When Fashion and Art Collide

Artists and couturiers have had an uneasy relationship, yet art continues to be seen on the catwalks.

Sometimes a lobster is just a lobster. In 1937, however, the crustacean became an intriguing case study in the complicated relationship between art and fashion. It all started when the Spanish surrealist, Salvador Dalí, and the legendary Italian fashion designer, Elsa Schiaparelli, teamed up to create a silk summer evening dress. The gown, which featured a print of an oversized lobster (his idea) that dangled down from the waist, clawed its way into cultural consciousness when the American socialite Wallis Simpson wore it for a photoshoot in Vogue magazine.

In May 1937, all eyes were on Simpson. Preparing to divorce for a second time and currently engaged to Edward VIII (who felt forced to abdicate the British throne to marry her), Simpson’s reputation had taken a beating in the press and was in desperate need of a makeover. Posing for Vogue’s celebrated photographer, Cecil Beaton, in a gown co-designed by one of contemporary art’s most sought-after figures, could send a signal that she represented a bold new way of thinking.

I've always been fascinated by Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. Highly controversial figures even 80 years after the abdication, many details of their lives are still being debated amongst historians, however one thing everyone can agree on is that they had incredible taste and personal style. Both Wallis and Edward expressed themselves sartorially and in the homes they lived in with their influence on the worlds of fashion and design continuing to this day.

One of my favorite "Wallis" looks of all time has to be the Schiaparelli Lobster Dress created in collaboration with Salvador Dali circa 1935. Cecil Beaton captured the Duchess wearing the Lobster dress at the Chateau de Cande for Vogue, iconic images which countless designers and contemporary labels have drawn inspiration from, including Tibi who created an adorable summer dress with a large lobster on the front.

Today the lobster motif is synonymous with the house of Schiaparelli, featured prominently in the recent couture collection. Below are just a few examples of the Lobster motif from Schiaparelli and from some of the designers that the original inspired.

Wallis Simpson, photographed by Cecil Beaton for Vogue at the Chateau de Cande circa 1937:

Today's segment is a bit different from our regular topics, yet I find myself utterly fascinated by this dress and its evolution into a symbol for the brand, which I am eager to share with everyone.

If you enjoyed today's blog, please share your thoughts with us. Do you agree? Are there other brands or designs you prefer? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments!

The Fashion Reporters send lots of positive energy. See you all next time! xoxo

-Dayana Zarifi