Claude Montana

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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. In the middle of the 1990s, Montana's orchestrated and aggressive style became outdated, as it appeared difficult to translate the force of the successful bold lines into the softer trends. Even though the more casual and commercial Montana BLU collection was softer in line, it was not the success the company hoped for. The House of Montana, founded in 1979, 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.

Montana's fashion shows excelled in styling as well as in presentation. Because of their vibes, modelling for Montana became prestigious and invitations to his shows the hottest tickets in town. With fashion's return to harder lines in 2007 Montana has become an inspiration for many designers. Alexander McQueen has praised and honoured Montana many times in his collections. Both designers share a love for construction and high quality.

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.

Currently, Montana lives in Spain.

[edit] Awards

  • Best Women's Collection, Summer 1985, Paris.
  • Best European Designer, Fall/Winter 1987/88, Munchener Modewoche, Germany.
  • Balenciaga Prize for Best Designer, 1989.
  • Golden Thimble Award, 1991, 1992.

[edit] References