Elsa Schiaparelli
Features
-
Surrealism and design
Originally a radical art movement, in the 1930s Surrealism transformed the design world
-
'Shocking Life' by Elsa Schiaparelli
Discover the making of Schiaparelli's very first design – a simple sweater with a surreal twist
-
Fashion unpicked: the Skeleton dress by Elsa Schiaparelli
Get closer to Schiaparelli's famously surreal evening dress, designed with Salvador Dali
-
Elsa Schiaparelli: key moments that shaped the iconic surrealist fashion pioneerSpanning 1890 to 2027, this timeline charts the key moments in the life of fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli
-
Unboxing Elsa Schiaparelli's surrealist jewellery, perfume bottles, buttons and accessoriesStep into the surreal world of Elsa Schiaparelli in this unboxing of whimsical haute couture buttons, jewellery, accessories and perfume bottles
-
Deceiving the eye: Elsa Schiaparelli and trompe l’œilWhat is trompe l’œil? Why did it become a source of inspiration for Schiaparelli? And how has it become synonymous with her legacy?
-
Exploring an iconic embroidered evening coat: Schiaparelli x CocteauDiscover the extraordinary details of an iconic 1937 embroidered couture coat, designed by Elsa Schiaparelli in collaboration with the Surrealist artist Jean Cocteau.
-
Schiaparelli London Ltd: Paris chic crosses the Channel
Find out more about Elsa Schiaparelli's London branch, opened in 1933, that brought Parisian style to British high society
-
Elsa Schiaparelli and the Belle Époque posters of Jules Chéret and Henri de Toulouse-LautrecExplore the Belle Époque posters that provided inspiration for some of Elsa Schiaparelli's surrealist fashion designs
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art
Collection highlights
-
Choker, The Pagan Collection, designed by Elsa Schiaparelli, 1938, Paris, France.V&A South Kensington -
The Tears Dress, evening ensemble of dress and veil, designed by Elsa Schiaparelli and Salvador Dali, 1938, Paris, France.V&A South Kensington -
Circus, evening jacket, designed by Elsa Schiaparelli, February 1938, Paris, France.V&A South Kensington -
Hat,The Pagan Collection, designed by Elsa Schiaparelli, 1938, Paris, France.V&A South Kensington -
Pair of evening gloves, The Circus Collection, designed by Elsa Schiaparelli, 1938, Paris, France.V&A South Kensington -
Shoe Hat, designed by Elsa Schiaparelli, 1937 – 38, France.V&A South Kensington -
(Detail) Evening coat, designed by Elsa Schiaparelli and Jean Cocteau, 1937, London, England.V&A South Kensington -
Cravat, jumper, designed by Elsa Schiaparelli, 1927, France.V&A South Kensington -
(Detail) Evening ensemble, The Circus Collection, designed by Elsa Schiaparelli, 1938, Paris, France.V&A South Kensington -
Hat, designed by Elsa Schiaparelli, about 1955, France.V&A South Kensington -
The Skeleton Dress, designed by Elsa Schiaparelli and Salvador Dalí, 1938, Paris, France.V&A East Storehouse
Experience more as a V&A Member today
Treat yourself or a lucky recipient to the gift of Membership
- Unlimited free entry to all exhibitions
- Exclusive access to two Member spaces
- 10% discount in all V&A Shops
- Members-only previews and events
