c. 1923-1928

Evening Coat

Prince Vladimir Arbelov, who had trained as a diplomat, fled to Paris during the Russian Revolution and, like many other Russian émigrés, established a dress house. Called Anart, his successful atelier was especially known for luxurious shawls, wraps, and coats embellished with lavish embroidery and beading. As this coat shows, the simple, straight line preferred in the 1920s provided a perfect backdrop for ornate decoration. The glittering floral embroidery pattern references Russian folk art motifs, reflecting contemporary interest in exuberant peasant decoration.