Elsa Schiaparelli is the designer of the “Evening Gown.” She is a legendary figure for twentieth century fashion and viewed designing gowns as different works of art.
She worked with multiple artists, one being Salvador Dali.
While designing she used inspiration from surrealists motifs and worked with them in her designs.
She was inspired by “the New Look” and by America. She designed based off of her experiences in New York City.
After the Depression Elsa returned to Europe and resumed working within her fashion house. It is said that the roles of women and the social revolution were driving points of inspiration for Elsa.
She used silk heavily. In her final design shown in the next photo the materials used are red silk faille and pink silk.
Elsa had her own couture house so the center dress was made by hand. The design also includes draping as a technique used.
This is my sketch of the gown. I can only assume that Elsa used silk as her leading fabric because of the beautiful and elegant look to it. She was also designing for upper class women and silk is a luxurious material. It drapes elegantly and works perfectly for her dress.
The center gown is the final “Evening Gown.”
Elsa is known for being one of the first artists to use synthetic material in couture. She was a true modernist at heart. Though she may not be as recognizable as rival Coco Chanel; she was a brilliant artist and deserves to be remembered as one.