Hot Pink: The Life and Fashions of Elsa Schiaparelli

Elsa “Schiap” Schiaparelli was the fashion goddess of the 1930’s. Her styles and designs shocked the fashion world into the world we have today. Although she was born in Rome, Italy 1890, her eccentric style gathered the attention of the world, starting in Paris. This book describes Schiap’s childhood, how she first entered the fashion industry, and some of her most eye-catching, jaw-dropping designs such as The Lobster Dress. She was the first to introduce wedged-heels, which I personally appreciate since those are the only kind of heels I can walk in. She was the first to host fashion shows as a way of introducing her new collection lines. It seems like a topic of minimal importance; however, fashion is what diversifies cultures and expresses personality. I think it was interesting to read about Schiap and learn how many of the styles so common today were developed by her in a time where those styles seemed otherworldly. I would recommend this book to young adult readers, as this was an easy read. It includes some pictures of her works. The title is called Hot Pink because that was Schiap’s signature color.

Pros: interesting to learn some of the history behind the fashion of today’s world
Cons: There were not as many pictures included in this book as would be expected.

Schiaparelli Fall Fashion Show 2016: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQyDrE5CjEE

Some of Schiaparelli's original designs: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/elsa/hd_elsa.htm

http://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/elsa-schiaparelli-style-file