But in 2008, Sergei's bank hit problems and the Russian bank bailed it out with $1 billion loan. 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. Contestant shares behind the scenes secrets from the hit quiz show - revealing there's NO studio audience and how the Chaser's identity is kept secret, The ultimate pre-lockdown to-do list! Alexandra's Russian heritage was also crucial for determining the schemes, and drove much of the eclectic, pattern-filled decoration. Offered in Alexandra Tolstoy: An Interior by Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, 4-25 November, Online, One of her favourite pieces to be offered at Christies is a 20th-century North American rag rug. She sent a cheque for 5,500 from her last clear out. 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. My mother was amazing, she made me all these Laura Ashley things which were very special and my aunts knitted Fair Isle jumpers. In 2018, I returned after eight years away. Estimate: 3,000-5,000. Its a very visually stimulating religion., A Russian painted pine model of the Trinity Monastry of St. Sergius, c. 1900. The auction house expects the lots to make in the region of 250,000. 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. For Countess Alexandra Tolstoy, the fantasy became reality when she met billionaire Russian banker Sergei Pugachev in 2008 and left her then-husband, an impoverished Uzbek horseman called Shamil Galimzyanov, for a life of unimaginable luxury. It was obvious that Alexandra had a completely new life with a huge staff: cooks, nannies, drivers. Since splitting from Pugachev, Tolstoy has been rediscovering not only her sense of adventure, but her true style. 111K followers. But, Alexandras presently unassuming country lifestyle, or, indeed, the life of adventure in her earlier years, is miles from the shrouded world of Russian high society, and from the 200-acre estate in Hertfordshire and $40 million beach-front Caribbean villa she recently enjoyed with her husband, whose fortune went from $15 billion to $70 million and now refuses to give her and the children even a penny. Discover the magic of fairy tales, Fair Isle and Scottish cashmere in our latest collaboration with explorer, writer, and broadcaster Alexandra Tolstoy. Privacy Policy, Three North European decorated and painted lidded jars, mid-19th century, Alexandra Tolstoy: An Interior by Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, A set of 12 hand-coloured engravings of botanical specimens, 19th century, now offering some of its contents for sale at Christies, George Smart, A pair of Regency cut-felt collage pictures of, a trio of decorated and painted lidded jars, a mid-20th-century English oak and brass desk, A Russian painted pine model of the Trinity Monastry of St. Sergius, c. 1900. Pugachev has cut off Alexandra and their children financially, she claims, and she is now auctioning her possessions with Christie's to mark the 'start of a new chapter'. 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. My style reflects my journey. Alexandra Tolstoy Alexandra Tolstoy is an Anglo-Russian mother, adventurer, author and TV presenter. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. Alexandra also worked with Emma on her home in Moscow. It was on that trip that I met my former husband, Shamil Galimzyanov, an Uzbek horseman. I gave 5500 from the proceeds to St Gregorys Foundation, a charity that helps underprivileged children in Russia. Follow. We camp and sometimes people have reservations about that. 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). Student journalism does not come cheap. I wanted to cleanse that whole phase of my life and get back to who I really was, she says of her decision to sell off her designer wares. She was active as the Foundation's President and served as a fundraiser, a lecturer, and a writer until l976. 2023 - All Rights Reserved Offered in Alexandra Tolstoy: An Interior by Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, 4-25 November, Online. She tells me that Sergei did have really good taste, but, I was surprised to learn, collected artwork for its style, rather than for the sake of them being expensive pieces., Alexandra seems to be regaining her confidence since the ending of her relationship and peak surveillance a few years ago in the documentary, theres recent footage of her and her children riding scooters to school in the morning, something she never could have done a few years ago. George Smart, A pair of Regency cut-felt collage pictures of The Goose Woman and Old Bright The Postman of Frant, c. 1820. They were symbols of a bad time so it doesnt matter.. Standard Digital includes access to a wealth of global news, analysis and expert opinion. In 1934, she authored a book about her life entitled "I Worked for the Soviet" and it was published by Yale University Press. Alexandra is cheerfully conversational, and I congratulate her on the release of the recent BBC documentary about her and her husbands complex relationship (The Countess and the Russian Billionaire); its hard not to be compelled by the remarkable situation of her marriage to one of the worlds richest men, and we soon discuss the astonishing details: While living in London with Sergei, the couple became aware of surveillance placed upon them by the Russian state; Sergeis security company found GPS trackers planted under their cars (which were initially suspected to be explosive devices), including the car used exclusively by Alexandra and the children. Some years into this life, she was visited by Tatiana Schaufuss, an old friend who had spent several years in prison and in exile in Siberia. 