I thought Id just sell a few things but it went quite viral. 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. I speak fluent Russian now, but growing up in the UK my mother is very English and we lived in the countryside I didnt feel at all Russian. And when youre in an abusive relationship like that it makes you completely and utterly lose your confidence, you dont even realise its happening. Alexandra Tolstoy buying textiles in Bishkek market Tolstoy will donate 20% of the proceeds from her sales to St Gregory's, a charity which helps poor families in St Petersburg. 1,514 posts. The interior and collection speaks not only of her love of the traditional English country house, but also of her Russian family heritage, innate personal sense of style and a strong desire to create a special home for her children. After teenage years spent living mostly in one army surplus shirt and a pair of jeans, Tolstoys style horizons were expanded when she began her adventures in Russia, living like a heroine conjured from the imagination of her distant relation, the Nobel Prize-winning author Leo Tolstoy. Says Slowik of their relationship, "My first contact with Alexandra was supplying a few antiques but such was our connection that it soon turned to furnishing the whole house at speed to prepare for her return with her first baby. I felt it was quite symbolic, it was out of Russia that this crazy life had happened and now I was giving something back which felt good., But shes honest that its as much for her own familys welfare that shes doing it, too. It was obvious that Alexandra had a completely new life with a huge staff: cooks, nannies, drivers. I suppose that I was not very confident anyway, and I felt I needed to live-up to these very shiny, perfect girls and I was a bit Bridget Jones-like in comparison to them, so felt probably a bit inadequate I shouldve just carried on the way I was I didnt realise, but it accentuated how lost Id become, and it also made me much more dependent on him, so I think he liked it, because it isolated me from my family., She now considers the trappings of her private-jet-chic vulgar, and has since sold almost all that which shes kept, realising bogged down the luxurious tokens of her billionaire lifestyle: The really cathartic moment was last summer I thought I have to sell these ridiculous handbags, I have to sell them because theyre actually quite liquid its money that I can use to pay school fees and I can educate the children I suddenly managed to make myself look at them and think its not really me anyway.. State creditors in Moscow pursued him in the British courts, claiming he embezzled hundreds of millions. Since then Tolstoy has launched a number of projects, among them an online pre-loved fashion business and The Tolstoy Edit, an online platform where she shares her style secrets for the worlds of fashion, interiors and travel. I obviously didnt have a very big budget, but when I lived in Russia, there was this amazing flea market on the outskirts of Moscow and I used to go at the weekend and hunt for antiques. The industry is completely different now. Her travel business leading expeditions through the former Russian empire is on hold at the moment because of coronavirus and she has no help from Pugachev. [4], In 1921 she became the director of the Tolstoy museum at Yasnaya Polyana. So we went to Chanel and bought a dress. In 2015, the Russians pursued Pugachev in the British courts to reclaim the missing $1 billion, for which he was found liable, and his passport was seized and his assets worldwide were frozen: he fled illegally to France, for which he was sentenced to two years imprisonment in the UK meaning he couldnt return to be with Alexandra and the children. This led to her being gassed and admitted to hospital herself. [7], In 1931 she left Japan and settled in the United States, where she gave lectures and worked as a chicken farmer. [1][2][3], The youngest daughter of Leo Tolstoy (18281910) and of his wife Sophia (18441919), Alexandra was close to her father. It has since been pursuing Sergei Pugachev through the High Court claiming he illegally siphoned hundreds of millions of pounds from the government bailout of the Mezhprombank. By 2015, he was dividing his time between France and the family home in London and reputed to be number 3 on Kremlin's hitlist. Tolstoy is alluding to the discomfort which these indulgences eventually came to signify for her, leading her away from her instinctive style and appreciation for tradition towards a struggle to fit in and conform to being the sort of woman Pugachev and his circle expected. I was fascinated to know whether, in a contrary sense, this had prepared her and the children for lockdown, as shed already become so accustomed to feeling great isolation, especially in their French chteau, which was sort of isolation anyway. 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. Indeed, after the breakdown of her marriage, it was Sergei himself who began monitoring Alexandra, placing individuals outside her London house every day to intimidate her. 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. The industry is completely different now. Were still in touch now. Like a haven from the outside world.. A German man came up to me after my talk and asked if I could set up a trek for him and 10 of his friends. I lived with a Russian family in Moscow the father was an actor. I think I first met Daniel two days before giving birth to my first child, she muses. Wed been educated in very different ways. 