Zaitsev says he has always been a strong admirer of aesthetism. “I think even if you put on a white shirt with a black skirt, black shoes, black stockings, and a black hat you’ll look beautiful.”

Slava Zaitsev

Slava Zaitsev is often referred to as the “patriarch of Russian fashion,” and the “Red Dior” by the western press. His creations have been presented on the catwalks in Paris, New York, and Tokyo, where Zaitsev was once recognized as one the world’s top five fashion designers.

Despite international success, Zaitsev has always preferred to keep close to his roots, urging Russian designers not to be influenced by the West. Russian folklore tradition has always been an inspiration for him.

Zaitsev says, he has never been a slave to fashion. “The French media once said about Ives Saint Laurent, that he 'walks down the opposite side of the street called Fashion.' The same applies to me. Fashion rules don’t exist for me."

AFP Photo / Dmitry Kostyukov

 In Soviet times, Zaitsev was the first designer who was allowed to put a label in his clothing. “I’ve been in the fashion business for 46 years. I’ve lived through the '60s, '70s, '80s, and '90s. I’m not interested in re-creating something that’s already been created by somebody. I just try to entice people into the whirlpool of passions, joy, and beauty that exist in my world of fashion”.

Zaitsev’s long-time clients are show-biz celebrities, high-ranking officials, and politicians. The indefatigable fashion designer manages 500 people who work at his own fashion house in the center of Moscow.

Valeria Paikova, RT