1980s Schiaparelli Brown Wool Check Skirt Suit with Velvet Trim

Maison Schiaparelli was founded by Elsa Schiaparelli in 1927 and became renowned for its surrealist haute couture creations. The house closed in 1954 following bankruptcy, but its name continues to hold mythic status in fashion history. In 2014, the brand was revived as a luxury Maison under the direction of Tod’s chairman Diego Della Valle. Less widely known, however, is that Schiaparelli was also briefly revived in the 1980s, with the name licensed for various collections following Elsa’s death in 1973 — we’ve handled remarkable pieces from this period at Circa over the years.

Made in Italy, this unusual two piece suit dates back to the 1980s. Tailored from a beautiful wool cloth flecked with threads of mustard, russet and teal wool, the jacket has a boxy cut with an asymmetric fastening. It has double-breasted buttons above the chest and down one side of the front. These are covered in mustard velvet. Same goes for the jacket's raised collar, welt pockets at the hips and panelled details at the shoulders. The buttoned cuffs are also split and lined with velvet. At the shoulder, the jacket is adorned with a swirling S-shaped gold-metal brooch, playing homage to the high-octane glamour and surreal detailing of the house’s early years. Lined in brown satin which is woven with the brand logo.

The skirt is tailored from a tartan that picks out the colours of the jacket. It has a wide waistband with a basque-curve at the centre front. The skirt falls to knee length and is lined with mustard satin. It has welt pockets at the front of the hips. There is a pleat at the back for ease of movement and it fastens with a hidden brown zip and fabric-covered button.

The ensemble is in excellent vintage condition with no issues. It is 80% Wool, 20% Polyester with velvet detailing of 100% Cotton. Labelled a French 44 but the the fabric has no stretch so please check the below measurements carefully. It runs smaller than today's sizing and is better suited to a UK 12 or US 8 on account of the skirt measurements.

MEASUREMENTS JACKET

BUST - 40 in. (102 cm)

WAIST - 40 in. (102 cm)

HIP - 44 in. (112 cm)

LENGTH - 28 in. (71 cm)

SHOULDERS - 18 in. (46 cm)

MEASUREMENTS SKIRT

WAIST - 30 in. (76 cm)

HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)

LENGTH - 28 in. (71 cm)