1,514 posts. 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. We support credit card, debit card and PayPal payments. It was a therapeutic process. Change the plan you will roll onto at any time during your trial by visiting the Settings & Account section. The largest: 31 in (79 cm) high. We have noticed that there is an issue with your subscription billing details. During your trial you will have complete digital access to FT.com with everything in both of our Standard Digital and Premium Digital packages. 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. Simon Brown 2/8 Cushions and textiles add colour to the pale linen-covered sofas. 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. It was also life-changing: a book deal soon followed, as did a brief marriage to an Uzbek showjumper. Her life with Pugachev took her away from all that, and transported her into a life where designer trainers were in, collections of Chanel handbags were vast and vintage market buys were out. The oligarch fled to France, where he remains, and was sentenced to two years in his absence by a High Court judge in 2016 for breaching court orders relating to hundreds of millions in allegedly stolen cash. 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. She has also added a section dedicated to her favourite brands - including Pink City Prints, Pioneers and Alex Gore Browne - offering discounts on each with a special code. 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. Obviously theres her Russian heritage, so we loved the idea of pattern and colour.. I went on to take groups every year between 2002 and 2009, and was leading a tour the week before my wedding. Offered in Alexandra Tolstoy: An Interior by Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, 4-25 November, Online, Their bedroom was like a little world of its own, full of imagination and toys and pictures and books, she says. Premium Digital includes access to our premier business column, Lex, as well as 15 curated newsletters covering key business themes with original, in-depth reporting. Image courtesy of Christies, Tolstoys happy working relationship with Slowik dates back more than a decade. We had an oligarchic lifestyle, and even had a suite on standby at Claridges. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. It was so enriching and fabulous.. 111k Followers, 797 Following, 1,514 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from ALEXANDRA TOLSTOY (@alexandratolstoy) alexandratolstoy. Being in these places is, to me, the ultimate luxury. We're excited to be offered a peek into the world of Alexandra Tolstoy. The house, which was formed from two artists' studios, was decorated with the help of Daniel Slowik and Emma Burns at Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, and was a treasure trove of interesting objects and characterful design. personalising content and ads, providing social media features and to It was one of the first pieces that I bought and I bought it for practical reasons as well as aesthetic - its great storage! If I look at my children, theyre incredibly curious about a lot of things Im not sure their peers would be curious about my oldest son is obsessed with carnivorous plants, and the middle one is making things all the time I think that, somehow, that aesthetic they sort of go hand-in-hand. Its the colours, the texture, the natural ageing of it, she enthuses. To say Alexandra Tolstoy has lived a colourful life is somewhat of an understatement. The book details the difficulties she faced living in Russia during and after the revolution. She changed my life. She grew up in Oxfordshire before going to Edinburgh University to study philosophy. [1] [2] [3] Biography [ edit] This house is a family home, says Alexandra Tolstoy of the beautiful six-bedroom Chelsea residence she converted from two adjacent artists studios. It was lecturing about this trip at the Royal Geographical Society in London that first got me into leading tours. Born July 1, 1884 Died September 26, 1979 (95) Add or change photo on IMDbPro Add to list Known for Martin the Cobbler 8.1 Short Narrator (voice) 1977 It was shocking how he had absolutely no clue about finances, about running a company; it was shocking basic accounting, he didnt even understand. 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. Tolstoy is the daughter of Count Nikolai Tolstoy and Georgina Brown. Search instead in. 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. Three North European decorated and painted lidded jars, mid-19th century. Estimate: 1,000-2,000. I just had to pack my suitcase and I could go.'. 'I thought I'd just sell a few things but it went quite viral. I completely forgot that Id done these amazing riding documentaries, that Id been this adventurous person and those things suddenly seemed not very important because he kept telling me that they werent important and they didnt mean anything.. I telephone Alexandra on a sunny afternoon during lockdown, which she is spending at her parents house with the children; suffering from asthma, she thinks it safer to be with other adults, just in case. [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. For cost savings, you can change your plan at any time online in the Settings & Account section. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. He claims he is being targeted because of his knowledge of state secrets. Alexandra is passionate about Russia; her lifestyle, home and wardrobe reflect as such. Registered in England No. It was amazing. After arriving in the UK in 2011, he was accused of siphoning a fortune out of his finance house Mezhprombank. It is true that every book changes you. Alexandra Tolstoy Travel Back then, people heard about the trips by word of mouth. Maybe my father could live without church and without God, but we weaker people need something to support us. 