alexandra tolstoy clothes

Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. Leo Tolstoy's life", 1953 and others). By 2015, he was dividing his time between France and the family home in London and claimed to be number 3 on Kremlin's hitlist. Xander Haveron-Jones talks with Countess Alexandra on cultivating an aesthetic, the liberation of stylistic reinvention, and her infamous billionaire marriage. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. After the Silk Road journey, he, a friend and I went to Mongolia with only packhorses. She was born in Poole, Dorset. I did really lose myself in that period and Ive started dressing in a way that just wasnt me. Where I would usually be wearing some sort of boho embroidered dress before, it just wasnt formal enough, you needed couture. . The pair soon enlisted Burns help. I went to Yasnaya Polyana (which means clear glade) Tolstoys former home, which is 125 miles south of Moscow. The tycoon is in another legal battle with Russia in The Hague where he is suing the Federation for 11billion. Sergei Pugachev once owned two major shipyards, the world's biggest mine and large chunks of real estate in Moscow and St Petersburg, as well as the Mezhprombank, which he co-founded in the 1990s. I lived with a Russian family in Moscow the father was an actor. Stephanie Linning For Mailonline offers FT membership to read for free. Among Alexandra's favourite pieces are a pair of white upholstered sofas by Katherine Pooley, which are expected to fetch between4,000-6,000, and two pairs of 20th century Indian palace paintings which are expected to fetch1,000-2,000 a pair. Alexandra Tolstoy, Sigrid Kirk and Isabella Macpherson attend the Molly Goddard presentation during London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2016 at the BFC. Until then, dressing up for Tolstoy had been more about style and craftsmanship than touring designer boutiques. Its not even like I was that good at riding, recalls Tolstoy of the nine-month, 5,000-mile journey from Merv in Turkmenistan to Xian in China. The mansion was purchased by her ex-partner and the father of her children, Sergei Pugachev, 57, who was once dubbed 'the Kremlins banker' and was close to Vladimir Putin but fell into disfavour and was labelled a traitor by the Russian president. Tolstoy has been spending lockdown at her childhood home, posting glorious shots of herself baking cookies in a folkloric dress by Ukrainian designer Vita Kin and perched on the steps of a handpainted gypsy caravan in a dress by German label Horror Vacui, which specialises in delicate, super-feminine florals. I fell so in love with him. I started the Preloved business originally with the idea of cleansing my own wardrobe, she explains. In 2009, our rst child was born. This week, the contents of the latter are on sale at Christie's as she moves out into a new home (the progress of which we've been avidly following on Instagram). It was the love story of my life, and it did feel dangerous he was this very powerful person, and he did turn on me sometimes in the early days, but there was this drama of winning him back round; I didnt realise that this was all very dangerous abusive pattern., Alexandra believes Sergei spun a false narrative to malign her and distract from his own culpability for the disastrous failure of his business interests; particularly, Sergei blames his downfall on the fact that Putin supposedly disliked his marriage to a foreigner, which she frustratedly contests: Its a very narcissistic thing to do; he made up this whole narrative [in the documentary] which suited its all about belittling me, and by saying that particularly to his close family it gave them a narrative that it was my fault that everything had gone wrong for him; he blamed it on me, saying that Putin didnt like me. She grew up in Oxfordshire before going to Edinburgh University to study philosophy. By Three North European decorated and painted lidded jars, mid-19th century. In the propertys light, lofty rooms, vibrant contemporary pieces sit in happy juxtaposition with 19th-century works of art, fabulous curiosities and treasures from Tolstoys globetrotting adventures. university Before this, she was quite the adventurer, having made documentaries with the BBC about her horseback expeditions, and trekking 8,000 kilometres on horse and camel across the Silk Road in 1999. They had three children together - Alexei, known as Aliosha, Ivan and Maria. Countess Alexandra Tolstoy. He has previously been declared to be in contempt of court, with a two-year prison sentence left hanging over his head should he return to this country. Alexandra Tolstoy published many books (" I worked for the Soviets", 1934; " Father. Countess Alexandra Tolstoy's Colefax and Fowler interiors are up for sale at Christie's, for Tatler 3rd November 2020 The writer, equestrian and socialite talks to Tatler about the decision to auction off the pieces that made her Chelsea home impossibly chic. But an experience like that opens your mind. Someone who worked for us stole my jewellery and at first I was devastated because it was jewellery that I could sell to look after my children, I just thought this is the end, but actually you know Ive managed to survive and its fine. The industry is completely different now. We're excited to be offered a peek into the world of Alexandra Tolstoy. [9][10], In 1974, at the age of ninety, Tolstaya received birthday greetings from President of the United States Richard Nixon, Alexander Solzhenitsyn, and others, and was interviewed by The New York Times. [7] She worked as a lecturer on Tolstoy and as a Russian teacher,[6] and was supported by Japanese literary and academic circles. Compare Standard and Premium Digital here. Countess Alexandra Tolstoy was known for her remarkable calmness and dignity. 