Mariano Fortuny Shell Pink Silk Peplos
About the Item
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:silk,glass, metallic pigments
- Condition:excellent.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AAU1012051763D
Fortuny
Spanish fashion designer Mariano Fortuny was a true artist who worked with beautiful fabrics as his medium of choice. Although he showed talent in painting, sculpting, photography and architecture at an early age, fashion was where he really shined.
Fortuny was an innovator in the world of textile design, he drew on classical Greek tunics for his rich and interesting garments and worked with a revolutionary system for creating pleats. He designed a range of clothing for his couture house, and today, vintage Fortuny evening gowns, gemstone-colored day dresses, coats and accessories like drawstring bags are known for their fine craftsmanship and signature elegance.
Fortuny was born Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo in 1871 in Granada, into a family of artists. His father died when Fortuny was only three years old, and his mother moved the family to Paris. As a child, Fortuny was fond of experimenting and figuring out how things worked. He even dyed pieces of fabric from his family's textile collection, which had been amassed from shops around Europe.
In 1889, the family moved again, this time to Venice. Here, Fortuny found inspiration in the past, which would influence his future designs. Not long after, the young Fortuny set off to travel the continent. In 1897, he visited Paris and fell in love with a dressmaker named Henriette Negrin. She became his muse, his wife and his creative partner — Negrin worked with Fortuny on clothing designs and fabrics — and the two settled in the French capital.
A lifelong inventor, Fortuny began patenting his creations in 1901. By 1934, he had registered more than 20 patents. At the same time, his fashion career was taking off.
In 1907, he designed the Delphos gown with Negrin, which French novelist and essayist Marcel Proust described as "faithfully antique but markedly original." Fortuny had worked from his home until 1922 when increased demand required large-scale production. He opened a factory in Venice, where due to the scarcity of silk, he began experimenting with cotton.
In 1927, New York interior designer Elsie McNeill traveled to Paris to meet Fortuny and became his exclusive American distributor. She returned to the United States and introduced Fortuny's designs to New World audiences. Shops opened in Paris, New York and London. Toward the end of the 1930s, Fortuny returned to painting and stepped away from the busy fashion industry.
After Fortuny passed away in 1949, McNeill took over the label and continued running it until 1988, when it was purchased by the Riad family, who remain at the helm of Fortuny today.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Fortuny clothing and accessories.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Anthony Muto Chiffon Print GownBy Anthony MutoLocated in New York, NYFlowy Anthony Muto chiffon gown with overall morning glory and foliage print. A simple one piece wide necked sheath gown with wrapped back bodice has a large triangular scarf attache...Category
1970s American Maxi Dresses
- Paganne Art Deco Print GownBy Paganne by Gene BerkLocated in New York, NYPaganne by Gene Berk Gown from the 1970's in synthetic knit with a placed print of French Art Deco Fashion Designs on skirt. High neck, cut away armholes with black, white, grey and ...Category
1970s American Maxi Dresses
- Mariano Fortuny Claret Delphos. Provenance Tina ChowBy FortunyLocated in New York, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated claret colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording. The beads are amber glass with...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
- Mariano Fortuny Rare Shell Pink Long Sleeved Delphos GownBy FortunyLocated in New York, NYDescription: This dress is made of finely pleated shell pink colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording. Named aft...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
- Mariano Fortuny Sienna Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in New York, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated sienna colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording. The...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Greek Style Dresses
- Hanae Mori Calligraphic Print GownBy Hanae MoriLocated in New York, NYHanae Mori calligraphic print gown in graphic black and white semi sheer georgette. One piece gown with tucked bib and button placket at...Category
1990s Japanese Maxi Dresses
- 1960s Malcolm Starr Green Pink Metallic Floral Print DressBy Malcolm StarrLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1960s Malcolm Starr Gown in Green, Pink, gold and blue print sleeveless gown. Perfect for wedding or cocktail event . Waist is encrusted with multi color jeweled. Bust: 34” / waist ...Category
1960s American Evening Gowns
- Norma Walters Tartan Plaid Silk & Sequin Two Piece Dress, 1980'sBy Norma WaltersLocated in Atlanta, GAWe are mad for plaid! And it is especially fun when applied to a 1980's Norma Walter's strong shouldered silhouette and black sequins are added for a l...Category
1980s Hong Kong Cocktail Dresses
- Maxi Thailand Floral Sun Dress With Quilted Jacket, C.1970Located in Atlanta, GAC.1970 cotton sun dress with a coordinating quilted bolero jacket and tie belt by Thai Lines of Bangkok. Both pieces are in a tropical hand screened floral print in vibrant shades of magenta, purple, yellow and green. The dress zips and hooks at the back with pockets and lingerie style straps that cross at the back. The jacket hooks...Category
1970s Thai Maxi Dress
- 1970s Strawberry and Daisy Novelty Print Khaki Vintage 70s Cotton Sun DressLocated in San Diego, CAChic 1970s strawberry and daisy novelty print cotton sun dress ! Features a tailored bodice with a flared skirt, which could also accommodate a crinol...Category
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
- 1970s Rhonda Roy Abstract Print Mock Neck Long Sleeve Vintage 70s Maxi DressLocated in San Diego, CAAmazing early 1970s RHONA ROY of England abstract print maxi dress ! Warm colors of purple, tan and brown throughout. In great condition Approximately Size ...Category
1970s Maxi Dress
- Chamois suede dress by Emanuel Ungaro Parallèle - France Circa 1982By Emanuel UngaroLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1982 France Amazing short safari-style dress in buff-coloured suede by Emanuel Ungaro Parallèle dating from the early 1980s. Straight cut with puffed sleeves and stitched inserts. Beige stretch knit with turtleneck effect collar and cuffs. Two slit pockets on the side and a thin integrated belt to tie for a blouson effect. Cream nylon lining and Ungaro Parallèle Paris logo label, size 10 Made in Italy. Dry-cleaned suede with no soiling apart from a slight structural patina of the suede skin. No defects to report. Good overall structural condition. Dimensions: Equivalent size M France...Category
1980s French Aesthetic Day Dresses