Shocking: The Surreal World of Elsa Schiaparelli

Elsa Schiaparelli was a key figure in Paris fashion between the two World Wars, designing her first knitwear collection in 1927 and opening the Maison Schiaparelli in 1935. She worked closely with artists, including Man Ray, Jean Cocteau, and Salvador Dalí, and launched the fragrance Shocking in 1937. This book presents specially photographed masterpieces from the collection of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, along with 120 garments and accessories from the Schiaparelli archive.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Elsa Schiaparelli, a prominent figure in Parisian fashion between the two World Wars, made her mark by designing her first knitwear collection in January 1927. Following in the footsteps of her mentor Paul Poiret, she introduced trompe-loeil motifs in black and white to her sweaters, which quickly gained popularity in France and the United States. In 1935, the Maison Schiaparelli opened its doors in the prestigious Place Vendôme, offering collections designed for sports, city, and evening wear. Like her rival Gabrielle Chanel, Schiaparelli collaborated closely with artists such as Man Ray, Jean Cocteau, and Salvador Dalí, creating iconic pieces like the lobster dress. Drawing inspiration from Surrealism, her designs were imaginative and avant-garde, utilizing innovative materials. The Schiaparelli style continued to evolve through the 1930s, with notable collections featuring themes like the circus (summer 1938) and astrology (winter 1938–39). In 1937, she introduced the fragrance Shocking, named after her signature shocking pink, which became an instant sensation.

To accompany the grand exhibition held at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, this remarkable book has been meticulously crafted to become an indispensable resource for fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Spanning 120 garments and accessories from the Schiaparelli archive, accompanied by a selection of her drawings dating from 1933 to 1953, this volume showcases specially photographed masterpieces from the collection of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Vintage photographs, sketches, and contemporary features from esteemed publications like Harper's Bazaar and Vogue further enrich the narrative, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the life and legacy of Elsa Schiaparelli.

Weight: 1832g
Dimension: 247 x 315 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500025949