Suit

1938–39

Not on view

The color of this suit, Schiaparelli's signature Shocking pink, was dubbed thus because it represented her desire to shock those around her with her unique and sometimes avant-garde designs. Her goal was to design clothing and accessories that possessed an artistic aesthetic, rather than the more conventional idea of fashion and beauty. The textural novelty weave Schiaparelli used is an example of her propensity to use interesting fabrics to enliven a simple silhouette. The quirky mermaid ornament is typical of her sense of whimsy and was probably executed by an artist such as Jean Clement or Roger Jean-Pierre who often executed her button and ornament designs.

Artwork Details

Overview

Title: Suit
Designer: Elsa Schiaparelli (Italian, 1890–1973)
Date: 1938–39
Culture: French
Medium: cotton, plaster
Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Arturo and Paul Peralta-Ramos, 1954
Object Number: 2009.300.174a, b
Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

More Artwork

By Elsa Schiaparelli

From the same time and place

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Pullover sweater, Elsa Schiaparelli Italian, wool, silk, French — Pullover sweater
Elsa Schiaparelli
1950s

Evening ensemble, Elsa Schiaparelli Italian, silk, metal, French — Evening ensemble
Elsa Schiaparelli
Henri Bendel
1938

Pin, Elsa Schiaparelli Italian, glass, metal, French — Pin
Elsa Schiaparelli
1950s

Necktie, Elsa Schiaparelli Italian, silk, French — Necktie
Elsa Schiaparelli
R. H. Macy & Co.
1950s

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