#mac douglas

Mac Douglas

Marie France, October 1991

Claude Montana, "Dream Maker"

(29 June 1947 – 23 February 2024)

Claude Montana began his career in London with a jewelry line that was instantly noticed by the professional press. When he returned to Paris in the late 60s, he joined John Voigt's team at Mac Douglas, where he learned leatherwork, which he would later democratize through his own collections.

In 1975, he presented his first fashion show, to international acclaim. He launched his own House in 1979, assisted by his sister Jacqueline, and joined the Official Calendar of Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall-Winter 1981/1992, in April 1981. In 1989, he became artistic director of Lanvin, where he successfully experimented with Haute Couture.

During his time there, he was awarded two Dés d'or for the Autumn-Winter 1990-1991 and Spring-Summer 1991 collections.

After leaving Lanvin, he launches a new ready-to-wear line, Odyssée. Claude Montana was promoted to Commandeur dans l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres in July 2014.

Claude Montana leaves an indelible legacy in the fashion industry, his singular style still inspiring many contemporary designers.

With his unique vision and boundless approach he created his own vocabulary of fashion that continues to live on today; inspiring contemporary designers such as Alexander McQueen – who cited Montana in many of his collections – and most recently Montana’s influences can be seen in the sumptuous proportions of Tom Ford’s debut women’s wear collection.

As power dressing makes a return to the catwalk, it is Montana’s 1980s designs that create the basis for Stella McCartney’s autumn/winter 2011 voluminous silhouette, Balmain’s pointed and padded shoulders and Martin Margiela’s exaggerated angles.

Your work will forever be timeless and legendary.