Description
Book SynopsisPublished to accompany the major exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, this book is destined to become a must-have work of reference for all fashion lovers. The couturière Elsa Schiaparelli (18901973) was a key figure in Paris fashion between the two World Wars. Following in the footsteps of her mentor Paul Poiret, she designed her first knitwear collection in January 1927. Decorated with trompe-l'oeil motifs in black and white, her sweaters were an immediate success in both France and the USA. In 1935, the Maison Schiaparelli opened in the Place Vendôme in Paris, selling collections designed for sports, city and evening wear. Like her arch-rival Gabrielle Chanel, Schiaparelli also worked closely with artists, including Man Ray, Jean Cocteau and Salvador Dalí, with whom she created a lobster dress. Taking a cue from Surrealism, her creations were hugely imaginative and made use of innovative new materials. The Schiap' style continued to develop through the 19
Trade Review'Beautifully illustrated … pays tribute to a woman who truly understood the art of style' - Harper’s Bazaar
'Illuminating and grand ... Not even the most dedicated fashionista will leave 'Shocking' without a deeper sense of Schiaparelli's effort to make clothes that encouraged people to think' - Shelf Awareness
'This delightful book, filled with illustrations and laced together with observational essays, reminds us of the creativity of a woman who thought clothes could be more than things to wear … a wild celebration of a rare talent' - The Lady
'An alluring tribute to the inventive designer who was so far ahead of her time she's still avant-garde nearly 50 years after her death ... Includes trenchant essays on Schiaparelli's life, achievements, and influence' - NPR
'Explores the sensational creations of the Italian designer [and] traces the evolution of 'Schiap' style. Drawings, essays, original artwork, archival material, and contemporary features fill the gaps in the story' - Air Mail
'One hundred and twenty designs and accessories are lavishly photographed in full color... You will be struck by the breadth of Schiap’s influence... Essential reading is Hanya Yanagihara’s interview with the current artistic director of Maison Schiaparelli, Daniel Roseberry' - Avenue
Table of ContentsPreface by Johannes Huth
Elsa Schiaparelli, a Last Dance - Olivier Gabet
Essays Shocking: Life between the Lines - Marie-Sophie Carron de la Carrière
Man Ray and Elsa Schiaparelli: Fair Weather for Creativity - Emmanuelle de l’Écotais
Three Asides - Patrick Mauriès
Dressing the Modern Woman - Dilys Blum
When Dalí Discovered Fashion - Jean-Louis Gaillemin
Clothing and Accessories Elsa Schiaparelli - Valérie Belin
Jewelry Costume Jewelry and Accessories
Schiaparelli Today More Beautiful When Broken: A Conversation with Daniel Roseberry - Hanya Yanaghirara
Appendices Clothing and Accessories from the Musée des Arts Décoratifs de Paris Collection
Bibliography
Chronology of the Life of Elsa Schiaparelli
