Why is it often so that I am not there when cool things happen? Why did my collegues get to meet A.Vassiliev, but not I, because I obviously had managed to arrange a trip for myself precisely for the time of his visit. Typical! I hope he will visit us again soon and when he does, I too will be there.
Alexandre Vassiliev, legendary Russian designer, historian, and collector of fashion, is a man who apparently needs no introduction, neither in his homeland nor abroad. Having collaborated with prestigious publications, such as the Russian Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, Vassiliev is probably best known to Estonians for the KUMU 2014 exhibition A Party within You. Art Deco Fashion from Alexandre Vassiliev’s Collection, and for his lectures on fashion.
Alexandre Vassiliev has published nearly 40 books about fashion history in several languages, produced documentaries, worked as a lecturer, and developed a range of fashion projects. He has given lectures and seminars on fashion all over the world. Vassiliev’s collection currently boasts more than 500 costumes, 3000 accessories, and an extensive photo archive that was started already in the mid-1970s when Vassiliev was only 16. Alexandre Vassiliev is passionate about adding new items to his collection, regularly visiting flea markets and auctions in a number of countries. Alexandre Vassiliev presently owns one of the world’s largest private collections of Russian historical costumes. His vast costume collection mostly consists of items from the 18th century to the thirties of the past century. Exhibitions of his Art Deco collections have been previously displayed in Paris, Sydney, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Istanbul, Moscow, Riga, Vilnius, and Kaunas.
But what has all this to do with Hotel Oru, you might think?
Recently we had the honour of welcoming this absolutely lovely and energetic fashion designer in our hotel. There is no need to look any further for confirmation that he is a fashion enthusiast and ardent advocate for fashion. The house was full of fashion as well as the fashion designer’s charm. A truly openhearted visit that filled all the ladies in our house with excitement. But can you name one woman who would remain indifferent about fashion and the visit of a world renowned fashion designer?