Russian court apparel
16th-early 20th centuries. Display case.
This unique collection of costumes and accessories dating from the 16th to the early 20th centuries is of enormous historical interest. Most of the articles on display here were made on the Kremlin grounds at the Sovereign's and Tsarina's workshops. This is the largest collection of old Russian costumes in the country.
An ukase of Peter the Great forbade the wearing of traditional Russian-style garb, so from the end of the 17th century, clothing was sewn in the European style, most frequently, according to French fashions, since at the time, France reigned supreme in the world of haute couture.
The frock coat of blue silk trimmed with a narrow band of silver braid belonged to Peter II.
The coronation gown of Catherine I, wife of Peter the Great, is made of reddish-purple silk. Russian embroideresses skilfully decorated the skirt, bodice, and train with a marvelously beautiful and complex design executed in silver thread.
A formal gown required many accessories: buttons, gloves, a fan, and perhaps a snuff box.
