Honorary mafioso, Sing Sing inmate, friend to the stars -- mid century modern design master James Mont’s loud and lavish life could put a Hollywood drama to shame. His charismatic nature and opulent yet elegant style made him a favorite among celebrities, while his rebellious streak and penchant for excess earned him a reputation as the mob’s go-to guy. But it was Mont’s unwavering attention to detail, his unapologetic taste for luxury, and his masterful ability to incorporate classic elements into modern pieces that have cemented his legacy as a true pioneer of modern design. 

Born in Istanbul, Mont’s Greek-Turkish family emigrated to the United States in 1922. After settling in Brooklyn, Mont opened a small electrical shop, where he sold hardware as well as lamps of his own design. After his work caught the eye of a local mobster, who acquired a few of his pieces, Mont’s career began to take off. He opened a waterfront lamp shop in Atlantic City and continued to rub shoulders with mafiosos...

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