Daniel Roseberry and Chioma Nnadi toured the Victoria & Albert Museum’s archival exhibition titled “Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art” [1, 2].
The walk-through connects the house's surrealist origins with its modern iterations, illustrating how the brand maintains its identity across decades of design.
Roseberry, the creative director of Schiaparelli, was accompanied by Nnadi, who serves as the head of editorial content at British Vogue [1]. Together, they examined a collection of the house's most celebrated garments and accessories held within the London institution [1, 2].
The tour highlighted several iconic pieces from the Elsa Schiaparelli era. Among the featured items were the first “cravat” sweater and the lobster dress [1, 2]. The pair also viewed the Robot Baby dress and the unconventional shoe‑hat, both of which exemplify the surrealist approach to couture [1, 2].
In addition to the historic archives, the exhibition included more contemporary contributions to the brand's legacy. This included the ruby-red Oscar dress worn by Ariana Grande [1, 2]. The presence of such modern pieces alongside early 20th-century works demonstrates the continuous evolution of the house's aesthetic.
The visit served as a discussion on the historic Schiaparelli archive and the specific designs that have come to define the brand's influence on the fashion world [1]. By revisiting these objects of affection, Roseberry and Nnadi traced the line from the original founder's provocations to the current creative direction of the label [1].
“Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art”
The exhibition underscores the enduring influence of surrealism in high fashion. By bridging the gap between Elsa Schiaparelli's early 20th-century experiments and Daniel Roseberry's current leadership, the V&A showcases how the brand uses archival provocation to inform modern luxury and red-carpet visibility.
