Portrait of fashion icon Elsa Schiaparelli sells for more than 30,000 euros

More than 100 lots spanning over a century of photographic history went under the hammer at Leica Gallery Vienna on 9 October. A 1936 vintage print was the highlight of the “Perspectives” photography auction. The portrait of fashion icon Elsa Schiaparelli, taken by celebrated Vogue photographer Horst P. Horst (1906–1999), sold for 31,200 euros including the buyer’s premium — nearly three times its estimate (8,000 to 12,000 euros) and the highest price of the evening.

Horst P. Horst and Elsa Schiaparelli: A remarkable document of its time

The 1936 vintage print is notable for its exceptional composition. Horst P. Horst was a master of fashion photography, renowned for his sculptural compositions and timeless elegance. His photographs remain icons of fashion history. He photographed leading figures in fashion, as well as artists, actors and other notable personalities of his time. His work in Paris and close ties to designers, artists and editors made him a central figure on the international fashion scene.

Elsa Schiaparelli was part of that world. Alongside Coco Chanel, she was one of fashion’s great avant-garde designers. Through surrealist ideas, unconventional materials and bold colours—above all, her famous “Shocking Pink”—she transformed clothing into art.

“Horst P. Horst was a master of fashion photography, renowned for his sculptural compositions and timeless elegance. His photographs remain icons of fashion history. In this portrait of Schiaparelli, his distinctive visual language meets the designer’s visionary creativity. This synergy results in an exceptional document of its time, giving the photograph particular significance for collectors,” says Caroline Guschelbauer, Head of Photographs at Leitz Photographica Auction.