EMPRESSES IN CONTRAST.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIV, Issue XX, 19 May 1900, Page 932

EMPRESSES IN CONTRAST.

The present Czarina of Russia goes to extremes in the simplicity of her court apparel, and in this respect forms a great contrast to the famous Elizabeth Petrowna, daughter of Peter the Great.

The latter, while Empress, hail earned the title of “Elizabeth the Good,” because she never approved of any executions in her empire. On the other hand, she was much criticised for her extravagance and eccentricity in dress. After her death the fact became known that she had 15,000 costly gowns in her wardrobe, none of whieii had ever adorned her royal person.

Now, when the dress of court is a more serious matter with the royal and noble women, Russia has a Czarina who observes the strictest simplicity in her gowns, ami requires the same from her guests and attendants. This has caused endless dissatisfaction. The ultra fashionable lady must bear the chagrin of appearing at court functions in a very plain toilet, for otherwise the scrutinizing eyes would pick her out as a mark for disapproval. K This extraordinary plainness baffles her admirers all the more, because it is a well known fact that the Czar is extremely fond of chic, and has often expressed his admiration for elaborate costly ladies’ toilets.