The surreal fashion of Elsa Schiaparelli | V&A

Elsa Schiaparelli (1890 - 1973) pushed boundaries as a fashion designer, transforming functional items of clothing into unique style statements.
Her evening suits embody the height of 1930s haute couture, owing to their intricate embellishments, luxurious textiles and severe tailoring. Her collaborations with Surrealist artists like Salvador Dali produced provocative, even shocking designs. Theatrical accessories such as the shoe-shaped hat, her ‘Tears’ dress patterned to look like torn flesh, and the uncanny ‘Skeleton’ dress complete with the dramatic outline of bones, represent Schiaparelli at her most radical.
Find out more: vam.ac.uk/collections/fashion

[@secretshark5710]

I think it's hilarious that she saw the photo of her friend with a shoe on his head and then decided to never let him live it down

[@fjp9]

trolling at its best. 😂

[@rockets4kids]

And all this time I thought the shoe-hats in Brazil came from the mind of Terry Gilliam...

[@stateyourthesis]

She had to be funny and it's so interesting to see that in her design

[@george40nelson4]

Chanel called her derisively ...that Italian artist who makes clothes . LOL. Actually quite accurate.

[@gogo-word]

I wish this film was much longer. The bits she covered were fascinating.

[@erikadowdy686]

go go yes i feel the same

[@Digmer]

check a documentary on her and coco chanel! is great, they were rivals. i think is here on youtube.

[@ohmyblindman]

KZbin want the short version.

[@emanuelcarvalho8510]

@@Digmer do you know the name??

[@luiscuixara4622]

@@emanuelcarvalho8510 Probably not the one mentioned, but there's "Forgotten Surrealist: Elsa Schiaparelli And The Fashion Connection"

[@Natalie-ox7xm]

THIS is what couture is all about. It's artwork with the medium being textiles and the canvas being the body. I don't know if anyone came this close short of Alexander McQueen when it comes to cohesive story telling and not just "look how weird and unwearable this thing is" . Some of that stuff is interesting but I think it's missing the point. The skeleton dress and Tears gown were breathtaking. Truly works of art.

[@christamarie4044]

Mcqueen's stuff is so garbage and you would have to be some sick FK to wear a evening dress with protruding "bones" and tears of "human flesh" .....

[@alexisarrizon6083]

@@christamarie4044 Both designers wreak of illuminati.

[@caro_santamaria]

@@christamarie4044 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Oh, okay 🤡

[@zururu89]

Go check Iris Van Herpen….

[@pialee1475]

@@christamarie4044 it’s ok. you are entitled to your wrong opinion, conservative view of art, and average taste

[@davidb.854]

Me: Unfinished project due in 45 minutes. Also me: "Wow, these dresses are so interesting. Tell me more."

[@tula__]

ME 🤚🏻

[@danielochoaaa]

wow these comments are getting very specific 😂 literally what i’m doing right now

[@jumellesdarling7551]

Literally in the middle of doing homework and I stopped because I absolutely needed to see this video youtube keeps recommending to me

[@ChickenxBoneless]

That bug hat is so cute.

[@randilightning]

She had a Tim Burton kind of vision with her couture. Bug hat, Skelton dress and the tear dress that’s made to mimic torn flesh. Amazing. 2am and this was in my suggestions. Glad I clicked. 🙊

[@zacanessha]

I please beg you to watch another film 😂

[@Wakeupgrandowl]

You could say she was a pioneer of gothic whimsy…

[@WinkLinkletter]

Burton had a Schiaparelli vision.

[@strayiggytv]

Thankyou youtube algorithm, for suggesting this instead of of trash like 'I filled a pool with vegetable soup and you won't believe what happened!'

[@h0rriphic]

Oh God now someone is going to see this comment and we’re all going to be cursed with veggie soup kiddy pool montages

[@fjp9]

😂

[@acey850]

I'm happy that Schiaparelli is once again revived as a brand.

[@raf015_2]

To be honest I clicked this video because Elsa's surname wasn't new to me so after I saw the video I searched her on Wikipedia and found out she was first cousin to Ernesto Schiaparelli, one of the most famous Italian egyptologists. The more you know!

[@michellegordon456]

Thank you for posting, I love connections like this.

[@samanthab1923]

Raf015 _ Didn't know that. Always knew her as Marisa & Berry Berenson's gran.

[@breezaaataestea6291]

AND niece to the Italian astronomer who produced the first detailed map of Mars in 1877, Giovanni Schiaparelli.

[@ab-gail]

I love how funny some of these designs are. There’s a clear sense of humor amongst the artistry.

[@bienes_raices_pro_ec]

In my opinion, Italy has been so abundant in talent. Schiaparelli's creations are timeless becouse they are tied to an art movement. Also becouse there is people that appreciate them. I for one, love the skeleton dress and the flesh dress, and I could rock them out 🔥

[@stuartwray6175]

"Because I could rock them out" haha, love it!

