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 was indeed proficient with product design, too, and developed lighting systems for theatre performances). 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.
Find vintage Mariano Fortuny clothing and textiles on 1stDibs.
Fortuny Scudo Saraceno Venetian Bronze Silk Lamp Chandelier
By Mariano Fortuny, Fortuny
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant Italian bronze and silk "Scudo Saraceno" classic silk chandelier lamp made by Fortuny in Venice. The beautifully crafted piece features a wide hanging fixture composed of ...
Metal
Pair of Fortuny “Moresco” Textile Pillows with Velvet Backs
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully tailored pair of decorative pillows crafted from authentic Fortuny printed cotton in the celebrated Moresco pattern, one of the Venetian atelier’s most recognizable and...
Cotton, Velvet
Mariano Fortuny studio 76 tripod floor lamp black & gold leaf
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in London, GB
Mariano Fortuny loved to experiment with light, and was a famous inventor and stage lighting technician in his day. In fact his developments are still used in prestigious theatres ar...
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Pair of Authentic Fortuny Pillows in the Mezzano Pattern with Velvet Backs
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully tailored pair of decorative pillows crafted from authentic Fortuny “Mezzano” printed cotton, one of the celebrated historic textile designs produced by the renowned Ven...
Down, Velvet, Cotton
Pair of Authentic Fortuny “Vine & Grapes” Pattern Pillows in Coral and Gold
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully tailored pair of authentic Fortuny pillows crafted from a classic vine-and-grape botanical pattern, rendered in Fortuny’s signature metallic pigment. The textile featur...
Cotton, Velvet
Mariano Fortuny Projecteur 1907 Floor Lamp for Ecart Paris
By Ecart International, Mariano Fortuny
Located in Vienna, AT
Black lacquered steel structure. Black and creme umbrella. Chrome plated brass. Incandescent light bulb. Max 300w (LED) E40. Dimensions L.35.8 x W.32.3 x H.77 inch.
Brass, Steel
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Curule Stools w/ Fortuny Upholstery
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A magnificent pair of Italian Neoclassical curule stools, embodying timeless grandeur and Hollywood Regency glamour. This elegant pair is crafted in the iconic ancient Roman curule ...
Linen, Wood
$2,473Sale Price|20% Off
Mariano Fortuny for Pallucco Italia, Floor Lamp in Original Black
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in Argelato, BO
Authentic 1980s version of the Italian iconic floor lamp in metal and fabric conceived by Mariano Fortuny in 1907. The broad adjustable shade and tripod base aim comfortably diffuse...
Metal
$3,160Sale Price|26% Off
1907, Mariano Fortuny for Palluco Italia, Photographer Lamp in Original Black
By Mariano Fortuny, Pallucco
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This chair is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beac...
Aluminum, Steel
$2,240Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 21 in W 21 in D 7 in
Pair of Fortuny Fabric Cushions in the Glicine Pattern
By Fortuny
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of Fortuny Fabric cushions in a light blue and gold colorway. Featuring bias edging and matching, light gold backing. The pattern is a 17th century Italian design wi...
Fabric, Down, Feathers
A Fortuny Cushion in the Peruviano Pattern with Brush Fringe
Located in New York, NY
A Fortuny fabric cushion in the Peruviano pattern, in a rare, discontinued color. Features a unique brush fringe border. The pattern, a Peruvian inspired design with scroll motif. H...
Fabric, Down, Feathers
$1,400 / set
H 22 in W 22 in D 4 in
Large Pair of Silvery-Taupe and White "Carnavalet" Fortuny Cushions with Border
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Decorative pair of down-filled silvery-taupe and white Fortuny cushions with Fortuny border. "Carnavalet" Fortuny pattern on both sides 22 inches sq...
Cotton
Panoplie Iron Tripod Floor Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iron tripod floor lamp with slender legs and tapered feet. New wiring and new linen shade. Sold individually and newly made by Panoplie. Please ...
Iron
Pair of Pillows Italian Embroidered Silk and Velvet Back
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Refined pair of embroidered silk cushions...
Silk, Velvet
French 1950'S Black Metal Tripod Based Floor Lamp
Located in London, GB
French 1950's black metal tripod based floor lamp. Sold rewired, not including shade which is for display. Height top of shade: 164cm Height top of light fitting: 136cm Width: 50...
Metal
Pair of Luigi Bevilacqua Silk Velvet Pillows
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Luigi Bevilacqua silk velvet pillows with silk trim and silk velvet backing in golds and greens. Featuring Janet Yonati silk velvet backing an...
Velvet, Silk
A Pair of Fortuny Cushions in the Richelieu Pattern
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Fortuny cushions in the Richelieu pattern, bias striped silk edging and silk blend backing, the double lion motif pattern inspired by the 17th century style of the French clergyman, nobleman and statesman, Cardinal Richelieu...
Cotton, Linen, Silk
Pair of Fortuny-Style Venetian Revival Fabric Pendant Lights
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
This pair of Fortuny-style pendant lights echoes the hallmark elements of early 20th-century Venetian design. Each features the classic inverted-bell shade associated with Fortuny’s ...
Wrought Iron
$2,240Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 21 in W 21 in D 5 in
Pair of Fortuny Fabric Cushions in the Demedici Pattern, Green and Silvery Gold
By Fortuny, David Duncan
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Fortuny fabric cushions in the Demedici pattern, silvery gold ground with green colorway, bias silk edge and silk blend backing, the pattern, a 17th century Italian design ...
Fabric, Silk
Vintage handcrafted tasseled fortuny pillows/pair
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a pair of handcrafted Italian Fortuny cotton pillows. These pillows have a cream colored background with a bronze toned floral pattern to the surface. The pillows have a comp...
