25th Annual Student Research Conference
Couture: Elsa Schiaparellis Surrealist Object
Mary M. Sauerwein
Prof. Joan Mather, Dr. Sara Orel, and Dr. Julia DeLancey, Faculty Mentors
Elsa Schiaparelli designed clothing of whimsy, absurdity, and intrigue. She regarded fashion as an art form above all else, considering herself an artist as much as a clothing designer. This study asserts Schiaparelli achieved artistic prominence in the early twentieth century through the deliberate execution of Surrealist theory in her couture house. Schiaparellis collaboration with Surrealists such as Salvador Dal, Jean Clment, and Meret Oppenheim in her career is well-documented. With the development of the Surrealist object, Surrealism eventually transcended the boundaries of being strictly an art movement and into a paradigm. While Schiaparellis connections with Surrealist artists are significant, she gained success and fame during her lifetime for her couture. Schiaparellis application of Surrealist ideals within her designs enabled her to become a dominant figure in fashion during the time period between World War I and World War II.
Keywords:
Topic(s):Art - Art History
Theatre
French
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 114-2
Location: OP 2210
Time: 8:15