Inspiration

Elsa Schiaparelli found inspiration from art and was influenced by ideas from Dadaism and Surrealism. She became friends with many surrealists and most of her ideas were based on their principles and images (Decades). Elsa was able to have original sketches by Salvador Dali and Jean Cocteau embroidered or printed directly onto her dresses (Fashion). Schiaparelli was also influenced by Berard and Jean Schlumberger and worked with them to design fabric and accessories and create costume jewelry and buttons (Thames). Her collaborations with Dali are some of her best known designs (Wikipedia).