Sweater

For her first collection in 1927, Elsa Schiaparelli designed several sporty sweaters that featured geometric motifs and trompe l'oeil bows, collars and cuffs. Each sweater was hand-knit using bold colors or black and white yarns that produced a mottled effect, foreshadowing her career-long interest in using visually interesting fabrics. The success of one particular sweater with a trompe l'oeil bowknot officially established her reputation in the fashion world as an artistic purveyor of chic who designed unconventional, unique clothing.

Throughout her career, she continued to offer knitwear for her clients, such as this sweater worn by Millicent Rogers. Although a simple silhouette, the complex combination and variation of knit patterns adds visual interest. Schiaparelli often used unique fabrics to enliven her designs. Another signature Schiaparelli aspect of this sweater is the clip closures that appear to be buttons. Although they are not as unusual as other closures used in her designs, the metal clip-like closures are an attractive, interesting choice for a closure.