Could this have been some perverse joke of the Soviet educational system on its unassuming young women? One cannot help but notice the unmistakable resemblance of the Soviet schoolgirl uniform, developed in the 1920s, to the iconic French maid costume. Observe: a brown wool dress, accessorized with a lacy white pinafore over the chest, white tights and a cartoonishly large chiffon bow. And we thought Catholic schoolgirls had it rough.

Apparently, most Russian girls were unaware of the ensemble's fetishistic connotations. In fact, the dress was a point of pride among female students and was reserved for special occasions such as Victory Day or the first day of school. Most of the year, girls wore a less racy version, replacing the white pinafore with a black apron, leading one ex-schoolgirl to describe the uniform as more befitting a chaste nun than a frisky maid.

A girl might typically only possess one or two dresses, which were rotated as necessary. The white cuffs and collar, however, were expected to be spotlessly clean. Furthermore, the elaborateness of the collars and cuff and the complexity of their design often revealed the economic standing or Party connections of the girl's family, lending even the school uniform its place in the rigid Soviet social hierarchy. Upon becoming a pioneer (commie girl scout) she would be presented with a red ascot to wear with her costume.

Toward the end of the Soviet era, dress standards were relaxed; today, the uniform is considered more of a national costume, reserved for traditional occasions. Nonetheless, it has clung to life even in the 21st century. Unbelievably, modern high school graduation apparently warrants partying in the streets and frolicking in water fountains in the full getup. Perhaps the joke is on us after all.