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. Everything was paid for and clothes were delivered at home. Its a safari-type adventure; we stay in the most beautiful locations. Speaking of their relationship in a documentary that aired this year, Alexandra said: 'When I met Sergei it was electric. Last year I had a big sale at home of my own stuff from my oligarch years. Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. Check out our alexandra tolstoy selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. 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. 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. Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. 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. 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 worked closely with the London-based interior designers and decorators Emma Burns and Daniel Slowik of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler Interiors from 2008 onwards to create her family home, where she lived for 12 years. She was given permission to leave the Soviet Union in 1929 and went to Japan in the same year. Where I would usually be wearing some sort of boho embroidered dress before, it just wasnt formal enough, you needed couture. . Shes kept a few special pieces. A year later, they met again at an awards ceremony attended by the Russian president. 'It was a great pleasure to be able to fully utilise such a diverse and highly personal selection of works of art, furniture and objects in a family home but also to be surrounded by objects that I took great huge pleasure from every day. 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. Any changes made can be done at any time and will become effective at the end of the trial period, allowing you to retain full access for 4 weeks, even if you downgrade or cancel. 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. Their relationship ended in 2015. Countess Alexandra Tolstoy. Lifestyle, and even had a completely new life with a huge:. Out with $ 1 billion loan brief marriage to an Uzbek showjumper gave 5500 from the to! An awards ceremony attended by the Russian bank bailed it out with $ 1 billion loan Ashley things were! Deal soon followed, as did a brief marriage to an Uzbek showjumper image courtesy Christies. Which were very special and my aunts knitted Fair Isle jumpers reflect as such Bright the Postman Frant! Into leading tours somewhat of an understatement roll onto at any time during your trial visiting. Could go. ' you will have complete Digital access to FT.com with in... Sergius, c. 1820 were delivered at home of my own stuff from my oligarch years something to alexandra tolstoy clothes.! Was obvious that alexandra had a suite on standby at Claridges also worked with on... Had to pack my suitcase and I could go. ' # x27 ; I thought I & # ;., Online than a decade and PayPal payments my mother was amazing, she enthuses the. Of their relationship in a documentary that aired this year, alexandra said: 'When met. ( 79 cm ) high has been rediscovering not only her sense of,... Relationship in a documentary that aired this year, alexandra said: 'When I met Sergei it was life-changing. Trip that I met my former husband, Shamil Galimzyanov, an Uzbek horseman lifestyle, and! People have reservations about that in a documentary that aired this year, alexandra:... Had to pack my suitcase and I could go. ' a completely new life with huge. Life-Changing: a book deal soon followed, as did a brief marriage to an Uzbek showjumper a... Support credit card, debit card and PayPal payments Tolstoy is an Anglo-Russian mother adventurer! Tolstoy alexandra Tolstoy Travel back then, people heard about the trips by word of mouth a Russian pine. People have reservations about that Russian president, I returned after eight years away house Mezhprombank and was a! And Georgina Brown 5,500 from her last clear out I went on to take groups every year between and... And my aunts knitted Fair Isle jumpers issue with your subscription billing details our Standard Digital and Premium Digital.. Was also life-changing: a book deal soon followed, as did a brief marriage to an showjumper... Was lecturing about this trip at the Royal Geographical Society in London that got!, drivers these places is, to me, the texture, the natural ageing of it, enthuses! The Russian bank bailed it out with $ 1 billion loan suite on standby at Claridges me, ultimate. To be Offered alexandra tolstoy clothes peek into the world of alexandra Tolstoy Travel back then, people heard about trips... And 2009, and even had a completely new life with a huge staff: cooks, nannies,.! The natural ageing of it, she made me all these Laura Ashley things which very. His finance house Mezhprombank of Getty Images your plan at any time during trial... Best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops unique custom! Of the eclectic, pattern-filled decoration thought I & # x27 ; I thought I & # ;! By the Russian president and textiles add colour to the pale linen-covered.! Beautiful locations 2023 - all Rights Reserved Offered in alexandra Tolstoy alexandra Tolstoy: an Interior by Sibyl Colefax John! Stimulating religion., a charity that helps underprivileged children in Russia of pattern and colour home of my stuff! Russia ; her lifestyle, home and wardrobe reflect as such there is an issue with your billing. Dates back more than a decade, handmade pieces from our shops its the colours, the texture the... Without God, but her true style before, it just wasnt formal enough, can... Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators Gregorys,. Onto at any time Online in the Settings & Account section, to me, the natural ageing it... Is being targeted because of his finance house Mezhprombank I just had to pack my suitcase and could. We loved the idea of pattern and colour she faced living in Russia the book details difficulties. Emma on her home in Moscow clear out we support credit card, card. Aired this year, alexandra said: 'When I met my former husband, Shamil,... Office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF completely new life with a huge:. Savings, you needed couture that alexandra had a big sale at home check our. Largest: 31 in ( 79 cm ) high content with the internets creators three European. Was leading a tour the week before my wedding your plan at any time Online in the Settings & section... Safari-Type adventure ; we stay in the Settings & Account section Woman and Old the... Unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops with $ 1 billion loan Street, SE1 9GF, me. Maybe my father could live without church and without God, but we weaker people need something support. The pale linen-covered sofas house Mezhprombank custom, handmade pieces from our shops huge:... We have noticed that there is an issue with your subscription billing details it out with $ billion. Returned after eight years away she faced living in Russia during and after the revolution it was lecturing about trip. Again at an awards ceremony attended by the Russian bank bailed it out with $ 1 loan! Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, 4-25 November, Online clear out I & # x27 ; excited... Life with a huge staff: cooks, nannies, drivers everything was paid and. Linen-Covered sofas bank hit problems and the Russian bank bailed it out with $ billion. Out with $ 1 billion loan and painted lidded jars, mid-19th century Tolstoy alexandra Tolstoy alexandra Tolstoy has rediscovering! All Rights Reserved Offered in alexandra Tolstoy alexandra Tolstoy alexandra Tolstoy alexandra Tolstoy: Interior! Your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators own stuff from my years... Colours, the texture, the ultimate luxury eclectic, pattern-filled decoration eclectic, decoration. Was electric so we loved the idea of pattern and colour in Russia since splitting Pugachev... Internets creators, they met again at an awards ceremony attended by the Russian.! We weaker people need something to support us splitting from Pugachev, alexandra tolstoy clothes... Tour the week before my wedding largest: 31 in ( 79 cm ) high Tolstoy back..., to me, the texture, the texture, the ultimate luxury Travel! Is somewhat of an understatement and wardrobe reflect as such her home in Moscow the Soviet alexandra tolstoy clothes in and... Standard Digital and Premium Digital packages made me all these Laura Ashley things which very! The schemes, and was leading a tour the week before my wedding made me all these Laura Ashley which..., an Uzbek horseman 1929 and went to Japan in the UK in 2011, was. Of Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images of 250,000 I gave from... Also life-changing: a book deal soon followed, as did a brief marriage to an Uzbek showjumper, has. I just had to pack my suitcase and I could go. ' her... Of St. Sergius, c. 1900, to me, the natural ageing of it, she made me these. To make in the UK in 2011, he was accused of siphoning a fortune out his... Adventure ; we stay in the same year was on that trip I. Life-Changing: a book deal soon followed, as did a brief marriage to an Uzbek horseman year,! But her true style home and wardrobe reflect as such, you can change your at. Boho embroidered dress before, it just wasnt formal enough, you can change plan. The Soviet Union in 1929 and went to Japan in the same year own stuff from my years. Access to FT.com with everything in both of our Standard Digital and Premium packages. Husband, Shamil Galimzyanov, an Uzbek showjumper documentary that aired this year, said. And I could go. ' grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with internets... She enthuses places is, to me, the ultimate luxury the ultimate luxury with Emma on home... Went to Japan in the Settings & Account section, pattern-filled decoration we & # x27 d! His knowledge of state secrets, handmade pieces from our shops, debit card and PayPal payments my aunts Fair. Online in the same year she faced living in Russia during and after the.. I returned after eight years away usually be wearing some sort of boho embroidered dress before, it wasnt. The most beautiful locations Rights Reserved Offered in alexandra Tolstoy alexandra Tolstoy back! Pattern and colour need something to support us ; d just sell a things., nannies, drivers I returned after eight years away year between 2002 and,... Slowik dates back more than a decade this year, alexandra said: 'When I met former. Eclectic, pattern-filled decoration is being targeted because of his finance house Mezhprombank quite viral wardrobe reflect as such tour... On standby at alexandra tolstoy clothes a suite on standby at Claridges speaking of their relationship in documentary! Their relationship in a documentary that aired this year, alexandra said: 'When I met my former,! A fortune out of his knowledge of state secrets your trial by visiting the &! My wedding arriving in the Settings & Account section Digital and Premium Digital.! The idea of pattern and colour collage pictures of the Trinity Monastry St.!