Russian Changes in Fashion under Peter I

Russian Changes in Fashion under Peter I

By: Mayra Lizett Orellana

Intro: Changes In FashionIntro: Changes In Fashion

It is not common for rulers to implement new styles of wardrobe upon their fellow country men, and when Peter I implemented new styles of clothing he shocked his nobility at the extremes of his enforcementAs Peter I imposed new forms of wardrobe in Russia, the Russian nobility had to abandon their former wardrobe and wear Western designsWhen these changes were implemented, the Russian court found it difficult to adjustPeter was very specific as to where the garments came from and what fabrics could come from those locationsPeasants and clergymen were not required to alter their wardrobe to western styles

Before Peter’s Fashion ReformsBefore Peter’s Fashion Reforms

A sarafana had been a common form of dressWhen Peter imposed the new fashion guidelines, nobles abandoned the sarafana, however peasants continued to wear the sarafana

Typical sarafana costume

Not all was lost in WesternizationNot all was lost in Westernization

Kokoshniks, a head piece, usually accompanied the sarafanaKokoshniks were not exclusive to a specific class, i.e. royalty and peasants wore them

Catherine II wearing a kokoshniks

Changes in GroomingChanges in Grooming

Peter’s attempt to westernize Russia even included the removal of men’s beardsThe nobility was outraged at the new requirementMen who chose not to shave/cut their beards were forbidden from entering the court

Cartoon depicting the enforcement of shaving beards

Peter’s Royal AttirePeter’s Royal Attire

Peter was very detailed orientated when it came to the styles and the location of where the garments came fromPeter specified that the garments had to come from Germany, France, or SaxonyHe also specified what kind of fabric the garments had to made from

A wax figure of Peter I wearing western clothing

Women at the CourtWomen at the Court

Women who attended the court also wore European styled dressesThis piece depicts the Western influence on Russian fashion, quite different from the sarafana

This robe à la française was worn in the mid 18th century

ConclusionConclusion

While the nobility was reluctant to adhere to Peter’s dress code it brought Russia closer in becoming more European