Vyacheslav Zaitsev is a very significant figure for Russian culture, he deserved a place at the country’s most status cemetery – at Novodevichy
Photo: Vladimir VELENGURIN
The place where Vyacheslav Zaitsev found his last rest was chosen by one of his relatives. Most likely the only son of Yegor. But it was this decision that caused amazement among the fans of the fashion designer. Why Shchelkovo? There is no family burial or other sacred clues. Well, perhaps not far away, in the village of Kablukovo, Zaitsev built back his mansion, where he lived for the last 30 years. Who will get it now? What will Zaitsev’s heirs do with him? Maybe they’ll sell. Then even those close to you will not have any attachments to the place. And friends of Vyacheslav Zaitsev, his fans, it is inconvenient to go to Shchelkovo to the grave. It will be very sad if in a couple of years (or earlier) there will be another scandal about another abandoned grave of a celebrity. This is first. Secondly, Vyacheslav Zaitsev is a very significant figure for Russian culture, he deserved a place in the country’s most status cemetery – Novodevichy.
A message has already appeared on the Web that the singer Nadezhda Babkina expressed the idea of reburialing Vyacheslav Zaitsev, saying that many stars are unhappy that the great fashion designer was buried not at Novodevichy, but at the Zhegalovsky cemetery in the Moscow region. Allegedly, the singer wants to create an initiative group and apply to high authorities in order to rebury her old friend. This news was shared by the artist Nikas Safronov. He supported Babkina’s initiative. We asked Nikas to talk about the technical side of this decision.
– Vyacheslav Zaitsev deserves special honors, including in matters of burial. A master like him should be buried in the center of the capital. For the people, for the country, this is recognition of his merits, this is a sign of distinction. It would be right to bury him at the Novodevichy cemetery, – says Nikas Safronov.
Nikas Safronov
Photo: Viktor GUSEINOV
– Did Vyacheslav Mikhailovich speak on this topic?
I know that he wanted it. Novodevichy Cemetery in the center of Moscow, thousands of people come there every day. A month ago, Slava Zaitsev invited me to visit. It was at the end of March. We did not meet each other in a long time. He was surprised that his assistants didn’t invite me to his 85th birthday. To congratulate him on the past anniversary, I came to him in Kablukovo. We talked for three hours.
I don’t know who made the strange decision about the cemetery in Shchelkovo. But it was taken rashly. Slava Zaitsev is a world-class star, the main fashion designer of the Soviet Union. He is a man of the world. A great artist who united the minds and hearts of millions. It is very sad that relatives allow themselves to make decisions against the will of their unforgettable. No one has the right to change the wishes of the deceased. Friends of Vyacheslav Zaitsev believe that his rights were infringed. Not to mention the fact that it is not easy to get to Shchelkovo on weekdays, and even on weekends. Fans will have difficulty visiting the grave.
– So you’re in favor of reburying him?
– This issue cannot be resolved without the will of relatives. But the Novodevichy Cemetery is not only the desire of Zaitsev himself, but also an objectively correct decision.
