The article was originally written by Asra Shaheen for Bidsquare publication
Elsa Schiaparelli was an intuitively imaginative designer and one of the most noteworthy fashion personalities, especially through the first and second World Wars. One of the leading couturiers, Paul Poiret greatly influenced Schiaparelli in the initial days of her fashion designing journey. Poiret was known for crafting styles that promoted freedom of movement among modern and forward-looking women. Poiret inspired Schiaparelli to launch her own maison in 1920s.
With her strong impulsive instincts, Schiaparelli created bold and timeless designs in haute couture, sportswear, fragrance and art. The surrealist movement, which took off in the post-World War I period, greatly impacted Schiaparelli designs.
In 1934, Time magazine placed her rival Coco Chanel in the second position and described Schiaparelli as one of “a handful of houses now at or near the peak of their power as arbiters of the ultra-modern haute couture”. In 1937, Schiaparelli introduced her fragrance, Shocking, in a bottle, the shape of which was inspired by the American actress, Mae West’s notably curvaceous silhouette. West was also among her list of influential clients.
If there was one fashion designer who made Salvador Dalí’s art wearable it was none other than Elsa Schiaparelli. In the year 1937, she created a stiletto shoe hat in association with Salvador Dalí. A 1933 photograph clicked by Dali’s wife Gala was the inspiration behind this creation. The photo shows Dali with a woman’s hat placed over his head and another shoe over his shoulder. The shoe hat, which belonged to Gala, is now part of the museum collection since 2013.
“Split Skirt” – long before shorts & culottes appeared on the block
The article was or The article was originally written by Asra Shaheen for Bidsquare publication. Click this link to read the full article. Bidsquare
