Claude Montana

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Claude Montana is a French fashion designer, known for his refined, figure-hugging designs, in lightweight materials or heavy leather. He is sometimes jokingly known as the "King of Shoulder Pads" for the aggressive shapes for women he created in the 1980s. The House of Montana was founded in 1979 and closed due to bankruptcy in 1997.

Born in Paris in 1949 to a Catalonian father and German mother, Montana began his career by designing papier-mâché jewelry covered with rhinestones. Later, he discovered leather and the complex techniques associated with it, eventually becoming a leading force in leather. His first fashion show took place in 1976. He was an avid colorist and favored blue, red, metallic, and neutral tones, in luxurious materials such as cashmere, leather and silk. He started his own company in 1979, and quickly became a darling of 1980s high fashion along with Thierry Mugler, who also favored aggressive shapes and strong colours.

In 1981, Montana designed his first collection for men, called Montana Hommes, in which he focused on the color and materials of each garment rather than trivial details. From 1990 to 1992, he designed haute couture collections for the House of Lanvin, but was eventually replaced by Dominique Morlotti as his designs were considered too bold. He won two Golden Thimble awards for his work at Lanvin. In 1999, he designed an affordable line of clothing for women, Montana BLU. It was inspired by his favorite themes but modified to fit the style of sportswear and citywear.

On July 21, 1993, Montana married model Wallis Franken. They were the same age, had already been friends for 18 years, and she had served as his muse for many of his fashion innovations. Wallis already had two daughters and a granddaughter by a previous marriage. In June 1996, Wallis died after falling three stories from their Paris apartment. The death was ruled a suicide.