Opening on March 28, the Victoria & Albert Museum will present a physical timeline of the Maison Schiaparelli. Dedicated to the career of Elsa Schiaparelli, considered one of the world’s greatest designers, the collection will trace its beginnings through to its current direction under Daniel Roseberry. Schiaparelli will be recognized as a pioneering female entrepreneur who created an entire world within her fashion house, influencing fashion and art on a critical level. Special emphasis will be placed on Schiaparelli’s presence in London, in recognition of the exhibition’s location.

The exhibition will include over 400 pieces. These will range from a collection of more than 100 ensembles to accessories, jewelry, paintings, and selections from the extensive archive. Also included will be works created in collaboration with Salvador Dalí, as well as Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, Man Ray, and Eileen Agar.

Tristram Hunt, the Director of the V&A, calls Schiaparelli “one of the most ingenious and daring designers in fashion history.” Delphine Bellini, CEO of Schiaparelli, builds upon this saying, “Elsa Schiaparelli’s fearless imagination and radical vision redefined the boundaries between fashion and art. This exhibition celebrates her enduring influence through iconic collaborations with 20th-century masters and a pioneering fusion of creativity and commerce.” 

The exhibition will be organized into four sections, each representing a distinct era of the house. The first, Designing the Modern Wardrobe, will mark the opening of the brand in 1927. It will feature one of the earliest garments by the founding designer, a trompe l’oeil bow sweater. From there, the presentation will trace Schiaparelli’s evolution into daywear, including pantsuits, and eventually into eveningwear.

The next space, titled Creative Constellation, will connect the founding designer to the Surrealist artists of the 1920s and 30s. Schiaparelli will be shown in close collaboration with these figures, further establishing fashion as an art form. With a taste for the eclectic and personal friendships within the artistic community, many of the designer’s advertisements and boutiques will be presented as spaces infused with art.

The following section, Beyond Paris, will explore the expansion of Schiaparelli beyond the French capital. As the name suggests, it will highlight the designer’s work across film and stage, as well as special commissions for notable figures, including King George VI.

A Golden Thread brings the collection to a close, making clear the lasting impact of the founding designer and the continuous reign of the brand. Looks can be recognized as previously worn by modern icons including Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa.