Mariano Fortuny

Mariano Fortuny,born in Granada, Spain in 1871, went on to become one of the most artistically gifted people of his generation and was undoubtedly one of the most talented and innovative fashion designers of his time.

Growing up as part of a very artistic family, Mariano Fortuny showed, even from a young age, that he also a very talented artist, particularly with painting. Mariano decided to move to Paris in 1874 after his father had died and that is where he went on to establish himself over his career.

Fortuny’s artistic focus varied from painting to sculpting, photography, etching and inventing, which eventually led him to fashion design.

Mariano Fortuny invented various items during his life, including paints, boat propellers, machinery, dyes and brushes; he also helped develop stage lighting and design by using the Fortuny Dome, based on theories around indirect and diffused lighting.

Mariano Fortuny

Experienced dress maker, Henrietta Negrin met Mariano Fortuny in 1897 in Paris and she went on to become his wife. Together they forged a formidable design team, with Henrietta making many of Mariano’s unique dress designs.

Fortuny’s greatest success came as a fashion designer, rebelling against popular styles and trends of the time, Fortuny created a dress made of finely pleated silk that held its shape impeccably by the use of glass beans weighing it down, known as the Delphos. Using a variety of dyes and pigments he had created, Mariano Fortuny even manage to print the fine outfits on his own.

Until his death in May 1949 at his Venetian home, Mariano Fortuny went on to produce a variety of other textiles that are still produced to this day.

Fortuny’s artistic legacy continues to live on through the Fortuny brand which produces a host of Mariano Fortuny influenced items, including: table runners, scarves, bags, cushions, wall hangings, brooches , purses, tassels, door curtains and lamps.

For a sensational range of Mariano Fortuny inspired products that exude the artistic brilliance of hand-painted motifs which synthesize intriguing aspects of Oriental and Venetian design. To see the stunning Fortuny range visit: fortunyshop.com.