Cotton
A Pair of Fortuny Cushions in the Ashanti Pattern
By David Duncan, Fortuny
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Fortuny cushions in the Ashanti pattern in slate blue and silvery gold. With silk bias edging and silk pongee backs.
Silk
$9,396 / set
H 79.93 in W 29.53 in D 14.77 in
Pair Mariano Fortuny studio 76 tripod floor lamps black & gold leaf
By Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo
Located in London, GB
An amazing pair of Fortuny studio 76 tripod floor lamp produced by Venetia studio. Mariano Fortuny loved to experiment with light, and was a famous inventor and stage lighting techni...
Aluminum, Gold Leaf
Gilt Bronze Venetian Multi-Colored Glass Pastille Chandelier
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
Illuminate your space with the captivating Venetian Chandelier, a true testament to the timeless artistry of Murano glassmaking. This rare fixture dates from the mid-20th century, sh...
Bronze
A Pair of Fortuny Cushions in the Sevigne Pattern
By David Duncan, Fortuny
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Fortuny cushions in the Sevigne pattern in a rust and gold colorway. With striped bias silk edging and a Thai silk backing.
Silk
Pair of Fortuny Silk Cesendello Wall Sconces by Venetia Studium
By Mariano Fortuny, Fortuny
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant pair of signed Fortuny “Cesendello” wall sconces produced by Venetia Studium in Venice, Italy. Each lamp is mounted on a dark patinated b...
Brass
Black Fortuny Floor Lamp by Mariano Fortuny for Pallucco
By Pallucco, Mariano Fortuny
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
Designed by Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo in 1907, the Fortuny floor lamp continues to be considered a contemporary and timeless icon to this day. The know-how and talent of the eclectic...
Metal
Pair of Authentic Fortuny Velvet Pillows in Soft Coral
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful pair of custom pillows crafted from authentic Fortuny textile, featuring one of the house’s iconic botanical patterns rendered in a soft coral against a muted taupe-gray ...
Cotton, Silk
Sold
H 10 in W 14 in D 10 in L 10 in
Pair of Petite Pillows by Mariano Fortuny, Cotton, Rococo Style, Italy
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully scaled pair of petite pillows crafted from authentic Fortuny textile, showcasing the house’s signature mastery of color layering and pattern work. The fabric features a...
Cotton
Pair of Decorative Pillows by Mariano Fortuny, Cotton and Linen, Italy
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover a beautifully composed pair of decorative pillows crafted from vintage Fortuny “Mezziano” fabric, masterfully re-imagined by designer Melissa Levinson. The front panels feat...
Cotton, Linen
Fortuny "Peruano" Pillow
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a newly created long sofa pillow from c. 1960-1980 vintage Fortuny "Peruano" fabric. The pillow is double sided in the vintage Fortuny, adding an additional richness to the p...
Cotton, Silk, Down, Feathers
Pair of Fortuny Venetian Cesendello Glass Floor Lamps
By Mariano Fortuny, Fortuny
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic pair of Venetian glass and brass Cesendello floor lamps attributed to Fortuny (model # G-174-ST). The lamps feature a decorated glass shad...
Brass, Iron
Mariano Fortuny Photographer Floor Lamp for Pallucco Italia
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mariano Fortuny Photographer floor lamp, c.1980s, Italy. The floor lamp is constructed of a black steel tripod frame with a two toned black and white cotton lamp shade. The shade swi...
Chrome, Steel
Pair of Fortuny Textile Pillows
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These Fortuny pillows feature a stunning example of the brand’s signature hand-printed textile artistry. The design showcases a grand, classical motif that includes a floral urn overflowing with stylized blooms, framed by ornate scrollwork and architectural flourishes. This composition suggests a Renaissance or Baroque influence, often found in Fortuny’s archive patterns. The color palette is particularly rich: a terracotta or burnt sienna red pattern is printed over a muted taupe or stone-gray background, creating an earthy yet regal look. The raised design offers texture and dimension, with a soft sheen that catches the light beautifully. The pillows are finished with a contrasting neutral cord trim and rust linen backs, which frames the textile with a tailored, sophisticated edge and subtly picks up tones in the print. This pattern may be part of Fortuny’s “Dandolo...
Cotton, Linen, Down
Pair of Fortuny Textile Pillows
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These Fortuny pillows feature an opulent and historically inspired textile design, richly printed in antique gold over a soft, lustrous silver-gray background. The pattern includes a...
Cotton, Silk, Down
Pair of Fortuny Textile Pillows
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These Fortuny pillows feature a striking and elegant design that draws on classical motifs with a sophisticated execution. The fabric showcases a cornucopia (horn of plenty) overflow...
Cotton, Silk, Down
Sold
H 21.66 in W 15.36 in D 0.04 in
“Family Marocaine”. Recorded. FORTUNY MARSAL, Mariano (Reus, 1838-Rome, 1874).
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in Madrid, ES
“Family Marocaine”. Recorded. FORTUNY MARSAL, Mariano (Reus, 1838-Rome, 1874). 19th century. Engraving with a title below the image and signed on a plate showing a scene by Marian...
Other
Pair of Antique Portuguese Arm Chairs W Fortuny Seats
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Antique Portuguese Arm Chairs W Fortuny Seats
Walnut
Antique Louis XIV Mahogany Settee W Fortuny Fabric
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Louis XIV Mahogany Settee W Fortuny Fabric
Fabric, Wood
Fortuny Italian Green Hand Printed Down Filled Feather Pillow
By Mariano Fortuny
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Fortuny Italian Green Hand Printed Down Filled Feather Pillow Additional information: Materials: Feather Color: Green Pattern: Damask Brand: Fortuny Designer: Mariano Fortuny...
Feathers