According to a US-based consultancy company, RTW, which has recently released its report on the “State of Russian Fashion”, Zaitsev is among the most well-known Russian fashion brands, along with Denis Simachev and Valentin Yudashkin.

Once referred to as the “Red Dior” by the Western media, Slava Zaitsev’s name has long been synonymous with quality, tradition and respectability.

Slava Zaitsev (RIA Novosti / Anton Denisov, STF)

Founder of the oldest Russian fashion house bearing his name, Zaitsev has been in the fashion milieu for almost half a century and still remains one of the country’s most favorite and famous designers.

His motto in fashion could just as well be Thomas Jefferson’s rule: “On matters of style, swim with the current; on matters of principle, stand like a rock.”

As a matter of fact, Zaitsev has never been a slave to fashion, but is a true workaholic. It may be hard to imagine, but until last year, the indefatigable couturier had not taken a holiday for 36 years.

In Soviet days, his evening garments and casual items were in high demand by daughters and wives of the political elite but, most importantly for Zaitsev, his clothes were popular with actresses and models.

Nowadays, the 72-year-old guru of Russian fashion shares his time managing his fashion house, hosting a TV-show, and teaching aspiring designers at his fashion laboratory.

His previous collection presented at the Russian Fashion Week last autumn was aptly entitled “Despite the Crisis” and was created with the idea of easing financial burdens with the help of more accessible prices and simpler fabrics.

Regardless of the times, his creations are for women who strive for perfection, rather than for the latest fashion.

Valeria Paikova, RT