From her signature color Shocking Pink to her collaborations with Surrealist artists, the boldly original Elsa Schiaparelli transformed fashion with her haute couture house from the late 1920s to the early ’50s. Experimenting with elements like trompe l’oeil images and colorful visible zippers, the Italian designer instilled a provocative avant-garde artistry in her clothing and accessories, including those created with Salvador Dalí, such as the lobster dress and a hat shaped like a shoe.
Born in Rome, Schiaparelli was a rebellious child who grew up among the city’s intellectual elite. She had a voracious appetite for reading and became interested in ancient cultures, astronomy and world religions. Schiaparelli studied philosophy at the University of Rome, and after publishing a collection of poems on love and sensuality that so mortified her conservative parents that they tried, unsuccessfully, to confine her to a Swiss convent, she left for London.
A quick marriage to Count Wilhelm de Wendt de Kerlor brought her to New York, but it would be in Paris following her divorce that Schiaparelli embraced her artistic passions. She moved to the French capital city in 1922 with her young daughter and happened to meet master couturier Paul Poiret, who loaned the stylish Schiaparelli his clothes, sparking her own fashion interests.
Schiaparelli opened her modest atelier in Paris and debuted her first collection of knitwear in 1927, and later that year, she designed a black-and-white pullover hand-knit wool sweater featuring a trompe l’oeil bowknot that captured the attention of the fashion world. Vogue called it “an artistic masterpiece.” The success led to her moving her house to 21 Place Vendôme in 1935 where thousands of garments were produced each year.
Schiaparelli’s knitwear collections were later accompanied by revolutionary swimsuits and other clothing and accessories. Her inventive designs would include culottes — a radical statement in the 1930s when women still could cause a scandal by wearing pants — as well as printed fabric, such as the 1938 Tears dress with a print designed by Dalí making it appear as if the evening gown had been savagely ripped.
Schiaparelli was among the first designers to use materials like rayon and Lurex as well as explore wrap dresses and transparent raincoats. She also introduced unisex fragrances and brought her artistic partnerships into jewelry, such as bronze brooches made with Alberto Giacometti and fur-lined bracelets with Méret Oppenheim. As she wrote in her 1954 autobiography Shocking Life, women should “dare to be different.”
Despite her acclaim, her shop closed in 1954 after a tumultuous time during World War II. By then, fashion had moved on with Christian Dior's New Look, and the closure of Schiaparelli's business coincided with a comeback mounted by Coco Chanel, her archrival in the early days.
In 2006, Italian businessman Diego Della Valle acquired the brand and its archives, and the Maison Schiaparelli was reopened in 2012, back at 21 Place Vendôme where Schiaparelli's fearless and enduring work began.
Find vintage Elsa Schiaparelli hats, evening dresses and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
Schiaparelli Talleyrand Silhouette Revival Stovepipe Hat
By Schiaparelli, Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli's 1945 Talleyrand Silhouette revival stove pipe hat is a later 1950's interpretation of her earlier design. When Schiaparelli returned to Paris, she presented her first...
Couture Elsa Schiaparelli Paris Maker Signed Fur Felt Ribbon Cloche Hat c1934
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Chicago, IL
While sleek cloche hats were the rage in Art Deco "flapper" fashion, this fur felt hat was commissioned by Parisian couturier Elsa Schiaparelli and hand-crafted by an Irish milliner ...
Elsa Schiaparelli 1950's Silk Flowers Hat
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Sharon, CT
Elsa Schiaparelli Spring Hat with wreath of pastel silk flowers around the edge. Wrapped straw, silken floss flowers, hand sewn attached to netting frame. T...
Vintage Elsa Schiaparelli 1950s Multicoloured Feather Hat Unisex Italy
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Capri, IT
1950s Schiaparelli Multicoloured feather hat Multicoloured feather totally made in italy
1950s Vintage Elsa Schiaparelli Black Hat with Fuchsia Bow, Unisex
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Capri, IT
1950s Schiaparelli Black with fucsia bow Hat in perfect conditions for its age can be work in many ways a really statement of elegance totally made in italy
1950 Schiaparelli Black Horsehair Braided Dome Hat W/Bows
By Schiaparelli, Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Gresham, OR
1950 Schiaparelli hat is completely constructed of layers of black horsehair swirls of ribbon creating a dome-like design. This unusual domed hat is ...
Schiaparelli Black Raffia with a Ribbon Floppy Fedora Hat
By Schiaparelli, Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Sharon, CT
A black Raffia ruffled 4" brimmed hat with a 4" interior diameter. Black silk ribbon. Height of hat around 6 1/2".
