Kathrine Frich
Russian-born fashion historian and costume collector Alexander Vasiliev was briefly detained at a U.S. airport.
Border officers checked his luggage in connection with an alleged Louvre robbery, foreign media report.
A short misunderstanding
According to Vasiliev, the incident ended quickly.
“Fortunately, the inspection did not take long, my suitcase was returned after about 20 minutes. They said, ‘Your luggage has been checked. The Louvre diamonds are not inside,’” he wrote.
The situation appears to have been a routine inspection rather than a formal accusation, and Vasiliev was allowed to continue his journey shortly afterward.
Scholar of style
Alexander Vasiliev is one of Russia’s best-known fashion historians, recognized internationally for his exhibitions on the evolution of costume and style.
Based for many years in Paris, he has curated numerous shows across Europe, including in the Baltic states.
His personal collection includes garments, accessories, and textiles spanning centuries of fashion history.
Vasiliev often collaborates with museums, archives, and costume ateliers to design exhibitions focused on specific eras, designers, or materials.
Beyond the museum
Vasiliev is also the author of several books on style, etiquette, and fashion history, covering periods from the Belle Époque to the 20th century’s iconic looks.
He regularly gives lectures and masterclasses on the evolution of dress and the influence of fashion on culture.
A familiar face to television audiences, Vasiliev is known for explaining how past silhouettes and materials reappear in modern trends.
His research and commentary continue to connect fashion’s historical roots with its present-day expression.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, which may have used AI in the preparation
