Elsa Schiaparelli

"In difficult times fashion is always outrageous"

Elsa Schiaparelli

Elsa (1890-1973) was an italian fashion designer. Her design's exposed her character and she circulated her inspiration through her designs. A big fan of surrealism Elsa often took a direct approach when interpreting thoughts into designs. Being born into a wealthy family Elsa spent a lot of her life traveling where she absorbed information and ideas for her work. Her career shot of with her graphic knitwear collection in 1927 and by the 30's her collection 'Pour le sport' which consisted of bathing suits, ski wear and linen dresses was introduced to the scene. Elsa was very much influenced by circumstance's at that time so when her collection inspired by pre war designs got knocked by the 'New Look' Elsa found it hard to recover and adapt the latest trends which lead her to close down in 1954. Despite her Lapse Schiaparelli as a fashion designer made her mark. She was exciting and eccentric, she found inspiration in everything and found numerous ways to interpret them. Her creations for that time were completely vanguard, and her bright zips, and customised bee shaped buttons are all signature details of Elsa's work. She in comparison to the two previous designers was unfamiliar with sewing skills and relied on courtiers and seamstresses to materialise her designs. Elsa was not just a fashion designer but an artist with daring ambitions.

1937, white and red silk organza hand painted lobster by Salvador Dali

Jumper from knitted collection