[@george40nelson4]

There was also a lobster dress.

[@Viviano_Magami]

Italy has many alta moda labels, those labels should shown their behind the scenes and craftmanship videos like Dior and Chanel.. their aesthetics is literally a mind games.

[@VoltaReineChanel]

Chanel: I am the best Schiaparelli: Hold my purse

[@kettle2293]

I can appreciate her skill, the significance of the collection and understand some people would like this style but I'd rather Chanel anyday.

[@pepajimenez8376]

Schiaparelli: Hold my skeleton dress

[@dunderheadgood]

chanel: i am a nazi

[@sammysoppy3361]

both are not wearable for the average woman. but at least Schiaparelli is pure art. Chanel is rich grandma couture at stupid prices, whose creator was a freaking Nazi

[@eigenmishi_in_3d]

The slow and careful way she showcases the pieces is very soothing

[@leginnigel3506]

We need an 8 hour documentary!

[@juliettedemaso7588]

Her incredibly expressive, whimsical work was also equally severe and somehow.. reserved; a study in contrasts like no other. Timeless yet of its time. I am so enamored with her work. How much it communicates and evokes, while leaving ample space for the individual to form a relationship with it. True art.

[@dhananjaysinghkandari]

Schiaparelli is the blueprint on which galliano, mcqueen, van noten and countless others played.

[@AshaDiscoSushi]

The Skeleton Dress reminded me of Gaultier for the 5th Element movie

[@jeanneblondewomanstamping9788]

The shoe hat and skeleton dress: 🤯🤯🤯. Very nicely produced video. Thank you!

[@dannidmrozek194]

I feel like this designer is right up Violet Chachki's alley

[@augustsidusgard152]

Danni Dmrozek she has worn a lot of Schiaparelli and gets invited to their shows :)

[@arinamarah5654]

Yessss

[@FrancyKanae93]

Absolutely (in Gia's voice)

[@MissMisnomer_]

Never heard of this woman before and now I am OBSESSED. I foresee an evening of frantically googling and consuming as much content of hers as I can manage, haha

[@Gun5hip]

Think of all the women stuck in socially expected marriages back then that if given the chance could have followed their dreams and done amazing things.

[@howtubeable]

But think of all the women, like Schiaparelli, who paved their own paths. It wasn't impossible "back then."

[@brvndxxxn]

Gunship think of all the men burning in hell for harming women and children.

[@Gun5hip]

@LagiNaLangAko23 lol no they're not or at least not around here

[@lekha091]

@@howtubeable sir i suggest you pick up a history book

[@aliaasgart1731]

Think of all the women who are toiling on low payed jobs right now, while they could have followed their dreams if being married to a rich husband

[@samj530]

I was fortunate enough to see the Schiaparelli exhibit at the de Young San Francisco in 2015. Fabulous!

[@tommoncrieff1154]

Isn't it shocking pink? It wasn't fuschia. Schiaparelli created shocking pink. It's what she's most famous for.

[@fergussaint-john2535]

hi...Schiaparelli did not invent the shade of pink but did claim it, and named it Shocking Pink..as well it tied into her fragrance which was named Shocking

[@shikhab2250]

Shocking was the perfume that was so amazing my mom used to wear it and till date with all the Dior and chanel that remains my fav perfume it's such a shame they discontinued it 😩

[@vientonoreste9008]

Se llama rosa mexicano

[@CornbreadOracle]

I thought she was most famous for her bowknot sweater

[@AshaDiscoSushi]

Most famous for? I did not know that

[@TuanNguyen-ny1zj]

Absolutely talented and creative I’m very happy to learn about Elsa Schiaparelli

[@filippofontana-baritono1440]

Love it, wish it was longer! Make more, please.... those were the times!

[@johnventrella3403]

FASCINATING...THANK YOU !! BEAUTIFULLY DONE.

[@samanthaflores2081]

Absolutely outstanding. What an honor and treat to witness such great works of art in person, at such a close proximity.

[@goldenlamb777]

I have goosebumps....I love ❤️ fashion. All women deserve to be beautiful and gorgeous, they deserve to be taken care of. I will never forget this 80 year old woman I saw in Barcelona when I was passing by in a taxi. I think I was stunned forever and time stopped for me. I knew when I knew myself that I will age gracefully and I will always be dressed well. Until the day I die.

[@zoefoster1873]

I will never forget a very stylish elderly woman I saw getting off a vaporetto in Venice - she was wearing an incredible Fortuny outfit, pale gold pleated silk, with an enormous hat - absolutely incredible, I still remember her vividly and that was about 40 years ago! Sadly, any outfit like that would be way beyond my budget but one can but dream...

