Dilys E. Blum Books

Published on the occasion of the couture house's ninetieth anniversary, this book celebrates Elsa Schiaparelli's shared creative passion with the twentieth century's most esteemed artists. Known for her bravado and boundary-pushing dresses, Elsa Schiaparelli is undoubtedly one of the greatest icons of twentieth-century fashion. After launching her eponymous haute couture house in Paris in 1927, the Roman-born designer captured the attention of the world at large not only thanks to her trompe l'oeil patterns and surrealist forms--but also because of her creative relationships with some of the epoch's most renowned artists. From Salvador Dali, who collaborated with Schiaparelli on her infamous Lobster Dress to Alberto Giacometti's furnishings for her salon and Rene Magritte, whose surrealist works inspired some of the designer's creations, this beautifully illustrated tome delves into the couturiere's fascinating rapports with these artistic legends. Through never-before-seen photography, intimate anecdotes, and essays penned by some of today's most authoritative fashion critics, curators, and personalities, this volume is the first definitive work dedicated to the shared inspiration between the designer and her circle of artist friends. Unique in its breadth of artwork and diverse contributors, this visually stunning book is a must for anyone interested in avant-garde art, twentieth-century fashion, or thought-provoking design.

Presents almost 400 years of textiles from the East and the West. It includes a section on the Americas, Europe, the Mediterranean, Middle East, Japan and India.

Accompanying a major exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, this book on the legendary designer Elsa Schiaparelli is an essential reference for fashion enthusiasts. Schiaparelli (1890–1973) was a pivotal figure in Paris fashion between the two World Wars. Her first knitwear collection, launched in January 1927, showcased trompe-l’oeil motifs and quickly gained popularity in both France and the US. In 1935, she opened the Maison Schiaparelli on Place Vendôme, offering collections for sports, city, and evening wear. Like her rival Gabrielle Chanel, Schiaparelli collaborated with artists such as Man Ray, Jean Cocteau, and Salvador Dalí, famously creating the lobster dress. Her imaginative designs, influenced by Surrealism, utilized innovative materials and evolved throughout the 1930s, gaining acclaim for their originality. Notable collections included themes like the circus (Summer 1938) and astrology (Fall/Winter 1938–39). In 1937, she launched the fragrance “Shocking,” named for her signature color, shocking pink. Featuring vintage photographs, sketches, and contemporary articles from Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, this lavishly illustrated volume showcases masterpieces from the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, solidifying Schiaparelli's legacy in fashion history. 200 illustrations.