A Day with Daniel Rosenberry: Schiaparelli visits SCAD
In the world of high fashion, where glamor often reigns supreme, few would expect to find an award-winning fashion superstar who embodies humility and relatability. Yet, when Daniel Rosenberry, the creative director of the illustrious Schiaparelli couture house, visited the Savannah College of Art and Design last Friday, he dispelled the myths of fashion elitism with his genuine demeanor. Just a week prior, he was winning CFDA’s award as the International designer of the Year and this week he was paying a visit to eager students across our campus.
With over 50 students eagerly waiting to shake and say a few words to him after the panel he gave to students last Friday. Kindly and patiently he waited and spoke to ever single one of them. The incredible amount of humility shown on his behalf is largely credited to his upbringing. Rosenberry’s journey from a small-town boy in Texas to the glamorous halls of Place Vendôme is nothing short of remarkable. Raised in a devoutly religious family—his father a priest and his mother an artist—Rosenberry grew up with a strong sense of community and service. Having considered entering the ministry himself, after high school he traveled the globe on Christian missions, immersing himself in cultures from Hawaii to Jordan, Pakistan, and Israel. His experiences shaped not just his character, but also his vision as a designer. When he returned to the United States, he enrolled in New York's Fashion Institute of Technology, which he left after two years to begin working at Thom Browne, the New York-based tailoring house.
After over a decade he left Thom Brown and was appointed as the creative director of Schiaparelli. Here, he set out to merge the house’s rich heritage with the digital age, bringing forth a fresh narrative rooted in Elsa Schiaparelli's imaginative surrealism. Having a sort of Lagerfeldesque mission on his hands, his job was to bring the house into a transformative new chapter in the upcoming decade.
His visit to SCAD had students buzzing with anticipation all week, and the excitement was everywhere. One fashion design student, rushed into her class just in time to hear the big surprise announcement that Daniel would take the time to visit a few classes. “He is truly one of my idols, and wow, was I speechless,” she recalled, reflecting the reverence many students felt for the man who is shaping modern couture. When Professor Lara Wolf introduced Rosenberry, it certainly didn’t disappoint; he engaged the students with a special demonstration, crafting a beautifully illustrated piece that showcased his artistic process. As he worked, he effortlessly combined technical skill with heartfelt storytelling, leaving students in awe of both his talent and his approachable nature.
The next day, Daniel sat down in conversation with the head of the fashion department at SCAD. Rosenberry understands the weight of his role at Schiaparelli, a brand steeped in history and creativity. When asked if he felt the pressure of living up to the house's creator he said, “There’s definitely a lot of pressure,” he admits. “In a way, it feels like I am in collaboration with her (Elsa). It’s an act of service from me, not just to the client but to the brand.” Rosenberry has reinvigorated life into the brand since his appointment as creative director. From This sense of responsibility drives him, yet he remains grounded, reminding students that passion and purpose are at the heart of the fashion industry. While he believes that repetition is recognition, he emphasized the importance of finding your signature element.
During his visit, he imparted so much invaluable advice, urging students to “be teachable.” Mentorship is everywhere and it’s a state of mind, he emphasized. This message resonated deeply, encouraging students to embrace curiosity and resilience in their creative journeys. He goes on to say ‘’decentralizing yourself can really open up your world,’’ reflecting back to the times he traveled and immersed himself in different cultures.
For Rosenberry, humility has been a cornerstone of his success. “Struggling with shame produced a humility in me that I think has been central to why people have been willing to support me in my career,” he reflected. This honesty about his experiences, both challenging and triumphant, offers a refreshing perspective in a field often overshadowed by superficiality.
As the day drew to a close, the students left with more than just sketches and notes; they carried with them a sense of inspiration and the belief that greatness can coexist with their very own authenticity. Rosenberry reminded them that their dreams are within reach, and the journey to achieving them is as important as the destination. In a world where fashion often feels like a distant realm, his visit was a grounding force, connecting aspiring designers with the heart of the industry. Sometimes, we just need someone in the industry to remind us of all that.
