One of the testaments to Sergei Prokofiev’s infatuation with fashion is the incredibly well-preserved dress suit that was made upon the composer’s request at the turn of the 1930s. Prokofiev ordered it at the Kalina Paris tailor shop in France. This company became popular in Russia in the late 19th century, and its first studio was opened in St. Petersburg, the city where the young composer studied music.

A dress suit is an evening formal wear that has a particular cut and includes a coat with a cut away front and two long rear tails, and trousers with satin stripes of braiding down the sides. As a rule, a dress suit was worn for formal occasions.

In his informal clothing, Prokofiev preferred bright colors, particularly, yellow. The pianist Sviatoslav Richter was especially impressed by the stylish appearance of Prokofiev. When he first encountered the legendary composer, the young pianist was fascinated with Prokofiev’s canary-yellow shoes, checkered coat and suit, and a reddish-orange tie.

Prokofiev had not only a fashion style of his own but also certain fragrance preferences. His favorite perfume was Guerlain Kadine (1911), a rich floral fragrance with a pronounced absinthe note. The composer’s passion for Guerlain fragrances was documented in his diary entries where he described the first time he smelled the Kadine perfume:

Prokofiev’s penchant for fashion and style was known ever since the composer’s youth. Ties, elegant canes, luxury watches of the best European brands, leather gloves made-to-order, expensive shoes, and hats, including chapeau claque, all contributed to the image of Prokofiev not only as a genius musician but also as a stylish man.