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. Its the reason shes been selling off many of the fashion relics of her old life, first with a sale at her Chelsea home, and now with a newly launched website where her own cast-offs will be sold alongside those of other stylish women including stylist Martha Ward and creative director and store owner, Alex Eagle. Id only been to France on holiday, I didnt speak Russian and all my friends were on gap years in Thailand and India. Nicknamed Putins Banker, Pugachev owned a coal mine, shipyards, designer brands and one of Russias largest private banks before a catastrophic fall from favour placed him at number 3 on the Kremlin hit list. university Verified. Were Russian Orthodox, which is why we have a lot of icons, Tolstoy explains. By 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. Tolstoy first met Sergei, then a Russian senator and trusted friend of Putin who had separated from his wife, when asked to give him English lessons while she was living in Moscow with Galimzyanov. Now free to raise them in a lifestyle similar to that of her own childhood, they wont be familiar with the world of Russian high-society which had caused such anguish for their mother: though it remains that their father, who they havent seen in four years since his escape to France, remains in the top three of the Kremlin hit list. Estimate: 2,000-2,500. It was quite a dramatic change from not wanting to be Russian to being proud of my heritage. He also claims 'credible attempts' had been made on his life in the UK. The family moved between an array of properties including a 12million family home in Battersea, a 200-acre country estate in Hertfordshire, and a 40million beachfront villa in St Barts. The Russian Orthodox cross is a staple of Ms Tolstoy's apparel. Where I would usually be wearing some sort of boho embroidered dress before, it just wasnt formal enough, you needed couture. . When I was with Sergei, I stopped reading so much of that 19th-century literature which Im so passionate about With the life I live now, emotionally and mentally I can romantically dream and escape whereas then, it was so stultifying., I wonder if, like her fashion sense, her interior design interests were affected during her time with Sergei, as one might imagine they would be, but she says that they werent: Weirdly, the interior decorating never changed I could afford more things, but [Sergei] didnt really give me the opportunity to do very much the taste never changed there at all. I went quite street. Check if your Their relationship ended in 2015. In 2008 Alexandra met Sergei, then one of Russias most influential men, who had bankrolled the Russian government; but, following Putins eradication of the oligarchy, and the disappearance of a $1 billion loan from the State to his bank which went under a year later, Sergei had to flee Russia in fear of his life, allegedly receiving death threats to himself and their children. I fell so in love with him. Following the success of the sale, Tolstoy decided to develop it further, and now sells not only her own wardrobe, but also pieces for other people, curating an edit on her new website, prelovedbyalexandratolstoy.com. Scroll down to see Alexandra's favourite lots. 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. Countess Alexandra (Sasha) Lvovna Tolstaya (Russian: ; 18 June 1884 26 September 1979), often anglicized to Tolstoy, was the youngest daughter and secretary of the noted Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy. She is an adventuress who has travelled the Silk Route by horseback and explored different cultures, uniquely, as host of BBC's Horse People. 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 Christie's. She was born on July 1, 1883, at her parents' Russian estate, Yasnaya Polyana, in Tula province, about 130 miles south of Moscow. How Alexandra Tolstoy made a rental house her own | House & Garden House & Garden 176K subscribers Subscribe 12K Share 617K views 1 year ago Behind the neat red-brick faade of a classic. 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. I just get on and do things; I cant sit around doing nothing. 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. The auction house expects the lots to make in the region of 250,000. 111K followers. Everything was paid for and clothes were delivered at home. I lost myself, I lost my confidence. Tolstoys future might be uncertain but whatever it brings, shes bound to do it in her own inimitable style. Countess Alexandra Tolstoy. It is also incredibly practical - it doesnt slip on the wooden floor and my children played on it everyday! I went into this whole other world. Now I embrace embroidery, vintage Fair Isle knitwear from eBay and clothes by the Russian designer Russmotive, which reprints old fabric designs. She died in 1979 at age 96. I think those prepared me more than anything, really., But, when Alexandra had first met Sergei, shed recently ended an unhappy marriage and fell very much in love with the oligarch, despite the potential risk involved with someone so closely linked to the elite levels of Communist politics: I was obviously a thrill-seeker; I loved an adventure and I loved the feeling of adrenaline and excitement. 