Surreal & Ready-to-Wear

Women dress alike all over the world:
they dress to be annoying to other women.
—Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973)

Born in Rome. Her astronomer uncle discovered
the 'Martian canals.' Believing she was ugly,
the child shoved seeds up her nose into her ears,
hoping they would flower.
Writing erotic poetry got her sent to a convent.
After a hunger strike, allowed to leave.
Escaping a Russian suitor, she fell for 'Count Wilhelm,'
a con-man claiming psychic powers.
When 'Wilhelm' fled after their daughter's birth,
Schiap’s real life began.

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In Paris, inspired by Jean Cocteau & Salvador Dali,
she began creating tromp l'oeil knitwear.
Then the wrap dress crumpled rayon culottes
reversible garments animal prints secret pockets—for a flask
Signature color: a neon fuchsia called 'shocking pink.'
Smartly tailored silhouette, skirt below the knee.
She dressed Katharine Hepburn & Dietrich, made TIME's cover,
but lost ground to Coco Chanel & Dior after the war.
Her creations in museums, knock-offs on eBay:
insect necklaces butterfly dresses 'human eye' pins