Signature Styles

Elsa Schiaparelli was known for her use of colors, shapes, and textures (Wikipedia) and for experimenting with new materials, including rayon, vinyl, and cellophane. This was the first time synthetic materials were used in couture (Wikipedia). She introduced the Pagoda sleeve, a broad-shouldered sleeve, in 1933 (Thames), and in 1935 she was the first designer to use visible zippers on a haute couture dress (Fashion). Buttons were a sort of specialty for her and she turned them into acrobats, tambourines, and even carrots and cauliflowers (Wikipedia). With the help of Berard, Schiaparelli created the color “shocking pink” (Fashion) and her perfume “Shocking” came in a bottle based on the curves of actress Mae West (Vogue). Among her most well-known designs are four that she created with Salvador Dali, and they are simply known as: Lobster Dress, Tears Dress, Skeleton Dress, and Shoe Hat (Wikipedia).