[@dunderheadgood]

her evening wear is fantastic! i would imagine that skeleton dress would have been quite shocking in the 30s, it’s almost mugler-esque

[@helenmaynard5223]

Such beautiful creations... well looked after with great care.

[@lisaleete3859]

Can you imagine your wardrobe being years after your death ... she was just living her life

[@samanthab1923]

Lisa Leete Literally pieces of art.

[@georgantonischki1188]

What a great fashion designer. I would so much like to see these pieces in their original form. Exciting!

[@annnee6818]

Those gloves look gnarly😁 I love this thank you, she was a fascinating woman to be admired by all

[@azbeaux]

No mention of her famous Schiaparelli pink? She was a true artist.

[@BetaBetaZZ]

Love love love it, that’s the type of cloths that never get out of style.

[@diegopolo8979]

Beautiful story, that hat with the painted bugs made me laugh because everyone who saw that hat has to talk about that you know? Amazing expression, thank you

[@fc4660]

Absolutely stunning work thank you for sharing it

[@navyforeveryoungjean-phili5940]

This is awesome and I love the passion of the speaker. It’s very inspiring

[@thetruecookie8115]

Schiaparelli is such an amazing designer! It's a shame her brand hasn't continued after her passing 😓

[@portalkey5283]

I think it did kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZrGlYCJjKt1m7M

[@jztouch]

I’ve often thought Lady Gaga would do well to study Schiaparelli to give her looks a bit more cohesiveness and substance.

[@holypicklesmofo]

You think Gaga needs to study Schiaparelli??? Some of her most famous looks are Schiaparelli!

[@komalahayes1535]

@@holypicklesmofo Yup. She WOULD be aware of her. Very well read👍

[@KaliMaaaaa]

LOL, Gaga hires stylists, when she speaks it's obvious how NOT well read she is. She is a talentless hack who has followed in the vein of Madonna (she steals other people's ideas) and clearly has no taste of her own.

[@tristanour]

@@KaliMaaaaa Miss girl stop talking

[@ellax325]

@@KaliMaaaaa Just say you're bitter and go.

[@Mel.U]

I am astonished and grateful for this video recommendation! To learn about this person and her artwork an impeccable seamstress abilities were flawless I did not know who she was until I watch this video she truly paved a remarkable path of couture fashion!!

[@heidimiller642]

The black and white tromp l'oiel sweater at video minute :58 was in the Vogue knitting book my mother gave me. The authors never cited Schiaparelli's name. They did not give her credit for her work.

[@george40nelson4]

And very wearable today .

[@camillakhromova2230]

I adore Elsa Schiaparelli. Exactly what can be named high fashion. I even made an outfit as a tribute to her talent - shocking pink skirt and butterfly pattened blouse.

[@michellebyrom6551]

That sounds beautiful.

[@jevonica]

That was fantastic!

[@zdoriksandorik]

Absolutely fascinating

[@malekyasmina1743]

Mme Schiaparelli était très en avance sur son époque. Glamour, élégance. Et bien +++. Merci.

[@melodyhart1331]

IN THE LATEST 6O,S I WAS 16 AND GOING TO A WINTER FORMAL,AND I STILL REMEMBER THE BEAUTIFUL SCHiAPERILI SILVER HOSE I,WORE WITH MY PINK SATIN FRENCH EMPIRE DRESS ,THOSE WERE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HOSE EVER !

[@nattyg0517]

sounds beautiful! i hope i can wear something like that one day

[@cornflkeboy1]

Enjoyed the video, thank you.

[@elenik.1354]

Great, V&A 👏👏👏

[@Emiliapocalypse]

Lol I had no idea who this designer is, but I fast forwarded to see some work, stopped at 1:00, and I actually picked up this sweater at a thrift store once in my neighborhood. I didn’t buy it (wasn’t my size), but it was inexpensive! but when I showed it to my mom, she seemed to recognize the designer. I hope the lucky buyer who ended up with that ribbon sweater is very happy with their discovery!! 😁

[@keginemylife]

The evening ensemble 💕

[@stuartlee6622]

NOT FUSCHIA. SHOCKING PINK!!!!

[@missg.5940]

I found a cardigan by her in a vintage shop and thought l had won the lottery!

[@vikaviktoria4201]

Adore Skiaparelli 💕💕💕💕

[@seviregis7441]

Of all the current designers to most closely resemble her work, I’d say it was comme des garçons, but only their couture lines

[@shaneho4262]

Its like going through a museum with a guide. Its really interesting

[@timothyhopkins6960]

She really was fabulous ,so terrible creative in so many outrages ways . We should never ever forget her.

