This very rare vest from the Tsarist period, dated to ca. 1890, is an exceptional example of Russian urban fashion with strong references to traditional costume design. The original Cyrillic label reads: J. Sagmeister · St. Petersburg, a name associated with the Art Nouveau era in Russia. Garments with an authentic Russian label from this period are extraordinarily scarce, making this piece a true collector’s treasure.

The vest is richly decorated with tassels, fringes, and trimmings embroidery, giving it a distinctive and highly tactile appearance. It is lined with cream silk, adding softness and luxury to the interior. The condition is very well preserved, with only discreet signs of age and wear—remarkable for a garment of this provenance.

In decades of collecting, this is the first garment with a Russian label we have encountered. After 1918, the break with Tsarist tradition was so profound that most urban and courtly clothing from the pre‑revolutionary period was destroyed, repurposed, or gradually lost. Only a few pieces survived abroad—as did this vest. Today, surviving examples are extremely rare and highly valuable, often commanding significant prices due to their scarcity and historical importance.