1890
Elsa Luisa Maria Schiaparelli is born in Rome on 10 September to Maria‑Luisa and Celestino Schiaparelli.
1913 –16
Schiaparelli moves to London where she meets and marries theosophist Wilhelm Wendt de Kerlor.
In 1916, in the midst of the First World War, the couple relocate to New York where Schiaparelli spends time with musician and writer Gabrielle Buffet‑Picabia and artist Man Ray.
1920 – 22
Schiaparelli's daughter, Maria Luisa Yvonne Radha (Gogo), is born on 15 June 1920. Two years later, following the breakdown of her marriage, Schiaparelli moves with Gogo to Paris.
1924
French writer André Breton publishes his Manifeste du surréalisme (Surrealist Manifesto). The movement's non‑conformity has a profound impact on Schiaparelli.
1925 – 26
With encouragement from couturier Paul Poiret, Schiaparelli becomes the designer of Maison Lambal, a small Parisian fashion house.
1927
Schiaparelli presents her first solo collections of hand‑knitted sweaters featuring geometric patterns and trompe l'oeil bow‑knots, the latter becomes a smashing success.
She establishes her own company in Paris with funds provided by Charles Kahn, co‑director of the Galeries Lafayette department store. She opens a premises at 4 rue de la Paix.
1928
Schiaparelli launches her first perfume, the unisex fragrance S.
1931
Schiaparelli becomes a French citizen.
1933
She opens a branch of her couture business at 6 Upper Grosvenor Street in Mayfair, London.
1934
Schiaparelli is the first female fashion designer to be featured on the cover of Time magazine.
1935
Schiaparelli moves her Paris couture salon to the prestigious Place Vendôme, choosing the distinguished designer Jean‑Michel Frank with artist Alberto Giacometti to decorate the interior.
1937
Schiaparelli launches one of her most successful perfumes, Shocking, and its namesake colour, Shocking Pink.
Actress Mae West delivers an unforgettable performance wearing bespoke Schiaparelli costumes in the Hollywood film, Every Day's a Holiday.
1939
Schiaparelli closes her London premises.
With the outbreak of the Second World War, Schiaparelli encourages Americans to support the French couture sector.
1940
Following the German occupation of Paris, Schiaparelli leaves France for a lecture tour across 30 cities in the United States, titled ‘Clothes Make the Woman’.
1941
Except for a brief return to Paris, Schiaparelli spends the war years in New York.
Suspected by the Americans of espionage, she is monitored by the FBI. The investigation is soon closed due to lack of evidence.
1942
Schiaparelli organises the exhibition First Papers of Surrealism in New York with writer André Breton and artist Marcel Duchamp.
Her Paris salon is seized and placed under German administration.
1945
When war ends in Europe, Schiaparelli returns to Paris and presents her first post‑war collection.
1951 – 53
Schiaparelli enters into licensing agreements with a range of American manufacturers to develop lingerie, menswear, eyewear and other products.
She creates costumes inspired by the art of Henri de Toulouse‑Lautrec for actress Zsa Zsa Gabor in the award‑winning film, Moulin Rouge.
1954
Shocking Life, Schiaparelli's autobiography, is published.
Schiaparelli closes her Paris couture salon. Her perfume business continues.
1971
Photographer Cecil Beaton organises the groundbreaking exhibition, Fashion an Anthology, at the V&A with the largest display of Schiaparelli's work to date, including garments donated by her.
1973
Schiaparelli dies at home in Paris, aged 83.
2006 – 12
The acquisition of the archives and rights to the Schiaparelli name paves the way for the House's revival. In 2012, the Schiaparelli salon reopens at 21 Place Vendôme in Paris.
2017
Maison Schiaparelli is officially granted Haute Couture status by France's Ministry of Industry and its Haute Couture and Fashion Federation.
2019
Daniel Roseberry is appointed Creative Director of Maison Schiaparelli.
2024
Daniel Roseberry is honoured with the International Designer of the Year Award by the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
2027
Maison Schiaparelli will celebrate its centenary.
