Russian fashion designer 'Slava' Zaitsev, the 'Soviet Christian Dior', dies at 85

Designer Vyacheslav "Slava" Zaitsev, center left, reacts after displaying his creations during Fashion Week in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, March 10, 2018. Zaitsev, Russia's most famous fashion designer, who dressed the country's first ladies, has died at the age of 85, Russian news outlets reported Sunday, April 30, 2023. – Photo: AP

Russian fashion designer Viacheslav "Slava" Zaitsev, dubbed the "Soviet Christian Dior", has died at the age of 85, his fashion house told AFP Sunday.

Confirming Russian media reports, a spokeswoman added that when Zaitsev had celebrated his birthday in March with friends, "we could already see he was very, very, weak".