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 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
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...
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...
Bulgari Diamond Necklace in 18K Gold Art Deco aesthetic Elysium Collection
By Bulgari
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptionally stylish Bulgari diamond necklace from Elysium collection showcasing 8 carats of fine white diamonds set in 18 karat gold. The ne...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, 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
Craig Drake Diamond Yellow Gold Necklace
By Craig Drake
Located in Dallas, TX
Diamonds (5.75 ctw. H-VS) 18K yellow gold 204.5 Grams 16" Diamond weight is approximate
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Bamboo 20cts Diamond Necklace in 18 Karat Gold
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Dazzling vintage Cartier Bamboo necklace showcasing approximately 20 carats of exceptionally brilliant white round diamonds impeccably set in lustrous 18 karat yellow gold. The necklace rests effortlessly and comfortably on the collar, allowing for a full display of its exceptional radiance. It consists of 22 segments, each adorned throughout with scintillating diamonds of finest Cartier quality. Each segment is masterfully designed as a finely textured bamboo stalk that exhibits exquisite sculptural quality. The diamonds are pavé-set with remarkable precision within delicately crafted piped-gold veins that faithfully mimic bamboo surface. The gently curving necklace has a clean rounded silhouette giving it a modern but timeless sensibility. A shimmering texture and 3-dimensional quality infuse the piece with luxurious boldness. A masterpiece of ingenious and detailed design from celebrated Cartier that is classically elegant and glamorously chic all at once. - Timelessly elegant Bamboo design from iconic Cartier, bursting with diamond sparkle and vintage glamour - Necklace features approximately 20 carats of finest white round diamonds (approximately F-G color, VVS-VS clarity) set in 18 karat yellow gold - Vintage full-diamond Cartier Bamboo necklace, dating to 1980s, is rare and highly collectible, and in excellent condition - Necklace internal circumference measures approximately 16.5 inches (42cm) as it fits comfortably around the collar, and it closes with a hidden, secure clasp - Signed Cartier, with a serial number, with French hallmarks and stamped 750 for 18 karat gold - Accompanied by a Cartier envelope...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 30cts Diamond Ceylon Sapphire Necklace in 18 Karat Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Dallas, TX
Van Cleef & Arpels dazzling collar necklace bursting with brilliance of approximately 19 carats of finest white diamonds which are complemented by 11 carats of vividly-colored blue and yellow Ceylon sapphires (GIA and AGL certified as Ceylon/Sri Lanka geographic origin), all meticulously set in 18 karat yellow gold. The necklace is designed as a seamless series of thirty-two gold panels, each with a gracefully scalloped outer edge and pavé-set with brilliant-cut round diamonds. Each of the seven center-front panels is embellished by a large pear-shaped sapphire of richly saturated hue, alternating between yellow and blue colored sapphires. The panels gently curve from their inner to outer edge, giving maximum exposure to impeccably set diamonds and resulting in exceptional overall necklace brilliance. The sapphires add just the right amount of gem opulence and intrigue to this elegant design. Van Cleef expertly uses each necklace element – its scalloped silhouette, curved panels, and sparkling pavéd diamond surface – to create an appearance of a luminous and dressy lace collar. True to its luxurious French heritage...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Go...
30.32 Carat Opal Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Necklace One of a Kind
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning 30.32 carat opal diamond necklace is handmade in 14K white gold and 2.14 carats glimmering diamonds. One of a Kind Please note that carat weights may slightly vary as eac...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Blush Pink Coral Strand by Enzo Liverino
Located in Dallas, TX
Blush pink coral graduated coral strand with diamond clasp. • Diamonds • 18K yellow gold
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$711Sale Price|20% Off
22 Karat Gold Vermeil Senelagos Bar Trio Choker by Chee Lee Designs
By Chee Lee New York
Located in New York, NY
This 15/16 inch necklace is 22 Karat Yellow Gold Vermeil with three iconic Chee Lee Designs Senelagos Links. Check out our other Senelagos Collection...
22k Gold, Vermeil
$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
Cartier Diamond Necklace in Two Tone 18K Gold
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional Cartier diamond necklace in 18 karat yellow and white gold. The necklace is composed of alternating high-polish yellow and white gold diamond-patterned links. The wider c...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Grey Diamond Bead Necklace in 20 Karat Yellow Gold
By Pamela Farland
Located in New York, NY
Delicate grey Diamond bead chain in 20 Karat gold, can be worn on it's own or with other chains or necklaces to add sparkle. Hand crafted by the ar...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 22k Gold
Sunita Nahata Diamond 1.72ct. Bloom Long Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This diamond collection showcases elegant pieces that are extremely versatile and a timeless addition to your jewelry collection and are perfect for everyday wear. These pieces are p...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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...
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
Schiaparelli Gilt Metal Fringe Tassel Choker Chain Necklace c 1960
By Schiaparelli
Located in University City, MO
Schiaparelli gilt metal fringe tassel choker chain necklace c 1960 The elegant choker necklace is designed with a sturdy wide braided gilt metal chain Da...
House of Schiaparelli Gilt Vine and Pearl Cab Necklace
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 Pink Graduated Baroque Pearls
By Schiaparelli
Located in New York, NY
Schiaparelli graduated faux pearls with blue aurora cabochon and rhinestones.1950s.
Pearl color is closer to images on mannequin.
Excellent condition
Beads meas...
House of Schiaparelli Anglo Indian Peridot Gilt Wirework Bib
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...