Estonia’s first fashion history museum has opened at Keila-Joa Castle, near Tallinn, with a room dedicated to the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF). Marking the festival’s 30th edition, the display explores the meeting point of cinema, fashion and festival glamour.
The PÖFF room features dresses created by Estonian fashion designer Kirill Safonov for the festival’s founder, Tiina Lokk, to wear at its opening ceremonies. Photographs by Erlend Štaub capture guests and memorable moments on PÖFF’s distinctive black carpet.
“Over three decades, PÖFF has brought world cinema, encounters with filmmakers and the glamour of the red carpet to Estonia. This section of the exhibition honours everyone who has helped Estonia become part of the international film community,” said the castle’s owner, Andrei Dvorjaninov.
For film lovers visiting Tallinn this November, the museum offers an opportunity to explore the relationship between cinema and fashion beyond the festival’s screening rooms.
Its inaugural exhibition, Red Carpet: From Ballrooms to Film Galas, traces a journey from the haute couture of the Belle Époque to the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age and today’s international film festivals.
Around 70 dresses are on display alongside jewellery, shoes, handbags, tiaras and period portraits. Highlights include dresses worn by Marlene Dietrich and Gloria Swanson, garments associated with Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, and creations by legendary Hollywood costume designer Gilbert Adrian.
“It explores how fashion reflects history, and how clothes, designers and film stars shape our understanding of beauty, elegance and the splendour of special occasions,” said Dvorjaninov.
The museum builds on a decade-long partnership between Keila-Joa Castle, also known as Schloss Fall, and the Alexandre Vassiliev Foundation in Paris, which has brought a series of fashion history exhibitions to the historic estate.
The exhibition is open to the public from 23 October 2026. The 30th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival takes place from 6–22 November.