Watermelon Cocktails at Schiaparelli

If you thought watermelon was only a fruit and are bemoaning the fact that summer is nearly over and that you will not be able to enjoy this luscious fruit until next year, well think again! Have some longing glances at these wonderful “watermelon” stones from Schiaparelli.

“Watermelon” rhinestones are multi-hued rhinestone called 'watermelon' because the stones resemble the natural watermelon tourmaline. Green around the edges and bright pink at the center.

Schiaparelli along with her arch nemesis Chanel promoted the use of cocktail jewellery also known as costume jewellery. Production of fine estate style jewellery was halted in the Second World War and America became the leader in designing attractive costume jewellery pieces using advanced technical methods of production making a market that was dynamic, inventive and affordable.

Whereas Chanel’s style harked back to baroque splendour imitating real jewellery (perhaps due to insecurity re her humble beginnings), Schiaparelli’s style reflected her aristocratic background and her never ending quest for the avant-garde and new.

Watermelon stones were among the most recognised and favoured of Schiaparelli’s jewellery. Set in anything from antique silver plate scrolls to rococo gold, these pieces are bold and showy, complimenting her signature shocking pink perfectly. Reflecting light like the colour of rainbows or opals the settings showcased these fakes wonderfully!

Watermelon has never looked so good!

Schiaparelli Savoir Faire

You could always tell a woman who was dressed by Schiaparelli. Her clients were women who were assured of themselves and ever so confident. If you wanted people to talk you wore Schiaparelli. The originality of her couture translated well into the period before the World War II. The depression had ended and people were optimistic about the future and thus willing to undertake a few risks when dressing.

Of course there were strong surrealistic undertones at Schiaparelli however I believe a good many of her ideas were just pure fantasy. If you couldn’t afford Schiaparelli with a few clever innovations and the right accessories, you could give the appearance that you did. Even after the couture salons closed in the early 50’s accessories were still being produced, which could give you the Schiaparelli edge.

Newspaper printed silk was used for dresses and scarves, and who but Schiaparelli would make sure that the articles represented were about herself!

Buttons were never conventional, every shape and figure from acrobats, butterflies and stars cascaded down jackets and coats.

Flies and cockroaches adorned plexi-glass jewellery.

Golden pine cones hung from a velvet collar around your neck.

Perfumes and cosmetics were lavish in their presentations and tongue in cheek humour.

Love the powder compact designed by Dali in the shape of a telephone dial, just the thing to put in your purse shaped like a bucket.

We are all aware of the famous shoe hat which was surrealistic however shoes in the 60’s were more conventional. No matter what the style they still oozed glamour.

Eye glasses also played a part in the Schiaparelli look, going from fantastic frames with exaggerated eyelashes attached to highly decorated frames in the 50’s.

Continuing the theme of incorporating body parts on accessories, the below gloves with fingernails (in Shocking Pink) of course created a furore.

And to top it all off the stunning cuff below, is enough to make all swoon in admiration.

Savoir Feud

For all the glamour and savoir faire of the 1930’s, we are all aware of the rivalry and so called feud that existed between Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel. Unfortunately it always seems to be the case that the less creative and more sedate one should come out on top. While The House of Chanel has been prominent and survives, the House of Schiaparelli ceased to exist, and rumours abound of a re-launch. Same can be said of the animosity that existed between cosmetic queens Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden. Mention Helena Rubinstein to the public and you are met with blank stares.

The rivalry between Schiaparelli, as I believe it to be is the difference between wealth and privilege and humble beginnings. It is also the collision of the avant garde and unobtrusive safe elegance.

But in 1934, Time magazine placed Chanel in the second division of fashion, whereas Schiaparelli was one of "a handful of houses now at or near the peak of their power as arbiters of the ultra-modern haute couture....Madder and more original than most of her contemporaries, Mme Schiaparelli is the one to whom the word "genius" is applied most often".

Poor old Coco whether she was insecure about her own success compared to Schiaparelli’s or just plain bitter, referred to Schiaparelli as 'that Italian artist who makes clothes', however Schiaparelli with even more venom referred to Chanel as “that milliner”. Moving in the same social circles didn’t help matters either as I am sure there were constant comparisons being shunted about from cocktail party to dinners.

Once while attending a soirée Chanel and Schiaparelli were persuaded to dance together, with Chanel attempting arson by ‘accidently” shunting Schiaparelli into a candle arrangement setting her frock on fire!

It seems that Chanel had the last laugh, (something I sure she is gloating over in her grave), however with rumours of a Schiaparelli re-launch abounding, maybe “that Italian artist’ will have the last one!

Shopping Savoir Faire!

Nothing says savoir faire more than arriving at Schiaparelli on the Place Vendome, than the two photos below. If only shopping were such an experience these days!

Sure some stores have doorman ready to open the doors for you and whisk you inside, however I think the little chap below, would just make our day!

Shocking Pink Savoir Faire

MMmmm, Shocking pink the colour immortalised by Schiaparelli in the 1930’s is one of my favourites.A colour so bold and enticing that it slaps you in the face! Such influence did Schiaparelli have that on the pink, is that it is known as Shocking Pink as everything was shocking for her. Her autobiography was named “Shocking Life”, her perfume “Shocking” and skincare ranges “Shocking Radiance”.

Shocking Pink has had a prominent place in fashion over the decades however lets not forget that the colour appears quite often in nature in the most unusual places.

The Shocking Pink Milipede from Thailand. I actually think that the whole shape of this would make the most wonderful bracelet!

Shocking pink striped agate!

And what would summer be, without bouganvillia!

The Louboutins below

If you are brave enough, something mught suit you inside below.

Who can forget Zandra Rhodes, who took it one step further and dyed her hair Shocking Pink! (One of the first to do so)

Savoir Faire for your Wrist!

Ladies have a look at these fabulous bracelets courtesy of Schiaparelli ! Just the thing to add a bit of savoir faire to your weekend! Of course they are faux bijoux, however who cares when you have this much style!

Savoir Faire Quote of the Day

“Women dress alike all over the world: they dress to be annoying to other women”

so said Schiaparelli who dared us all to dress differently.

Some Friday Savoir faire!

Courtesy of Fiona Campbell-Walter wearing Schiaparelli 1952. Those were the days!