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 Silk Skirt, Runway piece FW24
By Schiaparelli
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Unique & Rare Schiaparelli Silk skirt with gold details. The skirt creates a unique styling with the corset available in my other auction. Michelle Williams Wore Schiaparelli To...
SCHIAPARELLI black viscose 2023 BIJOUX BUTTON WRAP Dress 34 XS
By Schiaparelli
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Schiaparelli evening dress in black viscose (100%) embodies the house’s signature surrealist codes. Designed with a relaxed, floor-sweeping silhouette, it feature...
Schiaparelli Valentine Heart w/Arrow dress Jacket New!
By Schiaparelli, Franco Moschino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Schiaparelli black wool blazer with signature large red heart pierced by embroidered gold arrows, with a small spray of clear stones. Four (4) small delicate buttons showc...
Schiaparelli Rare Black Corset /Bustier. Iconic design seen on Michelle Williams
By Schiaparelli
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Schiaparelli very Rare Corset! RTW 2023 Iconic Schiaparelli design! Designed by Daniel Roseberry for Schiaparelli I also have skirt from this look. I can list here to create tot...
Limited Schiaparelli Mirror Jacket FW 2022 after Elsa Schiaparelli iconic design
By Daniel Roseberry, Schiaparelli
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Extremely limited F/W 2022 Schiaparelli jacket designed by Daniel Roseberry in honor of Elsa Schiaparelli's iconic design! The original evening jacket design from 1938 is held in the...
Schiaparelli extremely rare blouse FW 2022 collector piece/ worn by Joan Collins
By Schiaparelli
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Schiaparelli FW 22 Extremely rare, only few pieces were produced. Designed by Daniel Roseberry ! Signature piece for Schiaparelli. It’s RTW but has a design and material of couture! ...
Schiaparelli signature heels TROMPE L'ŒIL SANDALS size 40
By Schiaparelli
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Schiaparelli TROMPE L'ŒIL SANDALS size 40 These black satin strappy sandals with a leather lining feature gold-tone brass toes, a signature trompe-l'oeil detail of the House, and r...
Robe and night-gown in pink nylon and tulle with gold Polka dots Schiaparelli
By Schiaparelli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Robe and night-gown in pink nylon and tulle with gold Polka dots. The Robe is draped on the shoulders and close with gold metal buttons. The dress is draped o...
1980s Schiaparelli Brown Wool Check Skirt Suit with Velvet Trim
By Schiaparelli
Located in London, GB
Maison Schiaparelli was founded by Elsa Schiaparelli in 1927 and became renowned for its surrealist haute couture creations. The house closed in 1954 following bankruptcy, but its na...
Schiaparelli Spring-Summer 2023 Dress
By Schiaparelli
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
SCHIAPARRELI (Made in Italy) Strapless denim dress with a hand print on the chest and swirls on the thighs, gold-tone metal jewel buttons, rhinestones, and resin featuring the house'...
Schiaparelli dress 'trompe l'oeil' Summer 2023
By Schiaparelli
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
SCHIAPARELLI - (Made in France) Long-sleeve blue stretch dress with a trompe l'oeil pattern. Size XS indicated. 2023 Spring-Summer Collection under the artistic direction of Daniel R...
Evening coat lightly padded in night blue silk satin Schiaparelli 1950's
By Schiaparelli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Evening coat lightly padded in night blue silk satin with red satin lining. One button in the middle front on the top. Pockets on both side. SIZE 44 (Fr) L
New Schiaparelli Nude Thigh High Hosiery Stockings, Original Box – Petite, 1960s
By Schiaparelli
Located in Tucson, AZ
In those faraway days before full hosiery the sirens wore thigh high stockings, which necessitated another sexy little number—the garter—to hold t...
NWT Schiaparelli Jeweled Flowers Silk Evening Dress
By Schiaparelli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A lovely modern Schiaparelli silk colorblock evening dress adorned with tiny jeweled flowers on skirt and sides of bodice. "V" neckline softly pleated bodice extending into a lightly draped skirt. Back features double panel short train. Back zipper closure. Side thigh high slit. The rich colors of orange and turquoise taken from colors used in older vintage Schiaparelli dress...
Schiaparelli "Man Ray" Cold Shoulder Handkerchief Hem Dress Wearable Art
By Schiaparelli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Schiaparelli’s Spring pret-a-porter 2019 collection presented a focus on artist Man Ray. Eye catching and dramatic Schiaparelli silk dress with shirtwaist style bodice extending into a flowing handkerchief hem skirt. Complimented with graceful bishop style sleeves with cold shoulder openings and anchored with cuffs of woven design fabric. Tiny crystal buttons used for sleeve closure if desired. The art work is clear, crisp and memorable. The back showcases an Afro American hand. Front shows the memorable man ray “eye...
