Litvinova and others. In many ways, the program’s rating is maintained thanks to the jokes and sparklingness of Alexander Vasilyev Jr.

Radio "Mayak"

Books

Not everyone will be able to attend Alexander Alexandrovich’s lectures and not everyone will be lucky enough to see his traveling costume collections. But reading books is much easier, because the rich experience in the history of fashion should be passed on to descendants.

Currently, more than thirty books have been published. They are mainly dedicated to the style of Russian emigrants of the early 20th century. The book “Beauty in Exile” was published six times. He also wants to write a book dedicated to the memoirs of Tatyana Leskova, the great-granddaughter of Nikolai Leskov, a famous writer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Over the years, Alexander Vasiliev has kept a diary, where he records significant or exciting events that happen both to him personally and to the country and people.

The master of fashion of the show “Fashionable Verdict” opens with a quote from Bernard Shaw: “Following fashion is funny, but not following is stupid.” This line between “funny” and “stupid” is style. Alexander Vasiliev’s sense of style and biography were influenced by his parents and life in France. Unlike Russians, the French tell children: “Beautiful or ugly,” while Russians say “Good or bad.” In a family where the parents, the parents' parents, were fashionable and stylish people, there is a huge chance that the future generation will also have taste and style.

Alexander Vasiliev’s advice can be written down in a notebook or notepad. They will become a guiding light in the chaotic world of fashion. So, according to the fashion historian, it follows that:

The main wish of the beloved and popular fashion historian for women: “Try to always be beautiful, always on top!”