My favorite Brand: Schiaparelli
Schiaparelli was founded by the unique creative Elsa Schiaparelli in 1927. It all began when she decided to create her first trompe l’œil motif on a hand-knit sweater for herself. They were the black and white pullover that boasts the illusion of a bow, pierced heart, skeleton, or a sailor tattoo. It was shortly after that in 1931 the brand’s first artist collaboration took place with Russian-French writer Elsa Triolet to create the iconic Aspirin Necklace. This catalyzed the brand’s identity as a champion of surrealism and the arts. Later on, Elsa collaborated with artists like Salvador Dalí pushing even further the barriers that divided fashion and art. Schiaparelli began a new movement and a new vision for what fashion could become, clothes for the sake of artistry and aesthetics rather than just luxury and practicality. Currently, the brand describes its offer as an alternative luxury proposal for the audience that seeks to acquire a long-lasting piece of fashion. Something to pass on down from generation not just as one inherits a bag but rather a masterpiece like a canvas or a sculpture.
What is most unique about it is its close relationship to the Fine Arts and how it showcases fashion as an art form rather than a superficial product. The garments look like a piece of art rather than a garment as it challenges the concept that a piece of clothing could be in a museum rather than a shop. The key to the brand’s vision lies in the strong creative concept behind every runway, which nowadays is being created by Daniel Roseberry. Some collections like Inferno (Haute Couture 2022) are perfect examples of how the brand aims to portray fashion as wearable pieces of art. The event displayed outfits with elements like lion heads, a guest completely painted in red and covered in Swarovski crystals (Doja Cat), and shape-innovative garments to refer to the gates of hell. This demonstrates just how important craftsmanship and artistry are for the brand.
Overall, Schiaparelli is an exciting brand that challenges the status quo and has managed to remain exciting throughout the decades. It adheres to the standards of traditional Parisian Haute Couture but with an innovative performative element that cannot be found in any other brand. To wear Schiaparelli means to wear a piece of art, a performance, and a unique garment all in one.