Serge Lepage Haute Couture Paris Black Cocktail Dress
By Schiaparelli
Located in Sharon, CT
A black silk crepe cocktail dress, with layered sleeves accented with a zigzagging light blue silk ribbon. Lepage was the design director for Schiaparelli form 1977-1979 and created ...
New Limited Edition Schiaparelli Timeless Evening Gown
By Schiaparelli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Schiaparelli rare limited edition bias cut gown from the 2021 collection by Daniel Roseberry. Black silk long sleeve cowl neck with cape overlay. Single sleeve with zipper wrist. Sid...
Schiaparelli Hot Pink Silk Dress & Coat Set Ensemble
By Schiaparelli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A new Schiaparelli ensemble inspired by Schiaparelli's prediliction for the shade of hot pink. Silk tent dress with matching long sleeve coat. Dress...
Schiaparelli Large Pants RTW SS 22 by Daniel Roseberry with bijoux buttons
By Schiaparelli
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Schiaparelli Extra-wide trousers made from beautiful material. Belt is very special as it has Schiaparelli "Bijoux" jewellery on the waist! Size 36 Org Price €3400
Schiaparelli Black and White Fur Coat
By Schiaparelli
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
- Black karakul sheep - White fur collar - Three front button closure - Mid length
1980 Schiaparelli Black & Gold Woodgrain Velvet Side Tie Opera Coat or Dress
By Schiaparelli
Located in Gresham, OR
A 1980s Schiaparelli label, black and gold lame "woodgrained" velvet opera coat-dress with a side faux bow tie closure at neckline. Unlined with interior bias tape finished seams. A ...
A Schiaparelli Printed Silk Blouse Dress Circa 2006-2012
By Schiaparelli
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 2006-2012 Blouse dress with printed Schiaparelli logo and dating from the brand's Renaissance in the 2010s. Loose, straight dress with buttons at the front, long puffed sleeves...
$2,963Sale Price|24% Off
Size: IT 44
New Alexander McQueen Olive Green Wool Cape Jacket Coat Size IT 44
By Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
Located in Conroe, TX
Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2015 Brand New $3950 Butter Soft Wool IT44 Olive Mock Knit at Neck Zips and Belted at Waist Fully Lined Two Front Pockets Bust: 37" Waist: 32" Shoulder:...
Vintage Gucci 2010 Black Cut Out Open Back Belted Jersey Dress Gown It 40
By Gucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
A timeless yet provocative evening piece that reflects Gucci’s refined, minimalist glamour of the era. Sleek and sensual Gucci gown from the 2010 collection, crafted in fluid black s...
$1,627
Size: Equivalent size France 40/42
A Thierry Mugler Couture Black Tuxedo Skirt Suit - France Circa 1990/2000
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1990/2000 France Iconic skirt suit in black Polyester Tergal by Thierry Mugler dating from 1990/2000. Fitted and architectural jacket, colla...
Oscar de la Renta Corsage Cocktail Dress New!
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oscar de la Renta strapless lace and silk corsage cocktail dress offered in brand new condition. Hand ruched black lace bodice with large attached rosette corsage. Bodice extends into navy blue tulip skirt adorned with rosettes and twinkling sequins. Back zipper closure; lined. Corset interior. Oscar de la Renta 2011...
IRO Size M Black Cotton Blend Lace Shift Dress
By Iro
Located in San Francisco, CA
IRO long dress comes in a black cotton blend knit material featuring a sleeveless shift dress style, side slit, and lace texture. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: 40 Measu...
Emilio Pucci resort 2023 paillettes dress
Located in Carnate, IT
Emilio Pucci dress, size 42 (Italian), 100% poly, entirely covered in colorful sequins, new with tags. Resort 2023 Shoulders: 40 cm Sleeves: 28 cm Bust: 50 cm Waist: 50 cm Length: 96...
$796Sale Price|20% Off
Size: IT 42
McCartney 2002 SilkChiffon LayeredEmpireWaist SilverBeaded Bows CapSleeve Blouse
By Stella McCartney
Located in Chicago, IL
For her eponymous brand's second collection for Fall/Winter 2002, British Stella McCartney designed this airy layered silk-chiffon empire-waist cap-sleeve rose-color pullover blouse,...
New Gucci F/W 2006 Runway Blazer Coat Jacket Sz 44
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New Gucci Runway Ad Blazer Jacket F/W 2006 Size: IT 44 $1975 Dark Charcoal Grey 100% Wool Dual Button at Sleeve Gold & Leather Buckle Accent At Back Three Front Pockets T...
