Masquerade [Kuskovo Estate]

[Sofia Vasilieva]

A cordial invitation to the 40th wedding anniversary celebration of Edita and Konstantin Vasiliev, a masked ball to be held at the Kuskovo Estate in Moscow

If family was an empire, then marriage was the institution through which the Vasilievs boasted the iron strength of their blood. Few could claim such loyalty and longevity, a reminder publicly marked each year by the anniversary party thrown by Konstantin and Edita Vasiliev. It was a lavish and bold testament to wealth and power, and a clear reminder that the family wielded both, as well as being one of the most prestigious and anticipated events of the social calendar.

For this year's festivities, those on the exclusive guest list would be welcomed into the Kuskovo Estate, a country house casting its roots back to the 18th-century, one of the first great retreat residences of Russian nobility now subsumed into the eastern part of the city. Its extravagant riverside gardens and opulent interior would be open to guests’ exploration as the evening unfolded. Vasiliev affairs were never remiss on the entertainment, and this one lauded a mysterious air. The invitation described it as a masked ball.

Security was, of course, paramount. Paparazzi might catch glimpse of the cars which passed the grand gates, but not whom sat within them, unless by design or choice. Upon reaching the glittering reception hall, smartly attired servers circulated with champagne and canapés as the guests were greeted and welcomed by the Vasiliev children.