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 Glittering Green Crystal Necklace Bracelet & Earrings c 1950
By Schiaparelli
Located in University City, MO
SCHIAPARELLI Glittering crystal choker necklace, bracelet & earring suite c 1950s The elegant midcentury set is encrusted with brilliant crystals in various shades of green. Accented...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Schiaparelli Statement Amethyst Art Glass Multi-strand Necklace 1950s
By Schiaparelli
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A beautiful Vintage Schiaparelli Amethyst Necklace dating to the 1950s. A design statement from this illustrious house featuring art glass and faceted beads in opulent hues of amethy...
Vintage Schiaparelli Watermelon Heliotrope Earrings 1950s
By Schiaparelli
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Pair of Vintage Schiaparelli Watermelon Earrings. Featuring a large round watermelon or heliotrope crystal in a crown edge prong setting. Each rhinestone is a veritable rainbow of ...
Vintage Schiaparelli Glass Fruit Earrings 1960s
By Schiaparelli
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A sublime pair of Vintage Schiaparelli Fruit Earrings from the 1960s. Large faceted black crystals sit atop a leafy foliage. Join the reignited Schiaparelli following with a gorgeous vintage treasure from this extraordinary couture House. From her signature colour Shocking Pink to her collaborations with Surrealist artists, Elsa Schiaparelli transformed women’s fashion and revolutionised costume jewellery during the first part of the 20th Century. Elsa instilled a provocative avant-garde artistry in her clothing and accessories, including those created with Salvador Dalí, such as the now world-famous lobster dress...
House of Schiaparelli Faux Topaz and Citrine Chandelier Earclips
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli's costume jewelery of the 1950's continued the leit motifs from her pre-war and post-war couture collections. Nature,art, ethnic culture...
Vintage Schiaparelli Crystal & Pearl Arc Climber Earrings 1950s
By Schiaparelli
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Pair of Vintage Schiaparelli Pearl Arc Earrings. As the Parisian House of Schiaparelli once again leads the haute couture pack with Daniel Roseber...
Schiaparelli Milk Glass Cabochon Leaf Bracelet
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli's costume jewelery of the 1950's continued the leit motifs from her pre-war and post-war couture collections. Nature,art, ethnic cultures and influences such as surreal...
Schiaparelli 1950s Assorted Crystal Clip-On Earrings
By Schiaparelli
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Gorgeous and timeless, these Schiaparelli earrings are perfect! Circa late 1950s, these earrings feature an assortment of multi colored crystals and various shapes and sizes. Include...
Schiaparelli Victorian Revival Etruscan Earclips
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli's antiqued gilt metal Victorian Revival earclips with Etruscan work decoration and filigree metal beads mimics 19th century archaeological jewelery. . Schiaparelli's ...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Schiaparelli Vivid Easter Egg Earrings 1950s
By Schiaparelli
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A pair of Vintage Schiaparelli Easter Egg Earrings. Exquisite vibrant easter egg stones surrounded by a fan of fancy cut crystals create this rare jewel. A decadent and adorable fini...
Schiaparelli Citrine Studded Swag Chain Necklace
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli gilt chain swag necklace studded with citrine crystals throughout. 4 central oval citrine pastes form the focus of this attractive necklace. USA 1950's, design France. ...
Gilt Metal, Gold Plate, Base Metal
Schiaparelli Aurora Georgian Swag Brooch
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli Aurora Georgian Swag Brooch from the 1950's. Iconic design from this crystal Aurora Borealis series by Schiaparelli. 1950's USA. Signed. 3.25" x 2.5".
Gilt Metal
Schiaparelli Figurine Brooch in Wood, Gilded Metal and Flower in Glass Paste
By Schiaparelli
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Schiaparelli -Figurine brooch in wood, gilded metal and flower in glass paste. Vintage jewelry, not signed. Additional information: Dimensions: 5.5 H...
Gilt Metal
Schiaparelli Lava and Aurora Borealis Earclips
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Elsa Schiaparelli's iridiscent lava stone and aurora borealis earrings with clip back fittings. Antique gold finish. 1950's USA. Earrings 1".
