Shocking: The Surreal World of Elsa Schiaparelli

This captivating book explores the life and work of Elsa Schiaparelli, a key figure in surrealist fashion, showcasing her innovative designs and artistic collaborations.

Published to accompany the major exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, Shocking: The Surreal World of Elsa Schiaparelli serves as an essential reference for fashion enthusiasts. This book delves into the life and work of couturière Elsa Schiaparelli, who was a pivotal figure in Parisian fashion between the two World Wars. Her career took off in 1927 with a knitwear collection featuring trompe-l’oeil designs, which quickly gained popularity in both France and the United States. In 1935, she established the Maison Schiaparelli in the iconic Place Vendôme, showcasing collections that catered to sports, city life, and evening wear.

Schiaparelli's innovative spirit was matched by her collaboration with renowned artists such as Man Ray, Jean Cocteau, and Salvador Dalí, with whom she famously created the lobster dress. Her work embraced Surrealism, resulting in imaginative designs that utilized new materials. Throughout the 1930s, her signature style evolved, with notable collections inspired by themes like the circus and astrology. In 1937, she launched her signature fragrance, Shocking, named after her iconic shocking pink color.

The volume is rich with vintage photographs, sketches, and contemporary features from Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, along with stunning images of 120 garments and accessories from the Schiaparelli archive. It also includes a selection of her drawings from 1933 to 1953, making Shocking: The Surreal World of Elsa Schiaparelli not just a book, but a visual celebration of her extraordinary contributions to fashion.