Basilicati told Russia's Rambler News Service that the fashion house was in talks with Russian factories, and said that the cheaper ruble made it the ideal time to start producing the clothes in Russia.
On Monday Sputnik France interviewed Pierre Cardin himself at his home, a castle in France's Provence region. The Italian-born fashion designer explained his motivation for wanting to move production to Russia.
@sputnik_fr a été invité chez @pierrecardin au château de Lacoste #hautecouture #mode pic.twitter.com/JH25nVLGAC
— Ksénia Lukyanova (@ksenia_sputnik) 11 июля 2016 г.
"Considering that Russia is the biggest country in the world, it's normal," Cardin said.
"Since I am very famous there, from a commercial point of view if I open production there, it will help to make important connections. That's the reason why I'm doing it."
Cardin said his company has maintained business in Russia for more than 40 years, and he feels a strong cultural affinity with the country.
"It is respect. I really love your country. This is a country with a very rich culture, and music. At the same time, this is a country that is worth getting to know, people don't know it well enough."
Cardin, who is also a theater producer, and UNESCO goodwill ambassador, said that art has an important role to play in diplomacy.
"I produced Juno and Avos (a Russian-language rock opera, which debuted in Moscow in 1981 and at the Paris Escape Cardin in 1983), which served as a link, and I even took the show to the US … to show that art doesn't have anything to do with politics. Art has a task – to be a diplomat," he said.
Cardin called on the French and Russians to maintain their close cultural relationship, and resist those who want to spoil international relations.
"The French love and respect Russia very much. There is culture, but there are people who want war, and unfortunately it is not possible stop them … it is a great shame," he said.
"In any case, I am a great friend of Russia, which I love very much and deeply respect."
