Shocking Schiaparelli

Why such a sudden rise in Schiaparelli? Rumor has it that the great fashion house might be resurrected as early as 2011 by one of the unstoppables with a flair for the dramatic: Olivier Theyskens, Gareth Pugh, Giles Deacon, Roland Mouret. This remains to be seen, but in the meantime enjoy her Twelve Commandments for Women, written in the 1930's. Fashion is still influenced by her shocking pink, over the top silhouettes, and art-inspired motifs. Dolce & Gabbana has most recently delved into their Schiaparelli knowledge and knocked out several collections that scream Schiaparelli. That shock. The way she'd want it.

1. Since most women do not know themselves, they should try to do so.

2. A woman who buys an expensive dress and changes it, often with disastrous result, is extravagant and foolish.

3.Most women (and men) are colour-blind. They should ask for suggestions.

4.Remember 20% of women have inferiority complexes, 70% have illusions.

5.Ninety per cent are afraid of being conspicuous, and of what people will say. So they buy a gray suit. They should dare to be different.

6. Women should listen and ask for competent criticism and advice.

7. They should choose their clothes alone or in the company of a man.

8.They should never shop with another woman, who sometimes consciously, and often unconsciously, is apt to be jealous.

9. She should buy little and only of the best or the cheapest.

10. Never fit a dress to the body, but train the body to fit the dress.

11. A woman should buy mostly in one place where she is known and respected, and not rush around trying every new fad.

12. And she should pay her bills.

from the Philadelphia Museum where her collection was curated in 2003. Photo above from the Schiaparelli-inspired Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2009 runway and the Spring/Summer 2008 runway(via Style.com)