| This project explores the time in history of 1900 – 1925, in which Russians sought to create a fashion style that distinguished them from the rest of the western world. Three groups were in pursuit of what they believed to be the Russian style. First, Tsar Nicholas II had a vision of his court aesthetic that took influence from Russia’s medieval past, which he believed would draw him closer to all his people. Second, Ballet Russes’ artists believed that folk art was the answer to creating style russe which they succeeded in creating on the stages of Paris and London. Finally, white émigré that consisted mostly of aristocrats and artists wanted to maintain their cultural identity through fashion. Research utilizes primary sources of museum costume collections and advertisements to analyze what the stylistic vision was and how it was accomplished.
Keywords: Russian Autocracy, Ballet Russes, Fashion, 1900-1925, White Émigré |