In many ways, this exhibition felt like an ode to one of the original pioneers behind the idea that fashion itself can be art ~ "Elsa Schiaparelli".

What fascinated me most was how deeply her work was rooted in artistic collaboration. Long before fashion collaborations became mainstream, Schiaparelli actively worked alongside artists such as Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso, transforming their raw artworks and surrealist ideas into wearable forms. Rather than simply taking inspiration from art, she reimagined it into fashion.

Her visual language felt deeply whimsical and symbolic ~ drawing from pagan references, celestial bodies, zodiac signs, mythology, and elements of raw nature.

Gold appeared repeatedly throughout her work, becoming a striking visual signature that reflected drama, luxury, and artistic expression. She also did a lot of experimentation with construction techniques, including unconventional fastenings, sculptural embellishments, and innovative folds that pushed garments beyond functionality into artistry.

Schiaparelli’s role - alongside Coco Chanel ; in shaping modern womenswear for economically independent women. Her garments were not designed merely for display, but for women navigating changing social roles who required mobility, practicality, and elegance simultaneously. Through tailored silhouettes, tweeds, jackets, and refined detailing, she helped redefine what chic and functional dressing could look like for the modern woman.