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Lorrie Whittington

Inspire: Mariano Fortuny

17/03/2012

Evening Coat by Mariano Fortuny

As a young student whilst midway through the final year of my Diploma in Art & Design (completed prior to going to Uni), one of my tutors (Tony Southall) introduced me to an artist and designer of the 1900s’ called Mariano Fortuny (1871-1949) . Now, Tony was specifically showing me the couture of Fortuny and his signature piece, the ‘Delphos’ dress as my dissertation included Greek Mythology and design, and he thought I would be interested.

I was naturally, but I became fascinated by Fortuny, as further investigation revealed an amazing man, whose range of abilities, skill and vision was extensive to say the least. Fortuny came late to Couture as prior to this he had been a painter, a sculpture, an inventor and architect. He created set designs and lighting for the theatre, bound books, designed furniture, made paints, brushes, machines and much, much more. After marrying Henriette Negrin in Paris, he became interested in Couture and began designing dresses based on the art of the ancient Greeks, and progressed from there to textile design. His dresses became highly sought after by the likes of Isadora Duncan and many luminaries of the times. Today his pieces are highly collectable, and are to be found in many museums and collections around the world. From the constricting and formal wear of the Edwardian period, Fortuny revolutionized the female form and introduced a style of garment that was about freedom of movement.

I remain to this day, despite less of an interest in Couture, a huge fan of Mariano Fortuny still, and have many books about him. So, I thought I would share some of his beautiful garments with you. Additionally, the House of Fortuny continues and thrives in Venice (and New York) where wonderful fabrics can be bought.

Delphos dress and Velvet evening cloak of the 1920s by Mariano Fortuny

Stenciled rose silk dressing gown by Mariano Fortuny

Kimono Dress by Mariano Fortuny

Delph dress detail 1910 by Mariano Fortuny

Delpos dress by Mariano Fortuny

Velvet Jacket and Delphos Dress by Mariano Fortuny

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  1. Morag Rowlings says

    18/03/2012 at 12:33 am

    hello, i found ur blog via @uk handmade on facebook. Wow am i glad i did! fabulous inspiration and i love the Mariano Fortuny designs that u have pictured here. i have always had a very creative side and i make jewellery, sew, bake, crochet and generally make a mess in my craft room lol so i love looking and being inspired by great artists and designers. I have never studied formally apart from art and design at high school but both my father and mother paint, write poetry and have passed down their creative genes i’m glad to say. It is the one true passion i have in life. Will definately be reading more of ur blogs and please feel free to drop me a wee line by email or on my website to say hi. creative blessings Mo x

    Reply
    • Lorrie says

      23/03/2012 at 11:38 am

      Hi there Morag…
      Lovely to meet you and thank you for all the nice feedback. I had a look at your site, your jewellery is lovely and I am very taken with one or two of your bracelets, so will be back.

      Thanks for dropping by…

      Lorrie

      Reply
  2. TaraFly says

    18/03/2012 at 5:36 pm

    Gorgeous style! And as you say, definitely a departure from the standard clothing of that period…. very bohemian! And timeless, too, as the look is modern enough that it could still be worn today. 🙂

    Personally, I’m drooling over that teal velvet cloak, and I love the pairing of the slinky Delphos dress with a jacket. 🙂

    Reply
    • Lorrie says

      23/03/2012 at 11:40 am

      I can see why Fortuny would appeal to you Tara, almost a hark back to the regency line. Personally, I love the coats and cloaks more than the dresses, I love the sumptuousness.

      Lorrie

      Reply
  3. Fortuny, Inc. says

    20/03/2012 at 12:54 pm

    Great post, thanks for the mention!

    Reply
    • Lorrie says

      23/03/2012 at 11:40 am

      My pleasure and thank you 🙂

      Lorrie

      Reply
  4. Daniel says

    20/03/2012 at 5:52 pm

    Very interesting post. The garments are quite unique, I had not seen them before. Thank you for posting this artist, I would like to learn more about Fortuny.

    Reply
    • Lorrie says

      23/03/2012 at 11:42 am

      Thank you Daniel, glad you liked. There are many good books about Fortuny. 🙂

      Lorrie

      Reply
  5. Ferne Harasimiw says

    01/04/2013 at 4:20 am

    Beautiful coats. I am always extra jealous as I am too short for fashion. My dream is a multi-coloured coat some day in my height. Thank you for showing us these beautiful creations.

    Reply

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Lorrie Whittington” title=
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Lorrie Whittington is an illustrator, designer-maker, free spirit, chocolate eating geek, living in the heart of the Sussex countryside on the south coast of Britain. She draws, paints, reads a lot, makes things with clay, likes scf-fi and hangs out with her daughter.

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