The Function of Fashion: Women and Clothing at the Russian Court (1700–1762)

Abstract

The concerted effort to introduce European-style clothing by Peter I (1682–1725), beginning in January 1700, has been analysed by a number of historians, who have generally located them within the wider reorientation of Russia during his reign.1 The developments relating to clothing and appearance were significant for a range of reasons. In part, they played an important role in shaping foreign perceptions of Russia and of its place within a wider European cultural sphere, which was firmly established by the second half of the eighteenth century. They also had a major impact on the self-perception of the various groups within Russian society which were affected by the reforms, not least noblewomen, who were included in the newly emerging social life in Moscow and St Petersburg. Whilst there have been a number of excellent discussions of the importance of developments in clothing and fashion in eighteenth-century Russia, the role of elite dress within these social forums has not been adequately examined, and will form the basis of this chapter.2