Elsa Schiaperelli vintage hat, 1950s
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Elsa Schiaperelli vintage hat with floral applique Period – 1940-1950’s Measurements – 22 x 19 cm Condition – very good ........Additional information...
1950s Schiaparelli Paris Velour Cocktail Hat - Feather Pom and Rhinestone Trim
By Elsa Schiaparelli, Schiaparelli
Located in North Attleboro, MA
Chic, sculptural, and unmistakably Schiaparelli, this vintage Paris cocktail hat delivers the witty drama the house is known for. This vintage Schiaparelli Paris cocktail hat is a standout example of midcentury millinery design. Crafted in warm cinnamon-brown velour felt, the hat features a structured oval crown wrapped in contrasting velvet bands of burnt orange and deep brown. A dramatic feather pom accents the top, paired with a soft feather spray and a rhinestone flourish for a subtle spark of glamour. The feathers remain present and secure, though the plumage has naturally softened and lost some of its original downy texture over time. This is typical for midcentury millinery. The top of the velour crown shows several small areas of surface nap loss consistent with light moth grazing. These spots are cosmetic, stable, and do not affect the hat’s structure or wearability. Designed to sit at a flattering angle, the hat embodies the sculptural whimsy and bold elegance that define Schiaparelli’s millinery. Details • Designer: Schiaparelli Paris • Era: 1950s • Materials: Velour felt, velvet banding, feathers, rhinestones • Color: Cinnamon brown, rust, deep brown • Style: Percher / cocktail hat • Size: Marked 22 (U.S. sizing), equivalent to approximately 56 cm in European sizing. Suitable for a standard women’s medium fit. • Condition: Very good vintage condition. Feathers intact with age-related softening. Several small areas of surface nap loss to the velour crown consistent with light moth grazing. Structure and trim remain strong. A collectible, personality-filled example of Schiaparelli’s couture...
Schiaparelli 1950's Pink Structured Turban Hat
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Sharon, CT
A pink 'structured, with a twist' Turban Hat. A composite of silk and possibly raffia. Interior diameter 7 1/4", height 6".
1960s Oleg Cassini Navy Blue + White Mod Linen + Silk Nautical Vintage 60s Hat
By Oleg Cassini
Located in San Diego, CA
Beyond chic 1960s OLEG CASSINI navy blue and white linen and silk blend nautical hat! The white section features a linen and silk blend that retains its' shape nicely. Navy blue faux...
Agnes B. Vintage 1990s Black Lambskin Leather Fedora Hat, Size 56
By AGNES B.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Agnes B Fedora Black Leather Hat . Lambskin Leather Fedora Hat. Vintage 1990s Black Leather Traditional 1920s / 30s New York Style Fedora Hat Hand crafted A leather fedora hat with a...
PAUL SMITH Size L Brown White Gingham Cotton Hats
By Paul Smith
Located in San Francisco, CA
PAUL SMITH bucket hat in a brown and white cotton canvas featuring gingham pattern. Made in Italy.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Signs of wear. Measurements: Opening: 22 inches ...
1980's New York Winner Lambskin Leather Fedora Hat
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
1980's New York Winner Lambskin Leather Fedora Hat. Made in the USA. The New York Winner Hat Company's Lambskin Leather Fedora Hat is a sleek and stylish trilby sending us back to th...
Vintage Chanel F/W 2009 Runway Black & White Mohair Bow Hat
By Chanel
Located in Boca Raton, FL
When Gabrielle Chanel opened her first boutique on the Rue Cambon in Paris in 1910, it was hats she debuted to her early clientele. Famous actresses of the day took note and began ...
Christian Dior Women's Teddy Bob Hat, Oblique Monogram, Size 57
By Christian Dior
Located in CACHAN, FR
Teddy bob hat Dior oblique monogram in very good condition. Size 57.
Dm 7.65 in
Louis Vuitton Canvas Hat
By Louis Vuitton
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Louis Vuitton - (Made in England) Monogrammed black cotton hat. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Circumference: 61 cm Seller Reference: CHP124
H 4.72 in W 7.08 in L 8.66 in
Vintage 1930s Peach Feather Coronet Hat, Open Crown Toque with Union Label
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exceptional 1930s vintage feather coronet hat (open-crown toque) rendered in a soft peach-apricot hue. Designed to sit elegantly like a crown around the head without disrupting s...
H 4.5 in L 0.5 in
Ornate Victorian Gold Filled and Faux Pearl Comb
Located in New York, NY
Ornate Victorian Gold Filled and Faux Pearl Comb from the late 19th Century. Large scale set with glass pearls and gilt swag chains hinged on a blond tortoiseshell comb. 1880's Franc...