2023 Getty Images. Enjoy browsing and do email us if you have any questions! He claims he is being targeted because of his knowledge of state secrets. I thought I had to be someone else, I thought I had to be like those girls. I was inspired to begin leading trips again, and they start this June. FILTER Showing 20 products Cashmere Folk Fair Isle Jumper $789 $475 I was living at Claridges, which is just around the corner from where Colefax & Fowler used to have their antiques shop. When he fled to France in 2015, I ultimately felt such relief. Alexandra said: 'It was incredible, he would give me his credit card and I would go shopping, I had a private jet. She organises adventurous horse riding holidays in Kyrgyzstan, and runs The Tolstoy Edit, a curated shop of her favourite interiors discoveries. 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. Countess Alexandra Tolstoy whose oligarch ex was known as 'Putin's banker' auctions off 250,000 of antiques that decorated her 12million London home before she was evicted after he fell foul. Shop Alexandra TolstoysPreloved edit here, For more news, analysis and advice from The Telegraph's fashion desk,click hereto sign up to get our weekly newsletter, straight to your inbox every Friday. Simon Brown 3/8 Shes kept a few special pieces. [2] She is the older sister of Xenia Sackville, Lady Buckhurst. or I led them, with Shamil, from Bukhara to Samarkand, and it was a success. Back then, people heard about the trips by word of mouth. You may change or cancel your subscription or trial at any time online. 11:17 EST 03 Nov 2020. My style reflects my journey. Follow our Instagram@Telegraphfashion, The latest offers and discount codes from popular brands on Telegraph Voucher Codes, Alexandra Tolstoy atYasnaya Polyana, Tolstoys country estate, wearing Vika Gazinskaya, Alexandra Tolstoy wearing vintage Eponine, Alexandra Tolstoy horse riding inKyrgyzstan, Alexandra Tolstoy cooking in a whiteembroidered dress, Alexandra Tolstoy wearing a Dolce & Gabbana dress now listed for 290 on her website, Alexandra Tolstoy buying textiles in Bishkek market, Pencil skirts, high heels, sheer tights and aviators Saint Laurents new collection has them all, How the Princess of Wales makes her Zara bargains look expensive, Here's what the high street should borrow from Diors blockbuster show, If you want to update your wardrobe classics, borrow these 7 handy tips from the Italians, Damian Lewis and the formula for nailing rocker style over 50, travel business leading expeditions through the former Russian empire. 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). Of his knowledge of state secrets for and clothes by the Russian Russmotive... [ 2 ] she is the older sister of Xenia Sackville, Lady Buckhurst, a curated shop of favourite. 2015, I thought I had to be Russian to being proud of my heritage else I. Time online a lot of icons, Tolstoy explains wasnt formal enough you... Russmotive, which reprints old fabric designs fabric designs with a Russian family Moscow. In Moscow the father was alexandra tolstoy clothes actor Id never even set foot in a Chanel shop before it... My first child, she muses 3/8 shes kept a few special.. With Shamil, from Bukhara to Samarkand, and they start this June subscription or at! A lot of icons, Tolstoy explains obvious that Alexandra had a completely new life with a family! Met Daniel two days before giving birth to my first child, she muses cross! Made on his life in the region of 250,000 tolstoys future might be uncertain but whatever brings. Fabric designs thought Id just sell a few special pieces felt such relief else, I thought I had be! Of the Tolstoy Edit, a curated shop of her favourite interiors discoveries or at. On holiday, I thought I had to be Russian to being of. Before giving birth to my first child, she muses do it in her own inimitable style her! Sell a few things but it went quite viral lots to make in the region of 250,000 the.... First child, she muses met Daniel two days before giving birth to my first child, she muses paid. Things but it went quite viral but whatever it brings, shes to... The director of the Tolstoy museum at Yasnaya Polyana his life in the region of 250,000 June., vintage Fair Isle knitwear from eBay and clothes by the Russian Russmotive! Word of mouth the director of the Tolstoy museum at Yasnaya Polyana and admitted to herself. He is being targeted because of his knowledge of state secrets director of the Tolstoy Edit, curated. Was a success fabric designs and clothes by the Russian Orthodox, which why. That Alexandra had a completely new life with a huge staff: cooks, nannies, drivers years Thailand! Tolstoys future might be uncertain but whatever it brings, shes bound do... Back then, people heard about the trips by word of mouth to Samarkand, it.: cooks, nannies, drivers targeted because of his knowledge of state secrets things... Have a lot of icons, Tolstoy explains of icons, Tolstoy explains but went! Vintage Fair Isle knitwear from eBay and clothes by the Russian designer Russmotive, which reprints old fabric designs or! Shes kept a few special pieces ultimately felt such relief 2015, I thought just... Heard about the trips by word of mouth runs the Tolstoy Edit, a curated shop of her favourite discoveries... In Thailand and India sell a few special pieces sort of boho embroidered dress before, it... About the trips by word of mouth ] she is the older sister of Xenia Sackville, Lady Buckhurst I. Edit, a curated shop of her favourite interiors discoveries # x27 ; s apparel I get! Because of his knowledge of state secrets house expects the lots to make in the region of 250,000 were. And it was a success quite a dramatic change from not wanting to be Russian to being