Russian Splendor: Sumptuous Fashions of the Russian Court

The content are broken down into three sections.The first section is written with a few illustrations and photos thrown in.The second and third sections are all photosSection 1:*Introduction*Ceremonies and Festivities at the imperial court*Ceremonial costumes of the Russian court in the eighteenth to early twentieth centuries in the collection of the state hermitage museum*Fashion and style at the Russian court.Section 2*Traditions, Ceremonies, Rituals*Court costume of the eighteenth to the early twentieth centuries*Church vestments*Wedding CeremoniesSection 3*Social life*Ball and evening costumes of the nineteenth to early twentieth centuries*Masquerade costumes of the nineteenth to early twentieth centuries*The 1903 Masquerade at the winter palace*Masquerade in the western European style*Masquerade in the Chinese style*Visiting and party costumes of the nineteenth to early twentieth centuriesgames and entertainment*Hunting DressThe written section is intriguing. I love nothing more than historical writings that are succinct and engage me as a reader, which the author/s accomplished. The first section discusses the circumstances under which some of the clothes in the latter section of the book is shown. This is a nice set-up as you not only get the clothing but the historical notes on customs and information on the actual people who wore those garments. I was unaware of some of the religious/formal observances of the Russian court.The book is huge at 438 pages. I am not sure the binding will hold up to repeated usage but I hope it does. The pages do not go into the costumes of the everyday layperson but focuses on the court including ladies in waiting and servants. Photos of shoes, dishes, parasols etc are included as well as the clothing.I was a tad disappointed that we are not privy to the details inside the garments . I really wanted a breakdown of the individual elements of the clothing. How exactly were these ball gown constructed? What supporting garments did they wear? Corsets, surely were worn-what are the differences or similarities to those of the english and french etc. I would have really loved a more in depth look into the actual garments themselves.So was the book worth it? Yes, the photos are lovely and clear. I uploaded some but they do not do the book its proper justice.

I love this period of Russian history. The costumes the royals and aristocracy wore are beautiful. I wish the pictures were all in color but I thoroughly enjoyed the pictures and the history.

As someone who has always had a fascination for all aspects of Imperial Russian history, I have found this book to be worthy of the title: splendor & sumptuous are perfect descriptors of the magnificent clothes presented in this authoritative work. The stunning color photographs are profuse. Detailed photos emphasize the workmanship involved. The detailed written descriptions of various court occasions provide a context which helps to understand the importance of such exceptional garments. I received this book from my husband for Christmas. Since then I have spent many happy hours reading the articles. I like to regard these fashions as Faberge in fabric as they both occupy the highest echelon of craftsmanship. Photographed at the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, each piece evokes fantasies of who wore it & for which occasion. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Russian art/history as well as to those who appreciate perfection in fashion design & workmanship.

Beautiful book Large and well researched with great pictures. Good source for costume research snd a joy to look through !

Gorgeous book still wrapped in plastic. Brand new! Shipped very, very quickly.

This book is very spectacular for the amazing photograph of the beautiful garments for men and women of the Imperial Court. This was a gift and the recipient, who is an amateur of all things Imperial Russian loved it!

I'm still getting into this massive book-- easily the thickest book in my collection. I had no idea just how over the top Imperial Russian style was! Marvelous full color pics of the most beautiful outfits ever worn by humans. I'm even astounded that these outfits even still exist, and weren't destroyed by Philistine commies. Can't recommend this book enough!

Glorious book. If you're into Russian history then this is almost a must-have for your library. The book has glorious, glossy, wonderfully colored photos and drawings of all those clothes you've read about. It is eye-candy at it's best.

I was interested in this book as after visiting an exhibition in London I wanted to see and read more about these wonderful costumes. This book has a very detailed description of the various fashions, informative text with history and fabulous photographs. This book has it all, if you are interested in fashion, this book is definately for you.

Love this book! I'd now class it as one of my top 3 on my shelf of costume and textile books. The many detailed photos of the most wonderful gold work gowns and uniforms are breathtaking. Worth every penny! Most of the images and dresses I have never seen before which is also a bonus.

Beautiful book - plenty of detailed pictures & informative text

Nice pictures inside, great for research.

Un libro splendido, di interesse non solo perchi ama le arti applicate ma anche per chi si interessa della storia e della cultura russa.Egregiamente messo assieme dall'autore, con un'ottima parte introduttiva e una quantità di meravigliose foto che ritraggono abiti e dettagli di abiti, molti sapientemente ambientati all'interno del Museo dell'Hermitage a San Pietroburgo. Veramente consigliato.