H 2 in L 3.75 in
French Art Nouveau Horn Rose Barette
Located in New York, NY
Rare French Art Nouveau Horn Rose Barette circa 1910, France. Completely hand carved and hand patinaed depicting a rose spray in bloom. Brass fittings. 1900's France. 3.75" x 2". DOM...
1940s Marshall Fields Black Silk Velvet Rhinestone Avant Garde 40s Cloche Hat
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage 1940s MARSHALL FIELD'S black silk velvet rhinestone encrusted cloche hat! The perfect piece to complete any outfit. Can be worn by most sizes due to the fit. In gr...
H 4 in L 5 in
Art Deco Pave Ball Comb
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Pave Ball Comb form the 1920's. Graduated half spheres are pave set with emerald and sapphire paste stones on top of a faux tortoiseshell comb...
H 5 in Dm 8 in L 8 in
Vintage Elsa Schiaparelli Sculpted Velvet Hat with Feathers and Box
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Fabulous 1950’s Elsa Schiaparelli Vintage Cream Velvet and Feathers Sculpted Hat. Unique and elegant shape with Schiaparelli’s Innovative and Surreal Style. Layered with Velvet Leave...
Elsa Schiaparelli Paris 1950's Black Straw Hat
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Sharon, CT
Elsa Schiaparelli Black Straw High Brimmed Hat, circled with white twisted cord and accented with a faux berry stickpin. Outside measure 8" diameter, 7"height, 7"inside
Size: Medium - Large
1960s Schiaparelli Black Wool Felt Cloche Hat w Huge Silk Bow At Front
By Schiaparelli, Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Gresham, OR
1960s Schiaparelli Black Wool Felt Cloche Hat w Huge Silk Bow At Front. A striking homage to the classic 1920s style this plush and furry cloche is as stunning today as ever with it...
Elsa Schiaparelli 1950's Silk Flowers Hat
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Sharon, CT
Elsa Schiaparelli Spring Hat with wreath of pastel silk flowers around the edge. Wrapped straw, silken floss flowers, hand sewn attached to netting frame. O...
1950s Elsa Schiaparelli Ribbed Wool and Leather Cloche
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Port Hope, ON
This is a very unique hat from Elsa Schiaparelli, both in style and material. It is made of grey wool stitched raised ribbing, and black leather lacing end...
1950s Elsa Schiaparelli Fur Felt Hat
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Port Hope, ON
Stylish and elegant cream color fur felt hat from designer Elsa Schiaparelly manufactured in Italy by Toscana. The details are superb and include beading....
Vintage Elsa Schiaparelli Black Sculpted Satin Hat With Feathers
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Perhaps one of the most influential designers of the 20th century, Elsa Schiaparelli is most recognized for her surrealist style and subversive use of materials in dressmaking. However, Schiaparelli was also an accomplished milliner, creating stylish and quirky hats. No matter what the medium, Elsa Schiaparelli unapologetically crafted each and every item to be a representation of her artistic vision and shocking personality. Formed from an ink black silk satin, this beret style hat features carefully hand-sculpted pleats that give the mood of a turban. Exploding from a fold in the back, plumes of wispy black feathers texturize the smooth plane of the hat introducing a classy levity to the design. Smart and sensible, this Schiaparelli hat...
1960s Schiaparelli Straw Spring Hat With Wreath Of Silk Flowers Around Edge
By Schiaparelli, Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Gresham, OR
A beautiful never-worn 1960s Elsa Schiaparelli spring hat of wrapped straw and silken floss, in shades of pale pink, with a heavy band of beautiful silk fl...
1950s Elsa Schiaparelli Shocking Hot Pink Rare Velvet Vintage Avant Garde Hat
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare vintage 50s ELSA SCHIAPARELLI schocking hot pink Avanat Garde velvet hat! Sits high on the hairline with amazing architecture. Silk satin details. A classic musuem worthy piece ...
Size: none; comparable to size 22
Schiaparelli Surrealist Zebra Pillbox Turban Hat, 1960s
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Tucson, AZ
With enough boldness to silence a room and a neutral, pair-with-anything color palette, its existence is reason enough to start wearing hats again. Isabella Blow would approve. Roun...
Schiaparelli Orange and Black Milanese Straw Dome Hat With Button Details, 50s
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Gresham, OR
Featured here is a rare and unique Schiaparelli dome design hat from the mid 1950's. Unique molded crown of orange Milanese straw with a black straw band at back of the neck adds con...
Size: size 22; runs true to size
Schiaparelli Paris Black Velvet and Straw Summer Boater Hat - Adjustable, 1950s
By Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Tucson, AZ
So much like the shallow boaters on which Gabrielle Chanel cut her teeth, with the added feature of an unstructured velvet crown to keep it feminine. One ...