Together with her husband - known author lectures on Theosophy - Elsa was in the US. Soon after her husband fled, leaving his ex-wife with a child alone. In the world of fashion Elsa came quite by accident: the former wife of the famous abstract artist Francis Picabia Gabriel was looking for his fashion store employees, are well versed in fashion and art. Elsa came to this role perfectly.
Working in the shop, Elsa met with outstanding representatives of the New York high society: the best artists and photographers of the time including its friends. In 1920, Schiaparelli returned to Paris, where he worked for a long time in an antique shop. It is believed that there have arisen many ideas of Elsa, who later brought her international fame to the House of fashion.
In France, Elsa Schiaparelli pozakomilas with well-known representatives of creative bohemia: Tristan Tzara, Francis Picabia, Jean Cocteau, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali - they all had an impact on her career.
The first success came to Elsa together with a sweater with an unusual pattern: white vyvyazanny bow on a black background. Who would have thought that this would be the bow for Schiaparelli pass to the world of fashion. For many years sweater with a bow is the best selling model Elsa Schiaparelli.
Then there were the sweaters with African patterns, motifs cubic, with a sailor tattoos. High fashion in those years was available only elite, Elsa is first decided to sell trendy but affordable and comfortable clothing. In 1929, she created the famous swimsuit in two parts unthinkable at the time skin color. Crowds of women were precipitated her shop - it was a sensation.
The Great Depression passed Schiaparelli - its simple and affordable clothes to attract customers of bankrupt fashion houses. Elsa's motto - versatility, practicality, convenience. Elsa boldly introduced new ideas, for example, a skirt-shorts - it is her hands. It offers ladies feminine form, as opposed to the masculine model Coco Chanel.
Chanel and Schiaparelli - they are always opposed to each other. Great Mademoiselle casually spoke of Elsa, as an unknown Italian artist who just sews clothes. These were two opposites: Chanel proposes strict silhouette, Schiaparelli was playing with the material and color, using green pattern, burlap, fur monkeys and straw.
Chanel not stand vulgarschinu and Elsa put on their dresses caricature Coco. Chanel personified the classics, Schiaparelli - surrealism, seeking to emphasize the individuality and exuberance of spirit, but they are a beneficial effect on each other and on the world fashion in general. Insidious rival Chanel created its model as if in spite Coco challenge her and calling on fashion duel.
Reconcile their time - have new idols, new fashion designers. Christian Dior conquered the whole world with his New Look, and both ladies had to resign. Chanel and Schiaparelli made a revolution in fashion, leaving a bright trace in the history and memory of the people.