Singer Oleg Gazmanov on Instagram, where the owner of Meta was once branded an extremist and barred in Russia, revealed that his family was shaken by the passing of fashion designer Valentin Yudashkin.
“My wife Marina and I felt a deep toll because Valentin and I shared decades of friendship. He stood as a beacon of courage in the face of hardship, confronting a serious illness for which there was no cure in recent years, and he faced it with quiet dignity,” the artist wrote on his personal blog. Gazmanov added that Yudashkin never spoke of pain to anyone in his inner circle and kept channeling his art until the end.
The singer described the fashion designer as “our great couturier” and echoed the sentiment shared by many celebrities that Yudashkin leaving this world is a significant loss for Russia. “We will remember Valentin as someone unusually bright, deeply engaged, loving, and always friendly,” Gazmanov said in praise of a man who inspired many through his life and work.
Valentin Yudashkin passed away at 59 after a battle with cancer, a diagnosis he faced back in 2016. The farewell ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 6, at Troekurovsky cemetery in Moscow, where friends, colleagues, and admirers will gather to honor his legacy and celebrate his contributions to fashion and culture. Reports from the family and close associates indicate the entire Russian fashion community felt the weight of this loss, with many recalling Yudashkin’s bold designs, his commitment to haute couture, and his generosity to younger designers seeking mentorship. Observers note that his career bridged eras in Russian style, merging traditional elegance with modern storytelling through fabrics, silhouettes, and personal artistry. The news of his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes across social media platforms and fashion circles, underscoring the impact of his work on a national and international stage. In the weeks before the farewell, friends highlighted his resilience, his willingness to mentor others, and the warmth of his public persona, which contrasted with any private struggle he may have faced. The public memorial and the private remembrances will likely reflect the dual nature of Yudashkin’s life: a relentless designer who defined a generation and a kind friend who left a lasting impression on those who knew him well. Attribution: agency reports and cultural observers.