London's V&A: Don't Miss the Magnificence of the Tsars Exhibit

If you're anything like me, you probably go just a teensy bit weak in the knees at the sight of a handsome man in uniform. If so, I would highly recommend the Magnificence of the Tsars exhibit currently on display at London's Victoria & Albert Museum. The exhibit is curated and mounted by the Moscow Kremlin Museums with many pieces having never before traveled outside Russia. Interestingly, many of the earlier garments on exhibit from the 18th and 19th centuries were actually made by French tailors as the expertise needed to make the elaborate court and ceremonial attire did not emerge in Russia until the early 20th century. This said, judging by the jewel-encrusted and fur-trimmed costume inspired by Russian traditional garments sported by Nicholas II for an exclusive costumed ball in 1903 (the exhibit's piece de resistance), local tailors in Moscow and St. Petersburg eventually caught up to their French counterparts. The Magnificence of the Tsars exhibit closes 29 March 2009. Try to avoid the weekend crowds if you can help it - the beauty of many of these garments are in the magnificent embroidery and other fine details which are difficult to focus on in a crowd. Enjoy!

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

P.S. Incidentally, some of the groomsmen's waistcoats would look totally on trend today paired with skinny jeans and a nice pair of ankle boots. What goes around comes around?

Comments

[Ms. P&C]

A great military-style jacket is always so chic! Love this picture & wish I could come see the show!