Elsa Schiaparelli: Art Meets Fashion
Schiaparelli incorporated elements of modern architecture into many of her designs, such as her block sweaters. 1927
LACMA’s Costume Council commemorated the work of famed Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli with a lecture by Philadelphia Museum of Art Senior Curator Dilys E. Blum at LACMA on Wednesday.
Blum examined Schiaparelli’s work and the intersection of fashion and art between the two World Wars.
Her trompe l'oeil patterns and graphic, art- and architecture-inspired designs established her as a preeminent couture designer and tastemaker during the 1920s and 30s.
Her trompe l'oeil bowtie sweater was one of her most popular designs. 1927
Influenced by Surrealist artists such as Salvador Dali, Alberto Giacometti and Man Ray, Schiaparelli became one of the most prominent figures in fashion, eventually even outranking Coco Chanel.
The designer pushed boundaries in design, textiles and manufacturing, with pieces such as a divided skirt that resembled trousers, which were considered shocking for a woman to wear in the 1930s.
She was also the first to create the wrap dress, Blum noted.
Schiaparelli's Lobster Dress was inspired by the art of Salavador Dali and was worn by the Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson. 1937
