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oday for something completely different, we have this interesting short video from the V&A Museum about some of the styles of Elsa Schiaparelli. While far removed from the 19th Century world of haute couture in terms of style, her technique was as technically detailed and exacting as any you will see in the world of haute couture. Schiaparelli has always been of interest to us because she combined a wild side of fantastical, sometimes surreal, designs with a practical designs. Her collaborations with Salvador Dali are amazing although sometimes jarring.  Also, often overlooked, is her use of colors and texture in many of her designs. At the same time, many of her daywear designs were severely tailored- her design aesthetic was seemingly a collection of opposites. Anyway, please have a look: 🙂

We have seen many of the items pictured in the video in person and they’re just as compelling “live” as they are in the video. Also, just to show that style elements are constantly being recycled in fashion, here’s a dress from her Summer 1939 collection that harkens back to the late 19th Century with the use of training/bustling: