Mariano Fortuny (1871-1949) was born in Spain as the son of a well-known painter Mariano Fortuny (1838-1874). Fortuny’s talents were threefold, as an architect, an inventor and textile and fashion creator. He devised a unique method for fine pleating and ombre tinting of sheer silks witch he made into exquisitely crafted and beautiful gowns. His style was distinctly classic, a robe which slipped over the head and tied simply with a cord at the waist. He first showed his work in Venice around 1907, and later in Paris. His technique never changed. Fortuny also printed fabrics and stencilled velvets for his fashions as well as for use in interior design. His dresses were considered status symbols during the 1920’s and 1930's and remain rare, expensive and collectable items today.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariano_Fortuny_(designer)
