Maroussia is the first fragrance by the Russian designer Slava Zaitsev. Maroussia is a beautiful female Russian name: Marusja or Maria. The perfume is intensive oriental with the rich floral heart and woody – balmy base. It is not very popular in Russia, but it is praised by the western critics as well as buyers. Aldehydes, bergamot, orange blossom and peach are at the top notes; heliotrope, jasmine, rose, lily-of-the-valley, orchid, iris, tuberose and ylang-ylang in the heart; and amber, benzoin, cedar, civet, musk, sandalwood, Tonka bean and vanilla at the base. The perfume was made in 1992.

The house of Slava Zaitsev was founded by Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Zaitsev known as Slava Zaitsev in Russia. He is a Russian fashion designer, painter, graphic artist and theatrical costume designer. His design is influenced by traditional Russian and Slavic styles. In 1952 he enrolled in the Faculty of Applied Arts at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Ivanovo to acquire a diploma of a textile artist. He moved to Moscow in 1956, and enrolled in the Moscow Textile Institute where he acquired a diploma in painting and designing. Zaitsev was one of the dominant figures in haute couture during the Soviet regime and was often compared with the most appreciated Western designers. One of his first positions was the one of artistic director of Experimental technical garment factory in Moscow, where he was in charge of production of women's clothing for retail stores. He soon became well-known for designing a chic version of traditional Russian clothes, but, nevertheless, the regime did not approve production of his collection. His next position was the one of the Chief Designer at the All-Union Fashion House, known as Dom Modeli. His work caught attention of French designers and he was given nickname Red Dior. It was in 1978 that he started working on his own, from a small studio, later to become «Slava Zaitsev» Moscow Fashion House or Dom Modi. It was one of the biggest Soviet couturiers who served thousands of customers and was popular among high society ladies such as the Soviet Firts Lady. In that period of time he even wrote two books covering fashion - "Such Changeable Fashion" and "This Multifaceted World of Fashion". After displaying his designer pieces in Japan and Canada, Zaitsev signed a three year contract with Intertorg Inc. in 1987, which enabled him to offer and sell his designs in the United States. Soon after he conquered Paris, joined the Maison de Couture and was named "Man of the Year in the World of Fashion". In 1991 Zaitsev created his first perfume. That was a classic women perfume named Maroussia, created in collaboration with the French house of L'Oréal. The perfume is a floral oriental and is still a favorite not only to Russian women, but to worldwide audience. In 1992 Zaitsev conquered the USA and attracted a lot of attention with his fashion shows and exhibitions of his paintings, which were widely attended, an meant the beginning of cultural exchanges. Even the President of Russia, Boris Yeltsin, appreciated Zaitsev and awarded him the State Prize of the Russian Federation in the field of literature and the arts in 1996. He was also close to President Putin ad designed an attire for his wife for the presidential pair's visit to teh Queen of England. Zaitsev expended his collection to menswear, as well. Slava Zaitsev has always remained true to his Russian roots and has therefore designed in Russian style and for Russian audience primarily.