Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art
Elsa Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art at the V&A follows the evolution of the house from its humble beginnings in Paris, where the first boutique opened in the 1920s, to its revival under creative director Daniel Roseberry from 2019 to present day.
Born in Italy, Elsa Schiaparelli left home at 23, breaking away from her family’s conservative expectations.
Winter collection 1933, Paris
Sari Style,Summer/Autumn 1935 collections Inspired by Princess Karam of Kapurthala
By 1927, she had launched her first fashion collection, quickly establishing herself as one of the most innovative designers of her time. Within just five years, her atelier had grown to employ over 400 staff, producing hundreds of couture garments each year.
1936 evening ensemble
Coat and Stole Paris, France, around 1937
Schiaparelli’s influence extended beyond fashion, shaping the worlds of art, design, and performance. Alongside figures like Pablo Picasso in 1930s Paris, she played a key role in the Surrealist movement. Their creative dialogue overlapped the boundaries between art and fashion; with Schiaparelli owning Picasso's painting Birds in a Cage and Picasso influencing Schiaparelli’s iconic gloves with red snake-skin nail details trickling into the modern approach to fashion.
Prancing Elephant Ensemble, Embellished Silk Velvet Evening Suit, Elephant & Acrobats Bolero, 1938
In 1954, Schiaparelli retired, closing her couture house and focusing on her fragrance business. Following her passing in Paris in 1973, the brand entered a quiet period until its revival in 2006.
Mille-Feuille, Daniel Roseberry Fall/Winter 2024 Haute Couture
Custom Couture gown worn by Ariana Grande, 2025, Paris
A new chapter began in 2019, when Daniel Roseberry was appointed creative director, reimagining the house’s surrealist legacy for a contemporary audience and re-establishing its place at the forefront of fashion.
Explore my highlights from Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art, watch my reel and book your tickets here to experience it for yourself.
You can also dive deeper into my curated inspiration on Pinterest.
