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 extremely RARE anatomy necklace SS22 gold with ear & crystals
By Schiaparelli
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Schiaparelli extremely Rare collector piece! Anatomy necklace from SS’22 Collection! This auction offers a unique necklace. A matching Schiaparelli bodysuit can be found in another ...
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
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 ...
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 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 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 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 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
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...
Schiaparelli Signed MidCentury LeavesMotif Austrian Crystals Gilt Link Bracelet
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
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 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
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
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...
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...
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 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
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
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...
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 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...
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...
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 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...
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 ...
Vintage Gold Toned Signed Coro Necklace
By Coro
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Vintage Gold-Toned Signed Coro Necklace is a highly collectible piece of jewelry that reflects the craftsmanship and style of the mid-20th century. Coro was one of the most popu...
Gold Plate
14K White Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace, Features 3.13Cts of Round Diamonds
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
"14K White Gold Diamond Tennis Necklace, Features 3.13Cts of Round Diamonds. FG color and SI calrity and Excellent cut 17" inche...
Diamond, White Gold
14 Karat Gold Chain Necklace with Multi Colored Stone Baguettes
By Amy Glaswand
Located in New York, NY
A colorful addition to any necklace collection. Our Confetti gold chain features gorgeous colored baguette stones in a mix of rhodolite, peridot, citrine, moonstone and london blue ...
Citrine, Moonstone, Multi-gemstone, Peridot, Blue Topaz, Rhodolite, Gold...
Victorian 14K Gold Fob Watch Chain
Located in New York, NY
A victorian 14K gold watch chain worn with a watch on one end, carrying a fob on the other. Of gold round and two sizes of rectangular links, ribbed and etched in an aesthetic taste....
14k Gold
3.20ct Diamond Brooch 18KT gold Pearl Diamond brooch
Located in Boca Raton, FL
What a stunning piece! Pearl diamond brooch made by hand in 18KT gold with 3.20 carats of diamonds, some are old cut others are single cut. Year unknown. Diamonds are VS clarity, F-G...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Beaded Ball Pendant Necklace - 14k Adjustable
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Chain Style: Flat Cable Necklace Style: Chain Fastening Type: Lobster Claw Clasp Theme: Beaded Ball Measurements Tall: 1/2" (12.2mm) Wide: 1/2" (12....
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
7 Pearl Chain Necklace 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 4.3 Grams Necklace Length: 16" Pearl Type: Akoya Pearls Pearl Bead Diameter : 6 mm Stamped: "K18" Conditi...
Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Diamond Pendant 0.55 cts 18KT White Gold Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Embrace the brilliance of a true showstopper with this dazzling heart-shaped diamond cluster in a halo pendant necklace. The necklace boasts a sumptuous 0.55 carats of glittering dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Aldo Cipullo Cartier Gold Heart Diamond Vintage Clip Earrings
By Aldo Cipullo for Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Hold only the winning cards with these Aldo Cipullo for Cartier 18 karat yellow gold heart and diamond shape vintage clip earrings. Signed A. Cipullo Cartier. Circa 1971. Diamond ...
Gold, 18k Gold
MONET signed vintage gold tone designer clip on earrings
By Monet
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed MONET • gold tone • vintage designer earrings MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku 58 ❤️❤️ VINTAGE ...
Attractive Miriam Haskell Star Earrings
By Miriam Haskell
Located in New York, NY
Miriam Haskell pearl earrings with rose monte paste accents sewn by hand. Simple and striking. 1940s USA.
Adjustable clip back fittings. ...
$3,770
H 1 in W 1.5 in D 0.5 in
Renaissance FleurDeLis Niello HighRelief Gilt Engraved HeraldryReliquary Jewelry
Located in Chicago, IL
Demonstrating the epitome of miniature decorative art by Renaissance European goldsmiths who fashioned quatrefoil and/or cruciform jewelry with heraldry or religious symbols, this ce...
Gilt Metal, Niello, Silver, Copper
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