Schiaparelli Sofa by Michael Taylor

Elsa Schiaparelli was born in 1890 in the Corsini palace in Rome. With a father who was the director of the Lincei Library and a professor of Oriental literature, an astronomer uncle and a mother descended from the Medici's, she grew up in a family of aristocrats and intellectuals. She studied philosophy, even though her dream was to become an actress. In 1911 she published a collection of overtly sensual poems, Arethusa. When her parents learned about it, she was sent to a convent in Switzerland, where she left again after going on a hunger strike. 1913 marked the year of her emancipation. She set off for London. this city proved to be the beginning of freedom. She met count Wilhelm Wendt de Kerlor, and they married in 1914. They left London for New York in 1916. In 1922 she moved to Paris. During the day, Elsa worked at an antique dealers. In the evening she frequented the famous restaurant, Le Boef su le Toit, which attracted the Paris smart set. Her circle of artist friends grew. After meeting Paul Poiret, the greatest couturier of the time, she tried on a few designs, but could not afford such pieces. The experience of couture, luxury, quality, design, colors, materials, embroidery and shapes lit a spark in Elsa, that would prove to be one of the turning points of her life. She surrounded herself with the best creative talents: Elsa Triolet, Alberto Giacometti, Jean Schlumberger, Meret Oppenheim, Jean-Michel Frank Jean Dunand, Jean Clement and Raymond Peyent. All influenced her designs. In the 1950's Elsa designed the iconic Schiaparelli sofa...

Distinctive woven rattan sofa and two matching ottomans made in the manner and style of Michael Taylor. The large sofa features a graceful waisted form with dramatic flared arms havi...