Schiaparelli Signed LeavesMotif Austrian Crystals Gilt Link Bracelet, MidCentury
By Schiaparelli
Located in Chicago, IL
Signed "Schiaparelli" in script, this mid-century link bracelet features a textural-leaves motif characteristic of costume jewelry by the Parisian couturier Elsa Schiaparelli. Like m...
Crystal, Yellow Gold, Base Metal, Gilt Metal
House of Schiaparelli Lava Ice Stone Demi Parure
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli's costume jewelery of the 1950's continued the leit motifs from her pre-war and post-war couture collections. Nature,art, ethnic cultures and influences such as surreal...
Silver Plate
House of Schiaparelli Multicolor and Iridized VariStone Earclips
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli's costume jewelery of the 1950's continued the leit motifs from her pre-war and post-war couture collections. Nature,art, ethnic cultures...
Schiaparelli Faux Pearl and Pave Ball Flower Brooch
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Schiaparelli Faux Pearl and Pave Ball Flower Brooch from the 1950's. Dimensional flower form with faux pearls studded with pave crystal spheres set in textured golden petals....
Gilt Metal
House of Schiaparelli Retro Style Tassle Demi Parure
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli's costume jewelery of the 1950's continued the leit motifs from her pre-war and post-war couture collections. Nature,art, ethnic cultures and influences such as surreali...
Gilt Metal
House of Schiaparelli Neo Victorian Aurora Watermelon Suite
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli's costume jewelery of the 1950's continued the leit motifs from her pre-war and post-war couture collections. Nature,art, ethnic cultures and influences such as surrealism are ingrained in the DNA of each piece. Schiaparelli's seal of approval is seen throughout these beautiful objet d'art. Schiaparelli's Neo Victorian...
Important House of Schiaparelli Marquise Flame Suite
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli's costume jewelery of the 1950's continued the leit motifs from her pre-war and post-war couture collections. Nature,art, ethnic cultures and influences such as surreal...
House of Schiaparelli Double iridized Leaf and Ruby Earclips
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli's costume jewelery of the 1950's continued the leit motifs from her pre-war and post-war couture collections. Nature,art, ethnic culture...
Rhodium, Base Metal
House of Schiaparelli Aqua and Aurora Suite
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Description: Schiaparelli's costume jewelery of the 1950's continued the leit motifs from her pre-war and post-war couture collections. Nature,art, ethnic cultures and influences su...
Price Upon Request
Schiaparelli Haute Couture Deco Ruby Cabochon Suite
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli Haute Couture Deco style necklace from the early 1940s with gilt curb links set with faux cabochon rubies. These strong archite...
Price Upon Request
Schiaparelli Haute Couture Aqua and Enamel Cuff, 1930's
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli Haute Couture Cuff from the late 1930s of bezel set open back oval "aquamarines" set against a contrasting ground of black enam...
Price Upon Request
Schiaparelli Haute Couture Retro Tank Ruby Necklace
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli Haute Couture Retro style necklace from the early 1940s with arc shaped gilt chevrons with ruby glass cabochon centers. These s...
Haute Couture Shocking Pink and Blue Schiaparelli Kings Ribbons Bow Brooch
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Elsa Schiaparelli: "I gave to pink, the nerve of the red, a neon pink, an unreal pink, Shocking Pink" Yves Saint Laurent: Schiaparelli's pink was "an aggressive, brawling, warrior pink” Elsa Schiaparelli's "Shocking" Pink was a color which derived from a 17.27 carat rose colored Cartier diamond known as the Tete de Belier, belonging to her friend and client, Daisy Fellowes. Shocking Pink was used for the eponymous perfume "Shocking", which was launched in 1937. The packaging was designed by artist Leonor Fini and the bottle was based on Mae West's curvaceous figure. Her first shoe-hat, designed for her autumn 1937 collection, had a Shocking Pink heel. Salvador Dali loved the color so much he used it for one of his own works, “an enormous stuffed bear...
