The documentary heritage of N.P. Lamanova at the A.A. Bakhrushin State Central Theatre Museum

Abstract

The October Revolution of 1917 in Russia had a great impact on art in general as well as on its practical aspects. The clothing, in particular, underwent a remarkable transformation. Due to shortages, on the one hand, and the change of ideals, on the other hand, the official “high fashion” initially had almost died out and later was reborn in the new forms that reflected the new requirements. Mass production, preference for simplicity and ease of manufacture to the detriment of the uniqueness and emphasized aesthetics – those were the main tasks in that area. And especially unexpected with such an approach can be considered the victory of the costume collection of Nadezhda Petrovna Lamanova’s dress collection at the “International Exhibition ofModern Decorative and Industrial Art” in 1925 in Paris was quite unexpected. Nadezhda Petrovna was a fashion designer of an aristocratic background and had formerly the status of the Emperor’s court supplier. She was not only able to change the style dramatically but also to create such an indigenous collection that even the sophisticated French panel of judges highly commended the national tint and the functionality of her work. The article gives an account of the life and creative activity of the fashion designer and we also reviews the documentary heritage of Nadezhda Petrovna Lamanova at the A.A. Bakhrushin State Central Theatre Museum.