Mariano Fortuny (1871-1949), Evening dress, c.1928-1934. Silk velvet, silk and glass beads. Gift of Ann Schneider. Object Number: 91.218.1. Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology ©2010 Fashion Institute of Technology

Fortuny's interest in historical art and design is evident in this dress that references the early Italian Renaissance. While the silhouette is a vague interpretation of a 14th-century gown, the fabric's paired griffins and palmette motifs are specific to textiles produced in Lucca. Fortuny owned a large collection of historical fabrics that informed his work, but he avoided anachronism by employing the lean line and unrestricted silhouette embraced by modern fashion.

Mariano Fortuny (1871-1949), Coat, c 1927. Screen printed gold silk velvet and silk. Gift of Carole K. Newman. Object Number: 2001.67.1. Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology ©2010 Fashion Institute of Technology