Martin Price, a former professor of fashion design at Parsons School of Design, archivist and historian for the Giorgio di Sant’ Angelo fashion archive, died Tuesday at his home at the age of 69.
The cause of death was undisclosed.
Born March 19, 1956 in Trenton, N.J., Price spent his career in both fashion and education. He joined Giorgio Sant’ Angelo as his personal assistant in 1978 and became involved in every aspect of running the atelier from design to development and production of the designer’s collections during his most influential years. He also became Sant’ Angelo’s life partner.
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Sant’ Angelo, an avant garde designer, was best known for his bohemian styles and inventive knitwear. He designed swimsuits, menswear, handbags, furs and knitwear.
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When Sant’ Angelo died of lung cancer at the age of 56 in 1989, Price led the company for a period of time and became the primary steward of the brand’s legacy. He donated a thorough archive of his work to The Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Phoenix Art Museum and UCLA Library Special Collections, among others, and generously assisted many museums and researchers by sharing his knowledge.
Price then transitioned to academia and became a faculty member at Parsons from 2004 to 2023, where he taught fashion design and mentored generations of students. He strongly emphasized concept, drape, fabric experimentation and body-based design. He also brought a real-world professional point of view into the classroom.
Fiona Dieffenbacher, associate professor of fashion and associate dean at the School of Fashion at Parsons, said, “Martin taught in the School of Fashion for 19 years. He was somewhat of a legend in the school. Students adored Martin and word spread fast about his expertise as a teacher, and there were often long wait lists for his classes. He was a very special teacher who really connected with his students and went above and beyond.”
She said she always saw him on campus and he was very invested in the students and stayed extra hours. “It was his whole life,” she said. “He was just so genuine and really had a unique spirit.” She said he worked closely with Giorgio Sant’ Angelo, ensuring that a donation of his garments went to Parsons’ fashion study collection. Teaching BFA fashion design studio courses, Price focused on the building of a collection, research, and establishing a student’s identity. He prepared students for their theses and helped them discover who they were as designers.
“He was very nurturing, really cared and was deeply invested in students’ work and their success,” she said.
For the 2012 exhibition “Designing the Second Skin: Giorgio di Sant’Angelo 1971-1991,” Parsons presented the first New York exhibition of the work of Sant’ Angelo. From the 1960s through 1980s, Sant’ Angelo explored the ways in which garments truly become the wearer’s second skin. The Sant’ Angelo works were originally donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art by Price.
“What he did for establishing and protecting Giorgio’s name for all the decades is incredible,” said Chris Royer, a friend and former model, who is a fashion historian, adviser and private collector of Halston designs. “Martin [Price] and I have been contributing clothing to his exhibitions,” she said.
Zhichao Ryan Cheng, Price’s godson who is a high jewelry adviser, said, “My godfather has a heart of gold and has always lived with dignity and respect. He is a pillar of strength, always remaining calm and supportive. He taught me the value of hard work, honesty, compassion and what true, unconditional love looks like. He was the best teacher I have ever known. He never boasted about his achievements, even though he worked incredibly hard. He has left a lasting legacy of love, kindness and strength. He was a great mentor who will always remain in my heart and guide my steps.”
In addition to Cheng, Price is survived by his stepmother, Vivian Price and his brother Daniel Price.
A wake will be held Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel at 1076 Madison Avenue in New York. The memorial service will take place Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer at 869 Lexington Avenue.