Black silk chiffon backless dress with black beaded work CHLOÉ
By Chloé
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black silk chiffon dress with black beaded work. the skirt part is made of 2 lays of silk chiffon and one lay ( underneath) of organza. Zip and hook&eye closure on the middle back. ...
$2150 New Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL F/W 2001 Jacket Blazer SZ 36
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Fall / Winter 2001 Brand New Without Tags A Rare Find Size: FR 36 $2150 100% Virgin Wool Black Virgin Wool Jacket With Ruffle Trim Shown at the 2001 ...
Giorgio Armani Evening dress size 42
By Giorgio Armani
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Armani Collezioni Viscose (82%) and silk Velvet Black color With bow Plissé Total length cm 105 (4133 inches)
Chanel Silk Chiffon Tiered Cocktail Dress by Lagerfeld
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Sharon, CT
Based on the classic Coco Chanel Tiered Cocktail Dress, Karl Lagerfeld's homage is printed with a transparent black repeated floral and CC logo pattern. EU appx size 36-38.
Schiaparelli 1990s Jupe Midi Plus FR36 Black Wool Sculptural Skirt UK8 US6
By Schiaparelli
Located in PARIS, FR
Schiaparelli skirt circa 1990 in slightly satiny black wool twill, length below the knee, fitted cut at the top with a set of yokes and wide godet at the bottom, black satiny canvas ...
Schiaparelli coat winter 2023
By Schiaparelli
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
SCHIAPARELLI - (Made in Italy) Long black cashmere coat, double buttoning with enameledgolden metal jewelry buttons. Two trompe l'oeil golden metal buttons around the chest. Size 34F...
Schiaparelli set 2025
By Schiaparelli
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
SCHIAPARELLI - (Made in Italy) Navy-blue stretch blended wool set composed of a short jacket and a miniskirt decorated with golden metal chains. Beaten golden metal buttons. Size M i...
Schiaparelli bodysuit Summer 2023
By Schiaparelli
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
SCHIAPARELLI - (Made in France) Black lamb leather bodysuit decorated with a golden metal buckle. Size 36FR indicated. 2023 Spring-Summer Collection under the artistic direction of D...
Jacquard knitted cardigan in mohair and wool Schiaparelli Circa 1970's
By Schiaparelli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Jacquard knitted cardigan in mohair and wool. buttons closure on the middle front. 50% mohair, 45% wool, 5% nylon SIZE L
Schiaparelli Iconic Christian Berard "Sunburst" Mini Dress
By Schiaparelli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Schiaparelli mini tent dress features round neckline; shoulder closure and side pocket. Shoulder closure fastened with "S" jewelry style buttons. Fashioned of black wool and silk . Center front blazing sunburst gold embellishment inspired by artist, Christian Berard. Schiaparelli's genius for working with artists of the day carried over to the present collections by Daniel Roseberry...
Jacquard knitted cardigan in mohair and wool Schiaparelli Circa 1970's
By Schiaparelli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Jacquard knitted cardigan in mohair and wool. 50% mohair, 45% wool, 5% nylon SIZE L
Schiaparelli Paris White Orlon Acrylic Golf Themed Cardigan Sweater c 1950s
By Schiaparelli
Located in University City, MO
Schiaparelli Paris rare white orlon acrylic golf themed cardigan sweater c 1950s The unique mid-century cardigan is designed with a collection of embroidered and vinyl applique golf accessories...
Schiaparelli Couture Goddess Gown Inspired by Jean Cocteau 1937
By Schiaparelli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sumptuous midnight blue silk velvet gown, circa 2018. A design embellished with a face in caviar beads and plates inspired by Schiaparelli's 1937 collaboration with artist Jean Co...
Schiaparelli Modern Silk Chiffon Blouse May Ray Trust Collection c 2018
By Schiaparelli
Located in University City, MO
Schiaparelli Modern silk chiffon blouse Man Ray Trust c 2018 The avant-garde silk chiffon blouse is designed with a long dramatic built in scarf that cascades down the front. The sca...
SCHIAPARELLI Black Persian Lamb Mink Fur Shrug - Jacket - 1960s Vintage
By Schiaparelli, Elsa Schiaparelli
Located in Wallkill, NY
Awesome vintage Jacket from the 1960s Elsa Schiaparelli Black Persian Lamb Jacket This is Fabulous! Coat came from a NYS Estate. Stunning Schiaparelli Persian Jacket with Jet Black M...
Schiaparelli Paris Rare Blonde Mink Trim Persian Lamb Coat circa 1960s
By Schiaparelli
Located in University City, MO
Schiaparelli Paris Rare blonde mink trim Persian lamb fur coat c 1960s The stylish midcentury 3/4 length coat is designed with plush blonde mink fur that frames the collar and circ...