Price Upon Request
Schiaparelli Haute Couture Harlequin, 1939 by Jean Schlumberger
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli Haute Couture Harlequin Brooch, Spring 1939 Jean Schlumberger. The 12 Dictates. Some of which still reign true... 1. Since ...
South Sea Pearl Graduated Knotted String Necklace 14 Karat Yellow Gold Clasp
Located in Milford, DE
An exquisite South Sea pearl necklace! Features graduated white pearls on a knotted string, accented with a 14K yellow gold crabclaw clasp. A perfect final touch to any style! Hallm...
South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold
Carnelian Bead Knotted String Triple Strand Necklace, 14 Karat Clasp
Located in Milford, DE
A bold and bright triple strand necklace! Features three strands of 10mm carnelian beads, connected to a single strand with a vermeil cubic zirconia-accented connector. The clasp its...
Carnelian, 14k Gold, Vermeil
Estate Angela Cummings Bold 18k Gold Diamond Braided Collar Necklace
By Angela Cummings
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A bold, dramatic and fanciful 18k gold vintage collar necklace signed by noted designer Angela Cummings. Intriguing graduated concentric circles of twisted gold tipped with sparkling...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,920Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.38 in L 0.48 in
Cream Keshi Pearl Necklace with Yellow Gold Plated Magnetic Ball Clasp
Located in Armadale, Victoria
Single Graduated Strand Cream Keshi Pearl Necklace on yellow gold plated magnetic ball clasp. These beautiful Keshi pearls have a lovely high quality lustre. The strand graduates fro...
South Sea Pearl, Gold Plate
$8,192Sale Price|25% Off
W 2.37 in L 2.76 in
Multi-Strand Pearl Choker Necklace with Angel Skin Coral 18 Karat Gold Clasp
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Gorgeous 5-strand pearl necklace with an exquisite large sized carved angel skin coral 18 karat gold clasp. Can be worn with the clasp in the back, although the beautiful clasp is me...
Coral, Freshwater Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
Vivid Diamonds 25.02 Carat Diamond Cluster Earrings
By Vivid Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Sensational Vivid Diamonds Cluster Earrings crafted by hand in platinum, showcasing 18 mixed pear shape and marquise cut diamonds weighing approximately 25.02 carats total, D-E color...
Diamond, Platinum
Ammanii Hoop Earrings with Hieroglyphic Amulets in Vermeil Gold
By Ammanii
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Named after goddess Wadjet, who was closely linked to principles of justice, balance and transformation and inscribed with hieroglyphic signs to give you the power of life, health an...
Topaz, Zircon, Vermeil, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
17" Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Bead Necklace, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Milford, DE
A regal necklace! Genuine sleeping beauty turquoise beads hang on a teal knotted string necklace, accented with a luxurious 18K yellow ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Embrace Collection by Angeletti. Rose Gold Earrings With Amethyst and Diamonds
By Angeletti
Located in Roma, IT
Embrace Collection by Angeletti. Rose Gold Earrings With Amethyst and Diamonds. Iconic Embrace Model, Designed and Manifactured in Rome. Four diamonds (ct. 0.32) are set on each side...
Diamond, Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14 Karat, Madeira Garnet and Diamond Multi-Comet Necklace
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
This is a very special necklace - made in 14k with Madeira garnets and diamonds. The joyful movement of this design is made with garnet comets, moving ...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
$810Sale Price|40% Off
L 35.44 in
14 Carat Gold Long Strand off Multi Hued Tahitian Pearls and Black Spinel Beads
Located in Armadale, Victoria
Long strand of multi hued Tahitian pearls and black spinel beads. The strand is 90cm in length. Beads measure 8.3mm to 12.5mm
Black Pearl, Pearl, Spinel
Miriam Haskell Strand of Large Faux Baroque Pearls
By Miriam Haskell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Miriam Haskell's strand of large vintage faux baroque pearls with a gold tone setting. The closure is a six pearl extender and a gold tone hook set with a faux pearl. This strand i...
