Elsa Schiaparelli's insects necklace

From the fall 1938 pagan collection, this iconic necklace epitomizes Schiaparelli's Surrealist tendencies, perhaps more than any other design she executed because of the unreal idea of insects crawling on your skin as a fashion statement. Because of the clear Rhodoid, a type of cellulose acetate plastic, the multicolored insects seem to be resting on the wearer's skin. Rhodoid was a newly developed material and Schiaparelli was unafraid of using inventive materials for her designs. She appreciated the avant-garde quality and element of surprise infused into the design by using unconventional materials. The pagan collection was inspired by Botticelli's lush paintings; therefore flowers, woodland creatures, foliage, and insects decorated dinner suits, evening gowns and accessories. The multicolored metal insects were also seen securing a ribbon hatband on a doll hat and resting on the collar of a suit.This necklace was worn by Millicent Rogers, one of Schiaparelli's best clients who was brave enough to wear her outré designs.

DesignerElsa Schiaparelli (Italian, 1890–1973)
Designer (attributed)Jean Clemént
Object Nameinsects necklace
Datefall/winter 1938
CultureFrench
Mediumsynthetic, metal
Dimensions7 1/2 x 8 1/4 in. (19.1 x 21 cm)
Credit LineBrooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Arturo and Paul Peralta-Ramos, 1955