11:17 EST 03 Nov 2020. I note how impossible it must be to represent oneself in a society where value and status is projected through selfsame designer clothes and modern houses, which is entirely different to the way she represents herself now. The sale runs until November 25 on christies.com. The aristocratic beauty, 46, and her three children,Alexei, Ivan and Maria, were evicted from the south London mansion during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic after reportedly being given just 12 days notice by the Russian government, who repossessed the property. I felt like Bridget Jones, so awkward. Tolstoy will donate 20% of the proceeds from her sales to St Gregorys, a charity which helps poor families in St Petersburg. Pugachev once owned two major shipyards, the world's biggest mine and large chunks of real estate in Moscow and St Petersburg, as well as the Mezhprombank, which he co-founded in the 1990s. When he fled to France in 2015, I ultimately felt such relief. Featuring our stunning jumbo cord overshirt and trousers, silk blouses and folk print dress, this collection is your one stop shop to style her fairy tale inspired Fair Isle jumper and tank top. Her connection to nature and rusticity, a love of . This house is a family home, says Alexandra Tolstoy of the beautiful six-bedroom Chelsea residence she converted from two adjacent artists studios. ", Having featured Alexandra Tolstoy's Chelsea house in House & Garden two years ago, we now look back at the contents of the house as they go up for sale at Christie's, Everything we know about Frogmore Cottage, Harry and Meghan's former UK home, A light and calm Victorian flat in Belsize Park by Alice Davies, The 7 cringiest home decor trends, according to Youtubers and Tiktokers, An interior designer's Welsh cottage, inventively furnished with second-hand finds, An elegant house in Chelsea layered with soft colour and thoughtfully curated art, Divine inspiration: what churches can teach us about interiors, A Cotswold farmhouse mixes a calm colour palette with flourishes of pattern. 2023 Getty Images. Alexandra also worked with Emma on her home in Moscow. He enjoyed a close relatinship with Vladimir Putin, andin 2008 when Sergei's bank hit problems, the Russian state bailed it out with $1 billion loan. Alexandra said: 'The sale of the interiors from my Chelsea townhouse at Christies London marks a new chapter in my life. I think its difficult for anybody in those circumstances to be creative; how can you be original? This led to her being gassed and admitted to hospital herself. When I was in Sergeis chteau, he wouldnt really let me do anything anyway. Now, Alexandra has reclaimed her creative autonomy and a certain intellectual freedom which was repressed during her years spent with the billionaire: We all have different tastes, but if our taste isnt reflecting who we are or where we are in life, that lack of harmony can make you feel not very happy. Her Instagram page has allowed her to present her own image to the world, one which she finds to be truly representative, unlike that of the media which is seemingly always speculating. Soon after, Tolstoy a distant relative of the novelist Leo Tolstoy called on Slowik, who was then head of the firms antiques department, to transform what she describes as a white shell into an incredible home. A set of 12 hand-coloured engravings of botanical specimens, 19th century. Estimate: 3,000-5,000. Alexandra Tolstoy: An Interior by Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler selling online at Christie's from 4 25 November, The comments below have not been moderated, By Being in these places is, to me, the ultimate luxury. Theyre really works of art, some things I didnt do totally wrong.. I say how I find so much more satisfaction in accumulating individuals pieces and creating ones own eclectic aesthetic, which she certainly concurs: I totally agree! Its a safari-type adventure; we stay in the most beautiful locations. She changed my life. A total of 130 items once displayed in the home, including a Scottish Regency bookcase, carved alabaster models and mid-20th century artwork will be auctioned at Christie's. Wearing Alex Gore Browne knitwear Alexandra Tolstoy As well as her own pre-loved pieces, there are also bargains from some of her fashionable friends, including Cond Nast Traveller's fashion director Martha Ward and chic interiors store owner Alex Eagle. Alexandras confidence and safety were worn by years of threats and continual surveillance from the Russian authorities, alleged harassment from the British legal system, and, indeed, later by the cruelty and intimidation by her very husband. Their relationship ended in 2015. Talking about her pursuit of an exquisitely domestic lifestyle, Alexandra says that its not just aesthetic, it does also go with a kind of freedom of thought, doesnt it? I love decorative art - it adds to the layering of a home - and again these were the perfect colours for our home. Within months, Tolstoy and was pregnant with Sergei's child. In the February 2016 High Court judgment, no ruling was made on the allegations of embezzled cash and Pugachev told the court he had not stolen any money. It was quite a dramatic change from not wanting to be Russian to being proud of my heritage. I gave 20% of what I made to a charity in St Petersburg for children with autism. Biographies of Teymuraz K. Bagration :::: Tatiana Schaufuss. Change the plan you will roll onto at any time during your trial by visiting the Settings & Account section. You may change or cancel your subscription or trial at any time online. At the time of writing, there are dresses and jewellery by Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci shoes, Saint Laurent trainers, Hermes scarves and Valentino jackets available to buy. [4] Although Alexandra shared her father's belief in non-violence, she felt it was her duty to take part in the events of the First World War and served as a nurse on the Turkish and German fronts. Everything weve got I feel is in its own right very unusual and special.. I was living at Claridges, which is just around the corner from where Colefax & Fowler used to have their antiques shop. He was in a public dispute with Vladimir Putin, so it was dangerous for us to visit Russia for a long time. I just had to pack my suitcase and I could go.'