Shocking: The Surreal World of Elsa Schiaparelli

(Hardback)

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Published to accompany the major exhibition at the Muse des Arts Dcoratifs, Paris, this book is destined to become a must-have work of reference for all fashion lovers.

The couturire Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973) was a key figure in Paris fashion between the two World Wars. Following in the footsteps of her mentor Paul Poiret, she designed her first knitwear collection in January 1927. Decorated with trompe-l'oeil motifs in black and white, her sweaters were an immediate success in both France and the USA. In 1935, the Maison Schiaparelli opened in the Place Vendme in Paris, selling collections designed for sports, city and evening wear.

Like her arch-rival Gabrielle Chanel, Schiaparelli also worked closely with artists, including Man Ray, Jean Cocteau and Salvador Dal, with whom she created a lobster dress. Taking a cue from Surrealism, her creations were hugely imaginative and made use of innovative new materials. The 'Schiap' style continued to develop through the 1930s. Her most famous collections had themes including the circus (summer 1938) and astrology (winter 1938-39). In 1937, Schiaparelli launched the fragrance Shocking, named after shocking pink, which had become her signature colour.

Alongside vintage photographs, sketches and contemporary features from Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, this volume presents specially photographed masterpieces from the collection of the Muse des Arts Dcoratifs in Paris. All 120 garments and accessories from the Schiaparelli archive are illustrated, along with a selection of her drawings dating from 1933 to 1953.

Reviews

'Beautifully illustrated pays tribute to a woman who truly understood the art of style' - Harpers Bazaar
'Illuminating and grand ... Not even the most dedicated fashionista will leave 'Shocking' without a deeper sense of Schiaparelli's effort to make clothes that encouraged people to think' - Shelf Awareness
'This delightful book, filled with illustrations and laced together with observational essays, reminds us of the creativity of a woman who thought clothes could be more than things to wear a wild celebration of a rare talent' - The Lady
'An alluring tribute to the inventive designer who was so far ahead of her time she's still avant-garde nearly 50 years after her death ... Includes trenchant essays on Schiaparelli's life, achievements, and influence' - NPR
'Explores the sensational creations of the Italian designer [and] traces the evolution of 'Schiap' style. Drawings, essays, original artwork, archival material, and contemporary features fill the gaps in the story' - Air Mail
'One hundred and twenty designs and accessories are lavishly photographed in full color... You will be struck by the breadth of Schiaps influence... Essential reading is Hanya Yanagiharas interview with the current artistic director of Maison Schiaparelli, Daniel Roseberry' - Avenue

Author Bio

Marie-Sophie Carron de la Carrire is a senior curator at the Muse des Arts Dcoratifs and head of the fashion collections from 1800 to present.