Schiaparelli art

The fashion and surreal world of an Italian designer of yesteryear lives on.

In the midst of world wars, a conservative (and sexist) society and a desire for change, Italian Elsa Schiaparelli found her place to shine. The medium? Fashion from a surreal and beautifully extravagant point of view.

This designer, born in Rome in 1890, rose to fame thanks to a series of creations aimed at women with strong personalities, determined not to go unnoticed, as well as to shout - through striking looks - the satisfaction that comes from being (and looking) different.

She is credited with the creation of the skirt-trouser, the incorporation of materials that were uncommon at the time (for example, stretch rayon fabric), as well as the first fashion shows that told a story under a guiding concept.

Of course, Elsa Schiaparelli was also a world reference by making a nod to surrealist art through fashion and her wide creative universe; being a total competitor (some say even a rival) to Chanel's proposal. During her lifetime she was a friend of Salvador Dalí and of course, she dressed important women of her time, including celebrities, as well as controversial figures such as Wallis Simpson herself (who became the Duchess of Windsor).

Regarding her career, key moments stand out: a fleeting marriage, living in New York, settling in Paris to launch her own atelier in the 1930s, creating costumes for different theatre productions and even the seventh art.

In her final stretch, somewhat misunderstood and with a society that was changing course towards more discreet styles, she closed her own firm in 1954. The Italian died in 1973 in Paris.

The Renaissance

Having become an icon of fashion history and ready to live a new episode towards eternity, its rights were bought in 2012 by Diego Della Valle, President of the renowned Tod's. Schiaparelli experienced a relaunch to connect with the modernity of the 21st century.

And so it was. The rest is history, from the creative direction of Marco Zanini or Daniel Roseberry, to a gorgeous Bella Hadid showing off an impressive neckline in a black dress from this brand (accented by a necklace in the shape of golden lungs). What a beauty!

Long live Schiaparelli!