Fashionistas of the world unite! Looks from the land of the firebird are heating up again

Eighty-eight years ago next month, the Russian Revolution called a halt to a way of living--and dressing. And now, years after the Soviet regime took over and the land of the firebird became history, that extravagant, voluminous look that defined an empire (and kept its denizens looking luxe through war and peace) emerges from fashion's ashes yet again to strike a blow against the anonymous and utilitarian. Runways were recently packed with tall fur hats, military coats, and colors and fabrics that had fashionistas storming backstage as if Sergei Eisenstein had just cranked his movie camera and shouted "Action, comrades!" and the Romanovs were hidden between clothing racks awaiting rescue. But fashion that proclaims itself in such grand, confident, and unforgettable looks and lengths always leads to commotion--which is maybe why, though Russia's grand dukes and duchesses and palace guards have all been lost to time and tragedy, the styles they proudly wore remain to inspire and delight us.

Patrick Giles is Interview's editorial associate.

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