Buatta, Mario (1935-2018)
Dates
- Existence: 1935-2018
Biography
Known as the "Prince of Chintz," Mario Buatta was an interior decorator famed for his English country style. Buatta, born and raised on Staten Island, loved antiques since he was a young child. His love for the English Regency came from his aunt Mary Mauro. Eager to become a designer, Buatta began taking classes at Pratt and Columbia University while working at department stores. At the age of 28, Buatta opened his own design firm in 1963. Buatta's fame continued to rise during the second half of the 20th century. In addition to his work as a designer, Buatta licenced his name to interior goods, such as bedding and lighting fixtures. Mario Buatta passed away on October 15, 2018 at the age of 82.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Mario Buatta interview, 1987 Spring, 1987 Spring
The Oral History Project of the Fashion Industries began informally in the late 1970s, and was officially funded by a grant from the Educational Foundation for the Fashion Industries beginning in 1981. The project was guided by an industry advisory committee chaired by Mrs. William Randolph Hearst, Jr., and was largely guided by then director of the Gladys Marcus Library at FIT, John Touhey.