The House of Schiaparelli is back in the spotlight, turning heads with its bold, surrealist vision. Once a pioneer of avant-garde fashion, the house has reestablished itself as a must-watch, with its Paris Fashion Week shows among the most coveted invitations of the season.
photo courtesy @schiaparelli
Elsa Schiaparelli: The Visionary Behind the House
Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973) was an Italian designer with a fascination for avant-garde and dreamlike aesthetics. She launched her French fashion house in 1927 and soon became known for her boundary pushing designs. A close collaborator and friend of Salvador Dalí, Schiaparelli blurred the line between fashion and art, creating some of the most iconic pieces of the 20th century.
In 1935, she relocated her Couture House to the Hôtel da Fontpertuis at 21 Place Vendôme, transforming the five-story space with 98 rooms into a creative hub. The stunning interior seamlessly combines both a boutique and an atelier within the same building. Though the House was closed in 1954 as Elsa turned her focus to her autobiography, “Shocking Life”, the brand reclaimed its historic home when it was reopened in 2012, where it remains today.
During the interwar years, Schiaparelli became one of Coco Chanel’s fiercest rivals. While Chanel championed understated elegance, Schiaparelli embraced the eccentric and the extraordinary, turning ordinary elements into elaborate creations. This rebellious spirit still defines the brand today.
Daniel Roseberry: The New Era of Schiaparelli
photo courtesy @schiaparelli
When Daniel Roseberry took the helm as Schiaparelli’s creative director in 2019, he injected new energy into the House while staying true to Elsa’s vision. Before joining Schiaparelli, Roseberry spent a decade at Thom Browne, honing his distinctive design approach.
At Schiaparelli, Roseberry has redefined the brand’s modern identity with daring, glamorous creations – all unmistakably Schiaparelli. Bold sculptural silhouettes, unexpected details, and a touch of theatricality are woven into every collection, making his designs instantly recognizable.
From gilded body parts incorporated into jewelry, handbags, shoes, and ready-to-wear, to sculptural silhouettes that defy convention, Roseberry’s work embraces a sense of fantasy and escapism. His collections are now among the most anticipated of Paris Fashion Week, solidifying Schiaparelli’s status as a leader in modern fashion.
photo courtesy @schiaparelli and @danielroseberry
Ariana Grande at the 2025 Oscars
Handbags as Works of Art
Among Roseberry’s most striking creations are the iconic Anatomy Jewelry handbags – modern tributes to founder Elsa Schiaparelli’s fascination with surrealism, psychology, and avant-garde art. These sculptural pieces pay homage to her collaborations with artists such as Salvador Dalí and Picasso, transforming accessories into wearable pieces of art.
Unlike many traditional handbags, the Anatomy Jewelry designs embrace three-dimensional forms, with protruding facial features – lips, eyes, noses – adding texture and depth. Crafted from luxurious materials such as gilded brass and other metals, these designs often combine supple leather to create an almost jewelry-like quality. The juxtaposition of rich leather colors like black, ivory, or vibrant hues against gleaming gold accents creates a striking contrast.
@pursebop with the smallest Anatomy handbag
Schiaparelli’s dedication to Haute Couture-level craftsmanship shines through in every detail of their Anatomy Jewelry handbags. From the precise stitching to the intricate sculpting of each facial motif, every element reflects exceptional artistry. Luxurious materials, including smooth calfskin and exotic leathers, further elevate these striking designs into wearable works of art.
It comes as no surprise that celebrities and fashion insiders often gravitate toward these designs for red carpet moments and high-fashion events, captivated by their striking, artistic quality. While they may not be considered your typical everyday bags, they epitomize Schiaparelli’s spirit – fashion as art, fantasy, and a bold statement of self-expression.
photo courtesy @schiaparelli
History of the Keyhole Motif
One of Schiaparelli’s most distinctive design elements, the keyhole motif, is deeply rooted in the House’s surrealist aesthetic. More than just a decorative feature, it serves as a symbol of unlocking the unknown, hinting at hidden depths and mysteries waiting to be revealed. This recurring theme reinforces the idea that there is always more beneath the surface in Schiaparelli’s creations.
The keyhole appears across a wide range of pieces, from handbags and jewelry to belt buckles and brooches. It is perhaps most striking when featured on clothing – particularly as a dramatic cutout at the chest of an evening gown, adding an element of intrigue and sensuality while playing with the theme of concealment and revelation.
photo courtesy @kyliejenner
Under Daniel Roseberry’s creative direction, the keyhole motif remains an essential part of Schiaparelli’s identity. He continues to interpret it in modern collections, using it as a metaphor for unlocking creativity and self-expression – ensuring that this timeless motif remains central to Schiaparelli’s vision.
Conclusion
Schiaparelli’s Anatomy Jewelry handbags are more than fashion statements – they are collectible works of art. Owning one is a direct link to Elsa Schiaparelli’s surrealist, boundary-pushing legacy while embracing Daniel Roseberry’s modern creative vision.
Will you be adding a Schiaparelli handbag to your collection? Let us know.
Love, PurseBop
xo
Updated: March 18th, 2025
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