The V&A's Schiaparelli exhibition is one that stays with you long after you've left its ornate walls. It stands as a reminder that Elsa Schiaparelli wasn't simply designing couture, but that she was also creating an entire imaginative universe where fashion, art, fragrance and beauty became inseparable.

Through skilled curation it became clear that every garment, object and collaboration tells a deeper story. Schiaparelli's partnerships with surrealist artists challenged convention and left an enduring mark on haute couture, visual art and, of course, the world of fragrance. It is easy to miss many of these details on a first visit. This is an exhibition that rewards curiosity, inviting us to slow down, look closer and discover the layers of imagination hidden within every creation.

One display in particular captivated us. The contrast between the warm, timeworn wooden mannequins, Pascal and Pascaline, and the vivid pink cosmetics immediately tells the story of Schiaparelli's vision. The mannequins embody the craftsmanship and artistry of haute couture, while the cosmetics demonstrate how she transformed everyday beauty products into extraordinary objects of desire.

A detail that immediately caught our eye was the sculptural, body-shaped bottle. Schiaparelli frequently explored the human form in her work, and this remarkable piece perfectly reflects her surrealist influences. Long before perfume bottles became collectible works of art, she blurred the boundaries between fashion, sculpture and fragrance, creating objects that were every bit as expressive as the perfumes they contained.

And then there was the colour: Vivid Pink.

This shocking pink shade became one of Schiaparelli's greatest calling cards. Bold, audacious and unapologetically modern, it challenged the conventions of luxury and femininity. Nearly a century later, it still feels vibrant, joyful and unmistakably Schiaparelli.

The colour became central to the visual identity of the house's iconic fragrance, Shocking - a perfume remembered not only for its beautiful scent but also for its pioneering spirit and refusal to follow convention. Much like Schiaparelli's couture, it was daring, theatrical and unlike anything that had come before. From its unforgettable bottle, famously inspired by the female form, to its fearless branding, Shocking became far more than a perfume. It emerged as a cultural icon and a celebration of individuality and artistic freedom, reminding us that fragrance can express culture, emotion and personality just as powerfully as fashion itself.

At Shy Mimosa, we have always believed that discovering the story behind a fragrance enriches the experience of wearing it. Perfume is not only about notes and accords; it is about the people who created it, the era that inspired it and the emotions it continues to evoke decades later.

For those wishing to delve even deeper into the story of Shocking perfume, we warmly recommend reading the History section in the first edition of the On The Scent magazine, where Suzy Nightingale and Josephine Fairley beautifully tell the remarkable story of Elsa Schiaparelli and her iconic fragrance. Their features explore her extraordinary legacy and the enduring influence of one of perfumery's most celebrated creations, offering a fascinating insight into the artistry, history and cultural significance behind the perfume.

We are delighted to have On The Scent available at Shy Mimosa, where it sits alongside our carefully curated fragrance collection – inviting perfume lovers to immerse themselves in the rich history, craftsmanship and stories that continue to shape the world of perfumery.