Russian Splendor: Sumptuous Fashions of the Russian Court

by Mikhail Piotrovsky, Georgy Vilinbakhov (Contributor), Evelina Tarasova (Contributor)

A stunning volume showcasing the magnificent court dress of the Russian Empire, culled from the authoritative collection at the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, photographed with the Winter Palace as a backdrop. Prerevolutionary Russia was renowned for the glamorous and luxurious lifestyles of the nobility, with their opulent palaces and glittering social life. Now, this lavish volume reveals the incredible clothing they wore, from everyday dress and ceremonial attire (traditional holidays outfits and military uniforms) to dress for special occasions, including elaborate evening wear for theater and musical events and fancy masquerade balls. Celebrated for luxurious materials and impeccable craftsmanship, the dress of the Russian nobility was haute couture at its finest. With beautiful photography and details highlighting the hand-spun silks and lace and jeweled embroideries, Russian Splendor highlights the glamour of this gilded age and offers a fascinating window into a vanished world. Essays by Hermitage Museum curators, alongside historic Russian paintings and photographs, place the clothing in a historical context, revealing the rich cultural layers and artistic influences of czarist Russia.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fashion, Art, History, Russia, Historical

440 pages, Hardcover

Published October 11, 2016

About the author

English profile here Михаил Пиотровский

Reviews

[Alenka of Bohemia · Rating 5 out of 5]

About 100 pages about functions that once built the legend of Russian splendor precede hundred of detailed, high quality colour photographs of dresses, uniforms, hats, shows and fans. Magnificent book.