Trio of Dresses Dress

In 1907, artist and innovator, Mariano Fortuny (1871–1949), developed a technique for crimping lightweight silk that was inspired by the stylized pleats of the 5th century BC bronze statue Charioteer of Delphi. The resulting silhouette, a clinging column of fluted silk, remained in production from 1907 until his death. In his pursuit of a timeless ideal of beauty, Fortuny transcended the cycle of fashion. Virginia native, Mrs. Elizabeth Runk Kayan (1899–1990), was a devoted client of the Spanish-born designer.