This two-tone example, made in her Parisian salon but sold by Lord & Taylor in New York, combines contrasting textures of leather buttons, tweed and velveteen.
Prominent pockets, as seen on the jacket, became a frequent feature of Schiaparelli's daywear
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Suit
This vibrant day suit highlights two typical Schiaparelli design devices - unusual fabrics and unexpected fastenings. The trompe l'oeil textile in a kaleidoscope of jewel tones is made to look like woven material but is actually printed rayon crêpe. The blue plastic beetles on the buttons echo the Pagan collection themes that draw on imagery of flora and fauna.
(Third step, left)
Elsa Schiaparelli
Autumn 1938, Pagan collection
Paris
Rayon (suit); plastic (buttons)
Metropolitan Museum of Art: 1974.338.5a, b
Gift of Mrs. J.R. Keagy, 1974
(Second step, left)
Elsa Schiaparelli, sold by Lord & Taylor
Winter 1936
Paris
Tweed, velveteen (jacket, skirt);
leather (buttons)
Lent by The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology: 78.125.1
Gift of Mrs. Steward McDonald
Suit
This vibrant day suit highlights two typical Schiaparelli design devices - unusual fabrics and unexpected fastenings. The trompe l'oeil textile in a kaleidoscope of jewel tones is made to look like woven material but is actually printed rayon crêpe. The blue plastic beetles on the buttons echo the Pagan collection themes that draw on imagery of flora and fauna.
(Third step, left)
Elsa Schiaparelli
Autumn 1938, Pagan collection
Paris
Rayon (suit); plastic (buttons)
Metropolitan Museum of Art: 1974.338.5a, b
Gift of Mrs. J.R. Keagy, 1974
Pamela Carme
Pamela Carme, 1928
otograph by Yvonne Gregory
Centre stage
This coat was worn by Pamela Carme, a British socialite turned star of the stage. As the wife of Henry Sherek, a leading director and producer in London's West End, she spent much of her married life in theatres. This was reflected in her wardrobe choices, such as this elegant garment with buttons shaped like comedy and tragedy masks.
(First step, left)
Elsa Schiaparelli
Spring 1939,
A Modern Comedy collection
Paris
Wool, velvet, silver fox fur (coat);
painted metal (buttons)
V&A: T.233-1964
Given by the Honourable Pamela Sherok
Suits!
#Schiaparelli emphasised the importance of day suits for her Winter 1936 collection, proclaiming
'Simple suits, mandated apparel! . #garmentsewing