October 1 – 17, 2026
Cassina Store Milan, Via Durini 16
Monty Shadow
Monty Shadow was a remarkable photographer whose creative vision spanned the worlds of fashion, sports, automotive, publishing, art, and luxury, enabling him to forge highly successful and unexpected synergies. He mastered the art of cross-branding long before it became a formal subject of study in marketing and communications, using his formidable public relations skills to lay the groundwork for his creative journey. An extraordinary “human connector” gifted with a profound artistic vision, he was trusted by some of the world’s most prominent brands to orchestrate a wide array of initiatives—from photoshoots to public relations campaigns—acting as a vital link between Italy, London, Monte Carlo, New York, and Los Angeles. His vision was sought after to elevate the image of major corporations, including Fila, Ferrari, Mercedes, BMW, and Richemont. He demonstrated brilliant journalistic instinct through his collaborations with publications such as *Viva*, *Time*, *Life*, *Omni*, *Vogue*, *Il Piacere*, *Excellence*, *The Sun*, *Penthouse*, *Donna*, *Grand Prix*, *Sports Illustrated*, *Gazzetta dello Sport*, *California Sport & Fitness*, *Symbol*, *Paris Match*, *Stern*, *Focus*, and *Max*, among many others—ultimately producing nearly 3,000 magazine covers. A nonconformist and a true “gray eminence” who operated entirely outside of traditional corporate hierarchies, Monty Shadow was described by Johann Rupert—chairman of the Swiss luxury conglomerate Richemont—as a master “truffle hunter” with an uncanny ability to unearth hidden gems. It was he who brought to light one of the greatest success stories in 21st-century high-end watchmaking—Panerai—and who forged one of the most enduring partnerships in the history of the watch industry, connecting the brand with film star Sylvester Stallone.
The Cassina Exbithion ” Trame Fotografiche” intends to show the stories relating Monty Shadow, to allow retracing his long creative activity which has spanned the last 40 years of the history of communication. To document and bear witness to the role and relationships with the worlds in which he has been a participant: from the sport to cinema, fashion, culture, art, luxury, editorial world at national and international level.
Salvador Dali photographed by Monty Shadow – 1970
“I Will miss Monty Shadow, a great bear-like man with a booming voice, glossy black ringlets……. ” Nick Foulkes Speaking about Monty Shadow
Ayrton Senna and Monty Shadow shared their friendship until the champion’s death in 1994.Ayrton “myth” kind with a look “sweet”, he struck the heart of those who loved him, and that his friend has never forgotten.
Monty Shadow was the creator and one of the founders of the Laureus World Sport Awards – the sport’s oscar – supporting its growth as well as the development of the social movement “Laureus Sport For Good” in which Richemont-Mercedes joined forces
Monty Shadow was creator and founder of St Moritz Art Masters festival. The most prestigious art and cultural event, unique to the world.
Monty Shadow who was he, the story of a great photographer and genius maverick who crossed, with his creative vision, the world of fashion, sport, automotive, publishing, art and luxury to create unimaginable synergies of great success....
Photo: Stefano Esposito Monty Shadow “Trame Fotografiche” Una mostra della Fondazione Monty Shadow in collaborazione con Cassinadal 2 – 17 ottobre, 2026Cassini Store Milano, via Durini 1610 a.m – 7 p.m. Visionario Le Relazioni Gli Immaginari L’eredita ...
National Automobile Museum in Turin a talk themed "Ayrton Senna in the photographs of Monty Shadow" already presented exclusively in Formula 1 in the paddocks of the 2024 Imola and Monza F1 GP....
15 shots of Ayrton Senna pictures by Monty Shadow photographer and friend of Ayrton showed on 2024 Monza F1 GP 2024 organised by the Monty Shadow Foundation...
Talk with Journalist Giorgio Terruzzi and Sport Commentator Ivan Capelli an intense story about Ayrton Senna and who he really was and an opportunity to show some shots of Ayrton Senna off the tracks taken by his friend Monty Shadow ...
Monty Shadow Foundation exhibit Senna shots during the Imola F1 GP 2024 Emilia Romagna...
In the spirit of friendship between Automobile Club de Monaco and Monty Shadow , the night gala dinner was an opportunity to remember their bond. ...
On the occasion of the I.C.E. St Moritz 2024 the Monty Shadow foundation created a small exhibition of some shots of Ayrton Senna...
Monty left signs “that are equivalent to children” and the memory of those “signs” and the positive effects of those signs, still today remain in the history of luxury and photography and I always liked this a lot about Monty...
I was really a child…you know he was used to calling“Ciao Bambino! He gave you an incredible boost, I met him when I was in Imola, I was 14 years old so I was really a child, and I met Monty when together with Bernie Ecclestone they were in the paddock....
