Masquerade Costume of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna
1903

St. Petersburg
Ceremonial dress of a Russian empress of the 17th century; "platno" dress of gold brocade with embroidery in metallic thread and sequins in a stylised floral design over the entire surface; loose with wide sleeves to below the elbow; fastened with hooks and buttons; trimmed with strips of silver brocade covered with artificial pearls on the center of the front, hem and lower sleeves; head-dress of gold brocade decorated with artificial pearls; high heeled shoes of gold brocade embroidered with sequins, artificial pearls and large green glass inserts.
length of dress: 158 cm

This costume is a copy of one belonging to Maria Ilinichna, the wife of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. It was specifically made for a masquerade ball held in 1903. This was one of the most famous balls held at the Winter Palace. At the behest of Emperor Nicholas II the guests had to present themselves at the ball in 17th century costume. The entire Court spent several months preparing for the masquerade. Empress Alexandra Feodorovna can be seen wearing this costume in the original 1903 Portrait of the Emperor and Empress from this Ball.