Women’s History Month Entrepreneur Spotlight – Elsa Schiaparelli
Image Source: Elsa Schiaparelli © Ministère de la Culture Médiathèque du Patrimoine, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais/ François Kollar
Elsa Schiaparelli (1890 – 1973) was an Italian-French fashion designer and the founder of Maison Schiaparelli (House of Schiaparelli). She is known as the “Queen of Fashion” and was a key innovator in dress and fashion designs during the early half of the 20th century.
Schiaparelli’s life was full of creativity, adventure, and controversy. Born into aristocracy, her privileged upbringing nurtured her boundless imagination and propelled her towards groundbreaking innovation in the world of fashion, while rejecting and challenging the path of aristocracy her family wanted her to uphold.
A 1938 evening gown by Schiaparelli is shown alongside the Dalí painting that inspired it: Three Surrealist Women Holding in Their Arms the Skins of an Orchestra, 1936. Dalí designed the screens for the silk-screening of the dress’s patterned material. Image Source: Steven Le – Thee Photo Ninja, via the Dalí Museum.
Schiaparelli’s designs were a fusion of art and fashion, reflecting the surrealism movement of the early 20th century. Her avant-garde creations challenged conventional notions of style, earning her the title of the “Queen of Fashion.” Collaborations with artists like Salvador Dali further cemented her reputation as a pioneer in the industry.
In difficult times fashion is always outrageous.
– Elsa Schiaparelli – Shocking Life
The cover for Time Magazine’s August 13, 1934 Elsa Schiaparelli feature issue. Image Source: Time Magazine Archives Cover Designer: Stevens Rockwell
Having found success in her explorations of fashion during World War II, Elsa’s travels, eccentrics and exploration aroused suspicions from British, French and American governments, believing that she could be a spy for France’s Vichy regime, known for its ties to fascism. This also led Elsa to be closely watched by the FBI for several years, with a file on her being declassified. After the war, Schiaparelli returned to France to rebuild her presence in the country, showcasing her dedication to her craft.
House of Schiaparelli – 1934 Evening Dress. Image Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Even after her passing in 1973, Schiaparelli’s legacy endures through Maison Schiaparelli, which continues to thrive as a leading fashion brand. With ongoing fashion shows and new lines planned for the future, her innovative spirit lives on, inspiring generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Be sure to also check out the rest of our Women’s History Month Entrepreneur Spotlight series that highlights interesting facts and history of the lives of prominent entrepreneurs.
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