[@a.m.4216]

Huh? Clothes mimicking torn flesh of a woman and a dress made to look like a skeleton and a shoe hat ...she's needs to be forgotten

[@hectorbrown656]

Thank you very much .

[@johnlgasper2348]

I just adored the bustle revival of 39 some of which are kept in Philadelphia museum of Art

[@_very]

1:00 that looks like something that came out for fall 2020.

[@staywithjoshminister]

I work in a hotel in Scotland called The Fife Arms and our cocktail bar called Elsa’s is inspired by her. The reason being is that she befriended Frances Farquharson (ex editor in chief of harper’s bazaar and editor at vogue) who was married to Captain Farquharson of Invercauld estate in Braemar. Else would visit Frances and is thought to be the influence behind one of Braemar castle’s rooms being painted pink. We have a cocktail called Shocking Pink, coasters of hats, gloves, and others all in pink too and portraits of her dotted around the bar. thefifearms.com/eat-drink/elsas-bar/

[@redhunter4550]

Thanks, excellent 💖

[@LelaMi79]

Beautiful and interesting fashion❤

Amazing

[@rebeccalowe-hodges8162]

OMGOSH. just fantastic

[@caramelfunk]

love elsa sm

[@israelrios997]

Elsa was amazing!

[@theazwazainal]

been crazy bout madamme Elsa Schiaparelli since day one 😍

[@louise-yo7kz]

Wonderful

[@andyroo9381]

Schiaparelli saw things that no one else could see.

[@teddynabisenke2205]

wow. I love everything

[@TahtahmesDiary]

Inspiring! 😍💛

[@allenbell3734]

Excellent

[@風に立つ野うさぎ-r4i]

エルザ・スキャッパレリの伝記絵本で見た衣装が出てきて感動！！

[@carlosdesuchil]

C'est magnifique!

[@Simonjose7258]

I like the Notion of this video.

[@morganviolethart4044]

The skeleton dress is really indicative of how progressive Schiaparelli really is to this day, how something seeming so radical for people to wear back in the day would be perfectly appropriate statement for what women have to put their bodies through to stay thin and look attractive in clothes.

[@kenkloiber2989]

Her jewelry was so pretty

I like the idea of surreal clothing... Imagine wearing something that makes you look like you've just been flayed :3 What a statement! :)

[@lees5073]

Stumbling on this... CZ Guest wore a tennis shoe on her head in a Vogue photo during her recovery from breast cancer treatment. Perfect

[@lorelei1761]

The upside down shoe hat is so Cute! I’d wear it lol

[@AndyCutright]

I would love to see that curator in one of those dresses.

[@beckybeighley]

can you do longer videos? I need more!

[@danitasimmons4042]

I thought the buttons looked like edelweiss a little, even though they are pink/red. The embroidery is beautiful.

[@shelleyharris165]

The jacket. 🧵

[@kathysemrau2301]

The Shoe Hat is so very hot 🔥!!!!! It has shown up in so many movies too! Now l know who designed it.

[@kathysemrau2301]

Thank you for highlighting my humble comment. I love this shoe hat. It is truly amazing use of creative power. Schiaparelli was visonary.

[@XX-gy7ue]

she was a genius artist

[@GirlPowerGirlStrong]

Wow! ❤️❤️❤️

[@mariaalejandramercado5812]

1:55 im in love

[@erikadowdy686]

Interesting 💯

[@scootchieandboo]

Fashion royalty

[@taironevieira1288]

Incrivelmente divino.

[@noeraldinkabam]

Why show the tear fabric upside down?

[@GeorgiexoxoTV]

One of my favourite designers within one of my favourite movements xoxo

[@wron7027]

Anyone else saw a face on the heel? 4:28

[@fabianoreaovalle5990]

Just saw it.

[@vamuseum]

Spooky 👻

[@ZacheryMartine]

A bearded mad, yes.

[@aidahoe2946]

It is van gogh

[@madeleineprice3556]

Hey for future reference, the background music is very obnoxious, and it made it hard to hear the speaker of the video

[@jennieivins]

Is that a band-aid on the inside of the shoe hat? o.0

[@Kenziique]

very interesting

[@navyforeveryoungjean-phili5940]

What do you mean by severe approach to tailoring? what does that mean?

[@dawnatilla]

wow!

[@Angelfeather100]

Really interesting post. I’d like to make a remark though re: the pronounciation of the word FUCHSIA. The flowers of the Fuchsia plant have a vibrant pink colour. The name of the plant and that shade of pink were named after the German physician & botanist Leonhart Fuchs, hence the correct pronounciation is FOOKS-see-ah. A bit surprised that a senior textiles & fashion curator mispronounces this colour and the fact that Schiaparelli’s Shocking Pink is not even mentioned.

[@YvonneO]

Has anyone ever given acknowledgement to the "sewers" of these wonderful items??🤔👌