Because whoever said fashion is only for women in the 20th century, should really check again. However, what’s the story behind Nicholas II’s wardrobe?
Text: Iliana Deligiorgi
Born back in the 18th of May, 1868, Nicholas II was the last Tsar of Russia. In history, he’s known as the man who witnessed the most glorious and the worst days of the Russian empire. Another fact about his life? Full of expenses. A man who loved clothing, shoes and fashion in general, as well as furnishing and art. When it came to his appearance, he was really all about the details, after all he wasn’t the one paying for them. An extravagant outfit for each event made from the greatest fabrics available. In everyday occasions he wouldn’t mind to wear the same dressing over and over again. However, uniforms were really important to him. His valets had to keep Nicholas II’s uniforms in the greatest condition possible, having them cleaned, laid out, dried and pressed hours before even the Tsar asked for them. Even today, his personal clothing collection is one to admire.
Nevertheless, the last Tsar of Russia wasn’t the only one interested in fashion. His predecessors are also known for their love to high fashion. In days when Russia was one of the richest empires, the Russia elite was interested in fashion simply because they could afford everything… Fashion was another mean used by the Imperial families to show off their superiority and power, contrariwise to the rest of the people. Some of the clothes Nicholas II or his close relatives wore were created by people who lived below the poverty line. Still, for the Tsars it was just another fashion piece. Even back then, fashion was as cruel as it can be sometimes today.
Take a look at Tsar Nicholas II’s clothing taste as today’s food for ‘fashion’ thought.