. I was inspired to begin leading trips again, and they start this June. I went on to take groups every year between 2002 and 2009, and was leading a tour the week before my wedding. When do the clocks change in 2023? We became addicted to travelling in this way. The pair met whilst travelling along the Silk Road on horse in 1999. Though Alexandra Tolstoy hadn't her own family she had many relatives in Sweden, France, Soviet Russia and in the United States. and other data for a number of reasons, such as keeping FT Sites reliable and secure, But I will never go to France. It was definitely not an extravagant mentality, she says. She was active as the Foundation's President and served as a fundraiser, a lecturer, and a writer until l976. Follow Alexandra Tolstoy and explore their bibliography from Amazon.com's Alexandra Tolstoy Author Page. Riding the length of the Silk Road in 1999, from the . Countess Alexandra Tolstoy is the daughter of Count Nikolai Tolstoy-Miloslavsky, the current head of the noble House of Tolstoy, distantly related to Leo Tolstoy, and the separated wife of Sergei Pugachev, a Russian oligarch who was once worth $15 billion and was amongst Putins inner circle. When I came back, I switched my university course from philosophy to Russian at Edinburgh. Sign up for the latest news, offers and styles, Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, The Tolstoy Edit x SJ Axelby Interior Portraits, choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. State creditors in Moscow pursued him in the British courts, claiming he embezzled hundreds of millions. But the eventual dramatic unravelling of their liaison was laid bare in a documentary which aired last week on BBC, The Countess and the Russian billionaire. Sergei, who left Russia in 2011, claims that relations between him and Putin cooled, due to his relationship with the Russian leader calling him a 'traitor' for dating 'English woman' Alexandra, the Kremlin tried to seize or destroy his business empire. After nearly 11 years, however, Tolstoy is moving on from the home she has so lovingly put together, and is now offering some of its contents for sale at Christies. The couple met in 2008 after Sergei hired Alexandra to help improve his English while they were both living in Russia, where Sergei was once-close friends with Putin. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. Of course, Id never even set foot in a Chanel shop before, so it was exciting. Back in Russia after that Paris sojourn, we went to the opera in St Petersburg, it was all these oligarchs and their wives. Now, I can be creative in a totally different way., Alexandra Tolstoy: An Interior by Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler runs 4-25 November, Online, Get the best stories from Christies.com in a weekly email, *We will never sell or rent your information. On the order of the High Court, the family home was put on the market and Alexandra made a deal with the Russian government to drop her claim to his fortune. It was one of the first pieces that I bought and I bought it for practical reasons as well as aesthetic - its great storage! The next year, I took a trip to Kyrgyzstan, which is better suited to riding because its mountainous and beautiful, and the horses are wonderful. Royal Geographical Society in London that first got me into leading tours. One womans confidence-shaking luxury purchases are anothers treasure. Being in that landscape makes your senses alert. Search instead in. The two are not mutually exclusive. Other pieces currently available on the site include an Oscar de la Renta scallop-edged dress (200), a tweed Celine mini dress (390) and Alaa wool dress (450). The author and broadcaster invites us on a brief tour of the London home she created with interior design firm Colefax & Fowler, introducing some of the beautiful and eclectic items now being offered in a special online sale. Estimate: 1,000-2,000. I commissioned these white sofas to be a base for the many layered cushions that I love and spent many happy hours on them - the perfect spot to retire with friends after a dinner party. She organises adventurous horse riding holidays in Kyrgyzstan, and runs The Tolstoy Edit, a curated shop of her favourite interiors discoveries. 1,514 posts. I went quite street. "The Scottish cupboard lined with striped fabric by Colefax. She says that every day is difficult, and I often dont sleep at night its that philosophy of dust yourself down, and carry on trying I dont ever stop putting myself out there and trying., In the past year, Alexandras rebuilt her travel company, which she founded before the marriage, built a fashion business, which Im told is going well, and been writing for lots of magazines; shes even made amicable progress with the Russian state, and has since returned without threat But it seems to me that her greatest solace in the idyll shes struggled to provide for her children: theyve got this big pond, and a rowing boat, and a little caravan, and a wigwam, and is rescued by the stillness of the country. [1] [2] [3] Biography [ edit] Since the breakdown of her relationship with Sergei Pugachev, who was accused of fraud by the Kremlin in 2015, she has rediscovered her sense of style, favouring pieces that celebrate homegrown traditions and fashions, as evidenced on her popular Instagram account, @alexandratolstoy, where she often documents her wardrobe choices. And was leading a tour the Week before my wedding a Russian family in Moscow pursued him in Hague... Own right very unusual and special really lose myself in that period and Ive started dressing alexandra tolstoy clothes Chanel... Published many books ( & quot ; father Yasnaya Polyana ( which means clear glade ) Tolstoys former home which... A Russian family in Moscow shop before, so it was dangerous us! Mongolia with only packhorses Colefax & Fowler used to have their antiques.. Their bibliography from Amazon.com & # x27 ; s Alexandra Tolstoy was for... And 2009, and runs the Tolstoy Edit, a love of of course Id. 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