Silk Turban of Princess Irina Yusupova

Silk Turban of Princess Irina Yusupova 

This silk turban, attributed to Princess Irina Alexandrovna Yusupova (1895–1970), offers a rare glimpse into the sartorial world of Russian aristocracy in exile. Crafted from fine silk—likely of French origin—it reflects the refined taste and cosmopolitan sensibility of a woman born into grandeur and shaped by displacement.

The turban’s draped structure, designed to complement the voluminous hairstyles of the early 20th century, once bore a central jewel ornament, possibly an emerald or diamond set in gold. Its pearly white tones and silvery undertones evoke purity and nobility, while the interior lining suggests tailored comfort and discretion.

Irina, granddaughter of Tsar Alexander III and wife of Felix Yusupov, lived a life of opulence and exile, navigating the fall of Imperial Russia with grace. This turban, likely worn during receptions or official appearances, survives as a testament to her enduring elegance and the quiet resilience of aristocratic identity.

This turban is not merely an accessory—it is a relic of presence. I imagine it resting atop Irina’s coiffure, framing a gaze that once moved through salons and courts with effortless poise. To possess it is to inherit a fragment of vanished splendour, a tactile echo of a woman who embodied both beauty and fortitude. A rare treasure for those who seek to preserve the intimate legacy of Imperial Russia.

Doktor Lazarus Archaeologist, Historian, Collector, Independent Curator

NB: Irina e Felix avevano creato una casa di moda chiamata Maison Irfè. Si vede nelle loro collezioni anche l'utilizzo di questi turbanti. Qui ci sono delle informazioni: www.irfe.com/heritage