Pearl, Gilt Metal
Schiaparelli Petit Broche Colombe 2025 Golden Metal Small Dove Brooch Sold Out
By Schiaparelli
Located in PARIS, FR
Schiaparelli brooch, part of an ongoing collection, Petite Broche Colombe model in gilt pewter, signed. Width 5 cm. The brooch is in excellent condition. European retail price €900, ...
Schiaparelli Satin Gold, Pearl & Rhinestone Iconic Surrealist Charm Bracelet
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Presented is a striking surrealist Salvatore Dali-inspired 'Ode to the Five Senses' charm bracelet from Maison Schiaparelli’s 2021 collection, created under the artistic direction of...
Gold Plate
Schiaparelli Smoky Gray Glittering Crystal Wide Articulated Link Bracelet c 1960
By Schiaparelli
Located in University City, MO
Schiaparelli Smoky gray glittering crystal wide articulated link bracelet c 1960 The elegant midcentury bracelet is embellished with two rows of rectangular shaped prong set smoky gr...
Silver Plate
Sold
W 0.87 in L 1.58 in
Schiaparelli 1950s Vintage Large Leaf Flower Citrine Emerald Crystals Earrings
By Schiaparelli
Located in Wokingham, England
Schiaparelli 1950s Vintage Large Long Leaf Flower Citrine Emerald Crystals Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light colour loss at clip. 100% Genuine. A very beautifu...
Gold Plate
Vintage Schiaparelli Apple & Pistachio Earrings 1960s
By Schiaparelli
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A dreamy and rare pair of Vintage Schiaparelli Apple Green Earrings from the 1960s. Featuring a captivating array of stones in apple green to pistachio. Own a piece of the incredible legacy of the House of Schiaparelli and raise your style game to a new level. From her signature colour Shocking Pink to her collaborations with Surrealist artists, Elsa Schiaparelli transformed women’s fashion and revolutionised costume jewellery during the first part of the 20th Century. Elsa instilled a provocative avant-garde artistry in her clothing and accessories, including those created with Salvador Dalí, such as the now world-famous lobster dress...
Schiaparelli Gold Dove Lady Gaga Brooch
By Schiaparelli
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A gilded pewter brooch is in the shape of a Dove carrying an olive branch. Engraved on the back of the wing is the Schiaparelli signature. The XL version of this brooch was worn by L...
Rousselet Golden Metal Necklace for Schiaparelli
By Schiaparelli
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
SCHIAPARELLI - Golden metal necklace decorated with pink glass pearls. Necklace created by the house of Rousselet for Schiaparelli. Additional information: Condition: Very good cond...
Vintage 1950s Schiaparelli Leaf Earrings
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
These vintage Schiaparelli leaf earrings are a triumph of design from one of the 20th century's most important designers, and a highly collectible (yet wearable) piece that transcend...
Sold
W 0.87 in L 1.58 in
Schiaparelli 1950s Vintage Large Leaf Flower Citrine Emerald Crystals Earrings
By Schiaparelli
Located in Wokingham, England
Schiaparelli 1950s Vintage Large Long Leaf Flower Citrine Emerald Crystals Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light colour loss at clip. 100% Genuine. A very beautifu...
Gold Plate
Schiaparelli Rare Charming Jeweled Frog Brooch c 1960
By Schiaparelli
Located in University City, MO
SCHIAPARELLI Rare charming jeweled frog brooch c 1960 The unique brooch is designed with an enchanting frog perched on a gilt metal lily pad leaf The frog is embellished with a smo...
Gilt Metal
Schiaparelli Necklace Silver Theatrical Trimming
By Schiaparelli
Located in PARIS, FR
Mid-length Schiaparelli necklace in silver metal, composed of 2 cable knit chains held together by a medallion of stylized scrolls, and finished with a pompom of metal chains, closed...
Sold
H 2.75 in W 2.75 in D 0.1 in Dm 5 in L 15.5 in
Collectible Schiaparelli Silver Tone Diamante Spider Necklace Circa 2013
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Collectible Schiaparelli Silver Tone Diamante Spider Necklace Circa 2013s. This spectacular Schiaparelli choker necklace is in a spider web design and is so special and so different....
Mixed Metal