Forquet, Federico

Federico Forquet is a renowned Italian haute couturier, interior designer, and garden designer. Born into a wealthy family, he spent his childhood between his family’s palace in Naples and their castle in Forino, surrounded by artists, musicians, and the Italian Royal family. Initially drawn to music, Forquet’s life took a dramatic turn when he met his idol, Cristobal Balenciaga, in 1954. Balenciaga recognized Forquet’s talent and took him under his wing, teaching him the art of haute couture. After four years of apprenticeship, Forquet went on to work with Russian princess Irene Galitzine, creating the iconic “Pyjama Palazzo” design that brought him fame.

Forquet eventually opened his own atelier in 1962, where he became known for his bold use of color and pattern, as well as his attention to detail. His loyal clientele included fashion elites like Diana Vreeland and Jackie Kennedy. In the 1970s, he closed his atelier and shifted his focus to interior design and garden design, creating bespoke fabrics, furniture, and spaces for clients around the world. Now in his 90s, Forquet continues to work on his passions, designing gardens and interiors, and still proud of his life’s work. His legacy was recently celebrated in a book by Vogue Editor at Large Hamish Bowles, The World of Federico Forquet: Italian Fashion, Interiors, Gardens.

Written by denisebrain