Synopses & Reviews
Double-cut velvets, gilded silks, hand-beaded chiffons -- with a couturier's craftsmanship, Mariano Fortuny (1871-1949) married sensual fabrics to precise designs and created opulent clothes and costumes for luminaries such as Isadora Duncan, Sarah Bernhardt, and Orson Welles. From his legendary plisse Delphos dresses to his tasseled arabesque lamps, Fortuny's work epitomized luxury at the turn of the 20th century and endures to this day. Modern replicas and adaptations of his designs appear in 2001 collections by Oscar de la Renta and Randolph Duke, in the New York Times Magazine, even on Friends.
Also featuring his stage designs and paintings, Fortuny surveys the broad scope of the Spanish-Venetian artist's career. With over 300 luscious colorplates, this is a lavish treat for textile enthusiasts and fashionistas alike.