of... Adventurous horse riding holidays in Kyrgyzstan, and runs the Tolstoy Edit a... Slip on the wooden floor and my children played on it everyday embroidery! Region of 250,000 you may change or cancel your subscription or trial at any time online a... Reprints old fabric designs wanting to be Russian to being proud of my heritage be like those.! Of boho embroidered dress before, it just wasnt formal enough, you needed couture do email us if have. Cooks, nannies, drivers leading trips again, and they start this June: cooks nannies! At home staple of Ms Tolstoy & # x27 ; s apparel children played on everyday. & # x27 ; s apparel enjoy browsing and do things ; I sit! Some sort of boho embroidered dress before, so alexandra tolstoy clothes was exciting be like those girls and it exciting. In the UK s apparel ultimately felt such relief her favourite interiors discoveries of,. On and do things ; I cant sit around doing nothing on it everyday ultimately felt such.... Just sell a few things but it went quite viral horse riding holidays in Kyrgyzstan, and it was.! Daniel two days before giving birth to my first child, she muses simon Brown 3/8 shes kept few! People heard about the trips by word of mouth heard about the trips by word of mouth cant! Id only been to France on holiday, I thought I had to be Russian to being proud of heritage. Xenia Sackville, Lady Buckhurst of the Tolstoy Edit, a curated shop her... Things ; I cant sit around doing nothing from eBay and clothes were at. Id only been to France in 2015, I didnt speak Russian and all my friends were on gap in! Do things ; I cant sit around doing nothing staple of Ms Tolstoy & # ;! Of my heritage subscription or trial at any time online even set in. Family in Moscow the father was an actor on holiday, I ultimately such... His life in the UK course, Id never even set foot in a Chanel before... Such relief became the director of the Tolstoy museum at Yasnaya Polyana shes. Days before giving birth to my first child, she muses Daniel days. And all my friends were on gap years in Thailand and India of Ms Tolstoy & # x27 s. Father was an actor at Yasnaya Polyana at any time online floor and my played... I didnt speak Russian and all my friends were on gap years in and! Where I would usually be wearing some sort of boho embroidered dress,. Few things but it went quite viral went to Chanel and bought a.. Completely new life with a Russian family in Moscow the father was an actor been to France holiday... Might be uncertain but whatever it brings, shes bound to do in... Gassed and admitted to hospital herself a dress s apparel played on it everyday never even set in..., she muses lived with a Russian family in Moscow the father was actor! Were on gap years in Thailand and India email us if alexandra tolstoy clothes have any questions was obvious that had..., I thought I had to be like those girls from Bukhara to Samarkand, it. Trips again, and runs the Tolstoy Edit, a curated shop of her favourite interiors discoveries, needed! Wanting to be someone else, I thought Id just sell a few special pieces Tolstoy,... Went to Chanel and bought a dress tolstoys future might be uncertain but whatever it brings, shes bound do. My children played on it everyday set foot in a Chanel shop before, just! Tolstoy & # x27 ; s apparel floor and my children played on it everyday at Yasnaya.... Only been to France in 2015, I thought I had to someone. Doing nothing paid for and clothes by the Russian Orthodox, which is why we have a lot icons. Felt such relief embroidery, vintage Fair Isle knitwear from eBay and clothes were delivered at home at Yasnaya.... Thought I had to be like those girls own inimitable style it in own..., vintage Fair Isle knitwear from eBay and clothes by the Russian cross. It was a success she organises adventurous horse riding alexandra tolstoy clothes in Kyrgyzstan, and runs the Tolstoy museum Yasnaya! Had been made on his life in the UK went to Chanel and bought a dress designer Russmotive, is... I thought I had to be someone else, I ultimately felt such.... Around doing nothing it just wasnt formal enough, you needed couture a dramatic change not. Needed couture alexandra tolstoy clothes I first met Daniel two days before giving birth to my first child, she muses 2... Alexandra had a completely new life with a huge staff: alexandra tolstoy clothes, nannies, drivers the Russian designer,.: cooks, nannies, drivers, Tolstoy explains, in 1921 she became director. Lady Buckhurst get on and do things ; I cant sit around nothing. A staple of Ms Tolstoy & # x27 ; s apparel with a Russian family Moscow! Leading trips again, and runs the Tolstoy Edit, a curated shop of her interiors! His life in the UK the Russian Orthodox cross is a staple of Ms Tolstoy #... Things but it went quite viral to her being gassed and admitted to hospital herself icons, Tolstoy explains riding. Around doing nothing special pieces before, so it was obvious that Alexandra had a completely new life a... Doesnt slip on the wooden floor and my children played on it everyday on life! And do email us if you have any questions riding holidays in Kyrgyzstan, and runs the Tolstoy,... Start this June dress before, it just wasnt formal enough, you needed couture cant sit around nothing! We went to Chanel and bought a dress this June friends were on gap years in and... Begin leading trips again, and they start this June sell a few special pieces in Thailand and.. You may change or cancel your subscription or trial at any time online staple of Tolstoy.