Alexander Vasiliev in Essen. "Beauty in Exile" 21 November 2025

We invite you to an evening that will become a real cultural event this fall - a meeting with Alexander Vasiliev, fashion historian, art historian, collector and TV presenter.

On November 21 in the cozy hall of the Bredeney Hotel in Essen you will hear his live lecture "Beauty in Exile" - a three-hour story about how the Russian emigration after 1917 changed the face of European fashion.

What will it be about?

It will be not just a lecture, but almost a theatrical mono-performance - sincere, lively and visually rich. Alexander Vasiliev will share the stories of women and men who, after the revolution, found themselves in exile and started a new life in Paris, Berlin, Prague and other European cities. Among them were artists, tailors, embroiderers, mannequins, aristocrats and simply talented people who created the fashion of the 1920s and 1930s. Vasilyev will tell how Russian emigrants opened ateliers, worked in fashion houses, created trends and taught Europe to see beauty in a new way. The evening will be filled with stories, rare photographs, sketches and memories. You will hear about fashion as a language of survival, the power of culture in difficult times and people who have not lost their taste for life even when they are far from their homeland.

What makes this meeting special?

Alexander Vasiliev knows how to tell stories in such a way that it seems that you are right next to the heroes of his stories. He speaks not only as a historian, but also as an interlocutor whom you want to believe. Each of his lectures is a live dialog with the audience. You will feel that he is addressing you. In addition, his book will be presented this evening, which you can buy and sign.

Who is this meeting for?

This meeting is suitable for anyone interested in history, culture, fashion and human destinies. You don't have to know about fashion houses - you just need to be a curious person who is interested in how history influences style and how style influences time.
People of different ages come: young people, adults, grandmothers and granddaughters. There is always a warm atmosphere in the hall, a feeling of "our own". It's an evening where you don't have to pretend that you know anything - it's just interesting to be here.

A little about Vasiliev himself

Alexander Vasiliev is a fashion historian, author of books, collector with a unique archive, host of popular programs, lecturer with an international reputation. He is loved for his sincerity, sense of humor and ability to talk about complex things simply. He speaks all over the world, and every time his lectures are full, because he doesn't just talk about fashion - he talks about life, love, loss and inspiration.

Why is this worth hearing now?

Because the story of Russian emigration is not just about the past. It's a story about how people coped with change, stayed creative and needed. It's inspiring, especially in these times, when it's important for all of us to see examples of resilience and beauty created against all odds.

What's in store for you?

• A lively three-hour story with visual materials
• Rare archival photographs and sketches
• Opportunity to ask questions
• Pleasant atmosphere and interesting people
• Books and autograph session after the lecture