Fashion career profile
Elsa Schiaparelli
Elsa Schiaparelli (1890–1973) was an Italian-born French couturière whose work joined fashion, art and Surrealist ideas. After leaving Rome in 1913, she spent time in London and the United States before settling in Paris in 1922. She began by designing clothes for herself and friends, then opened a small atelier in 1927; the commercial success of her trompe-l’œil sweaters helped establish her house. The business grew from knitwear and sportswear into a full couture operation and moved to 21 Place Vendôme in 1935. Schiaparelli collaborated with artists including Salvador Dalí, Jean Cocteau, Man Ray and Leonor Fini, treating accessories, colour and the presentation of fashion as part of the design itself. The Shocking perfume and its vivid pink identity appeared in 1937. During the Second World War she moved to New York while the Paris house continued through its associates; she returned after the occupation. The house declared bankruptcy and closed in 1954, after which Schiaparelli retired from couture and wrote her autobiography. Her founder-led house role is one continuous historical appointment, not a succession of unrelated positions.
- Role
- Founder, Schiaparelli
- Nationality
- Italian
- Age at death
- 83
- Career appointments
- 1
- Fashion houses
- 1
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- Paris atelier: Opened a small atelier in 1927 after relocating to Paris in 1922The Met documents the chronology and the commercial breakthrough of her hand-knit trompe-l’œil sweaters. · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Couture salon: Moved to 21 Place Vendôme in 1935The Met records the move; the house describes the combined boutique-and-workshop concept. · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Art collaborations: Dalí, Cocteau, Man Ray, Leonor Fini and othersSchiaparelli’s house history documents its long artist collaborations; the Met provides historical context. · Schiaparelli; The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Shocking: Perfume and signature pink launched in 1937The house history dates the fragrance and colour identity to 1937. · Schiaparelli
- Original house closed: Closed in 1954; Elsa Schiaparelli retired from coutureThe Met records the house’s bankruptcy and her retirement; this is separate from the later revival of the brand. · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- 1913 — Leaves Rome for LondonTakes a childcare position and leaves Italy.
- 1922 — Settles in ParisAfter years in London and the United States, she relocates to Paris.
- 1927 — Opens a Paris atelierHer early knitwear and trompe-l’œil designs bring the house to wider attention.
- 1935 — Moves the couture salon to Place VendômeThe new premises combine boutique, workshop and salon.
- 1937 — Launches Shocking perfume and pinkThe house’s fragrance and signature colour arrive together.
- 1941 — Leaves Paris during the warMoves to New York; the Paris house continues through associates.
- 1927–1954 — Founder and Creative Director — SchiaparelliHistorical appointment · Schiaparelli