A new exhibition, “From Exile to Avant-Garde: The Life of Princess Natalie Paley,” is now on display at the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in Washington, D.C., showcasing the life and legacy of Natalia Pavlovna Paley, a granddaughter of Czar Alexander II of Russia. Born in 1905, Paley was a member of the Romanov dynasty that ruled Russia for over 300 years.
Early Life and Escape
Paley’s life took a dramatic turn with the outbreak of the Russian Revolution. Alongside her sister Irina, she embarked on a perilous journey to Finland, disguising themselves as laundresses’ daughters. They traveled over 200 miles by tram, cattle car, horse-drawn sledge, and on foot, facing exhaustion and danger at every step. Their father and brother, however, were not as fortunate and were executed by the Bolsheviks.
Reinventing Herself
After escaping to France, Paley reinvented herself as a fashion icon, leveraging her exquisite taste and style to become a muse for prominent designers, photographers, and artists. Her relationships with influential figures like Jean Cocteau, Serge Lifar, and Cecil Beaton further solidified her status in the art world. Paley’s glamorous persona captivated audiences in both France and the United States, where she appeared in films and on the pages of glossy magazines.
The Exhibition
The exhibition at Hillwood Estate features an impressive collection of artifacts, including photos, letters, drawings, decorative art objects, clothing, jewelry, and glassware. Many of these items were acquired by Hillwood in 2022, as part of a significant collection of Russian imperial artifacts. Some highlights include:
- Imperial Portraits: Rare portraits of Paley and her family, showcasing their imperial heritage
- Fashion and Style: Paley’s influential role in shaping fashion trends, with examples of her work with designers like Mainbocher
- Artistic Connections: Paley’s relationships with artists, writers, and photographers, highlighting her impact on the art world
Legacy
Through this exhibition, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Paley’s remarkable life, from her idyllic childhood in France to her dramatic escape from the Bolsheviks and subsequent rise as a fashion icon. As Kate Markert, Hillwood’s executive director, notes, “Paley was a creative figure with a talent for elegant reinvention.” The exhibition runs until January 4, 2026, at the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in Washington, D.C.
