Shocking: The Surreal World of Elsa Schiaparelli

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Brilliant, witty and liberated, Elsa Schiaparelli (1890–1973) was a key figure in the world of mid-20th century fashion

Brilliant, witty and liberated, Elsa Schiaparelli (1890–1973) was a key figure in the world of mid-20th century fashion. From her first sweaters in 1927, decorated with trompe-l’oeil bow motifs, to her baroque gowns of the early 1950s, via her designs inspired by her friendship with Surrealist artists – the lobster dress and shoe-hat inspired by Salvador Dalí, and her collaborations with Man Ray and Jean Cocteau – this striking and talented woman shaped fashion history with her vivid imagination. Her salons in the Place Vendôme were designed by Jean-Michel Frank, and her designs immortalized in sketches by Leonor Fini and Marcel Vertès. Diving into the world of Schiaparelli is a fascinating journey into the heart of Paris couture.
Extent: 288 pp
Format: Hardback
Publication date: 2022-08-25
Size: 30.5 x 24.0 cm
ISBN: 9780500025949
Preface by Johannes Huth

Elsa Schiaparelli, a Last Dance - Olivier Gabet

Essays
Shocking: Life between the Lines - Marie-Sophie Carron de la Carrière
Man Ray and Elsa Schiaparelli: Fair Weather for Creativity - Emmanuelle de l’Écotais
Three Asides - Patrick Mauriès
Dressing the Modern Woman - Dilys Blum
When Dalí Discovered Fashion - Jean-Louis Gaillemin

Clothing and Accessories
Elsa Schiaparelli - Valérie Belin

Jewelry
Costume Jewelry and Accessories

Schiaparelli Today
More Beautiful When Broken: A Conversation with Daniel Roseberry - Hanya Yanaghirara

Appendices
Clothing and Accessories from the Musée des Arts Décoratifs de Paris Collection
Bibliography
Chronology of the Life of Elsa Schiaparelli

Press Reviews

Beautifully illustrated … pays tribute to a woman who truly understood the art of style
Harper’s 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

About the Authors

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

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