Schiaparelli

Schiaparelli, an iconic fashion house, was founded in 1927 by Italian-born designer Elsa Schiaparelli. Based in Paris, the brand quickly became synonymous with avant-garde fashion, particularly during the interwar period. Schiaparelli's designs often wove surrealist art into the fabric of haute couture, collaborating with prominent artists such as Salvador Dalí. One of her most famous creations was the "Lobster Dress" (1937), featuring a giant lobster print designed by Dalí, which was worn by Wallis Simpson.

Schiaparelli's innovative approach to fashion extended to her introduction of shocking pink, a vivid shade that became a hallmark of the brand. This daring color choice was embodied in the 1937 perfume "Shocking!", which had a bottle that was notably inspired by the curves of Mae West's torso.

During the 1930s, Schiaparelli's boutique at 21 Place Vendôme became a hub of creativity and chic. Her creations, such as the "Shoe Hat" (1937) and the "Tears Dress" (1938), captured the imaginations of both the fashion elite and the general public. She was one of the first designers to use zippers as a statement in haute couture and pioneered the use of synthetic materials like rayon.

Post World War II, Elsa Schiaparelli's influence began to wane amidst shifting tastes and financial difficulties. In 1954, she closed her couture house and retired from fashion. Nonetheless, her legacy endured, influencing future designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Jean Paul Gaultier.

The brand experienced a resurgence in the 21st century. In 2007, Italian businessman Diego Della Valle acquired Schiaparelli, and in 2013, the house was formally relaunched. Under the creative direction of designers such as Marco Zanini, Bertrand Guyon and Daniel Roseberry, Schiaparelli has continued to push the boundaries of fashion, blending its historic roots with contemporary innovation.