Unveiling the Creative Genius of Schiaparelli’s Spring/Summer 2026 Haute Couture Collection
The latest haute couture collection from Schiaparelli, designed by American designer Daniel Roseberry, has taken the fashion world by storm. The collection, which kicked off Paris Haute Couture Week, was inspired by a visit to the Sistine Chapel, where Roseberry found himself mesmerized by Michelangelo’s frescoes. The experience sparked a creative revelation, leading to the development of a collection that showcases sculpture-dresses with references to the animal world, a theme that fascinated the founder Elsa Schiaparelli.
A Journey of Inspiration
Roseberry’s visit to the Sistine Chapel in October last year marked the beginning of his creative journey. The chapel’s intricate details, including Michelangelo’s frescoes, inspired him to create a collection that embodies a “wild, visually exuberant, vulnerable, and romantic imagination of God, religion, faith, and the human condition.” This inspiration is evident in the collection’s use of scorpion tails, snake stings, and teeth, as well as resin beaks and cabochon eyes, which Roseberry defines as “reptilian-arachnid creatures.”
A Celebration of Color and Craftsmanship
The collection features hand-cut lace dresses, feather decorations, and intricate details, all hand-painted, airbrushed, or dipped in resin and crystals. The color palette is inspired by the birds of paradise, with shades of pink and turquoise dominating the runway. A standout piece is a skirt suit made up of layers of tulle and organza, dusted with crystals in the colors of the puffer fish. The attention to detail and craftsmanship is a testament to the expertise of the Schiaparelli atelier.
A Legacy Reborn
The Schiaparelli fashion house, now owned by Diego Della Valle, is committed to carrying forward the creative legacy of Elsa Schiaparelli. The brand will be showcasing its first exhibition in England at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, starting March 28. Additionally, the first salon-boutique will open in Hong Kong on February 4, recreating the surrealist atmosphere of the Parisian salons of Place Vendome. Roseberry’s collection is a celebration of the brand’s heritage, while also pushing the boundaries of fashion and creativity.
The Meaning of Couture
For Roseberry, couture is not just about creating clothes for everyday life, but about reconnecting with the fantasy and hope that fashion can offer. “Couture allows me to reconnect with the hopeful teenager I once was, the one who decided not to go into medicine, finance, or law, but to pursue that unique fantasy that fashion can still offer,” he says. This philosophy is evident in the collection, which is a testament to the power of fashion to inspire and transform.
Read more about Schiaparelli’s Spring/Summer 2026 Haute Couture Collection Here