In 1903, Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra organised a special fancy dress ball. They invited the aristocracy to attend in Russian dress of the 17th century, prompting renewed interest in Russian history and traditional garments.
The guests commissioned their costumes from important tailoring and dressmaking workshops in Moscow and St Petersburg, especially from the studios of St Petersburg’s imperial theatres. The imperial family employed the director of the imperial Hermitage and former director of the imperial theatres to design their costumes.
The Russian ball was so exclusive and impressive an event that many remembered it as the last ball in Russia’s history. One commentator described it as a true fairytale, with a ‘profusion of traditional national costumes, richly decorated with rare furs, magnificent diamonds, pearls and semi-precious stones, most in their original settings. The family jewels were out in an abundance that exceeded all expectations.’
