Russian Fashion Week opens this Saturday, showcasing some of Russia's most exciting designers as well as talent from France, Spain and Italy. The fashions on display are for the autumn/winter season of 2009/2010.

Vyacheslav Zaitsev's collection commemorates the 100th anniversary of Diaghilev's Russian Seasons in Paris, and is appropriately titled "Diaghilev Seasons". Zaitsev says he has always admired the costume sketches for Diaghilev's troupe - outfits designed by Picasso and Benois, amongst others - as being the embodiment of refined luxury and creativity.

One unlikely name on the list of participating designers is Irina Khakamada, who is making her second appearance at RFW as a fashion designer.

An opposition candidate for the 2004 presidential election, Khakamada may have lost to Vladimir Putin, but she has kept some foothold in the spotlight.

The European world of fashion is represented by renowned French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Spaniard Francesca Toni and budding Italian designers recommended by the Italian Fashion Chamber, among others.

Although the days of hard partying may be over for Moscow's gilded youth, the producer of the show, Alexander Shumsky, commented that people always have the desire to dress nicely, be it during times of economic growth or crisis. "Yes, the crisis has hit Russian fashion, but it hasn't been hit as hard as the automobile industry," he said. - Ayano Hodouchi

■ March 28 to April 4 / Congress Hall of the World Trade Center / Entrance 4, Krasnopresnenskaya Nab. 13 / m. Krasnopresnenskaya