Tara Langley Grinna Countess of Montbriand Foundation
Tara de Montbriand
Tara Langley Grinna, renowned fashion designer also quietly holds the title of Countess of Montbriand, with several ancestral ties to European nobility. The anciet County of Montbriand was located in the old district of Ain, Messimy, in nowadays Auvergne, It was erected into a County by Letters Patent of August 1756 in favour of Daniel Leviste of Briandas, Chevalier of the Parliament of Dombes. This was a title granted by the grandson of Louis XIV, Louis Charles of Bourbon, Prince of Dombes, Duke of Aumales, Duke of Gisors, from the House of Bourbon-Maine, Cadet Branch of the Capetian Dynasty, 1701-1775.
Daniel Leciste de Briandas,, 1st Count of Motbriand hailed from a venerable lineage, kin to Frederic de Langley, a distant cousin of Jeanne de Valois ( who was famous for the "affair of the diamond necklace" in connection with Marie Antoinette ). Leviste was a house whereby honor, tradition and protocol was not only a custom but was considered sacred law.
The Chateau of Montbriand still stands as a private property in France and connects Lady Tara to her Langley, Langlais, and Leviste family heritage.. Her ancient familial coat of arms, with red shield and three silver moons can be found numerous times within each of a series of six very famous tapestries known as "The Lady and The Unicorn Tapestries " commissioned by one of her ancestors during the late 15th century. The set of tapesries are on display at the Cluny museum in Paris and are considered to be one of the most significant works of art produced in Europe during the Middle Ages.
With this recently revealed connection to noble society, Tara wishes to use her position to promote a new philanthropic journey.
A Designer with Noble Lineage
A Foundation with Local Impact
Renowned designer Tara Grinna is firmly dedicated to philanthropy. Through her newly established foundation, she is poised to make significant impact on the communities (from which she has boutiques) by organizing in-store events and elegant fashion shows to raise funds for these various local initiatives. It is her hope that these events will actively engage community members, creating an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere that will drive participation and raise funds for local projects. Ultimately, these fundraising efforts will
enhance community vibrancy by significantly increasing support for essential programs and services. Below are just three examples of the work your support provides.
The foundation is dedicated to supporting local students in need by providing essential resources and opportunities for their educational growth. Through scholarships, mentorship programs, and access to tutoring services we aim to bridge the gap for those facing financial challenges. By fostering a supportive community, we empower students to reach their full potential and pursue their goals. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the precious lives of learners in our area.
The foundation supports homeless or battered women and mothers by raising funds to support safe shelter, counseling, and vital resources such as job training and educational opportunities to help them regain independence and confidence. Our aim is to create a nurturing environment for every woman to thrive and find hope for a better future.
The foundation is dedicated to supporting local animal rescues by providing essential funding to help them thrive. By offering financial assistance, we enable these organizations to cover critical expenses such as veterinary care, shelter and food for abandoned and abused animals. Our commitment ensures that these rescues focus on their mission of saving lives and finding loving homes for animals in need. Together, we can make significant impact in our community and improve the lives of countless animals.
Meet Mr Jingles.... one of Tara's personal rescue stories
Tara is an admitted "rescue holic". Mr Jingles was living in an abusive home and facing a kill shelter. He was saved by a Charleston based foster organization just before Christmas. Tara was visiting her Charleston boutique and noticed a cute blonde "jingle bell sweater wearing" Chihuahua sipping water from the bowl that's provided just outside the door. Already having four of her own, she went outside to tell him how cute he looked in his Christmas attire. Upon noticing his bright yellow leash with black lettering "adopt me...adopt me" written all over, her heart melted and after some hours of pleading with her more sensible husband, he came to live amongst their 4 other fur kids. Mr Jingles is now almost 11 years old and a happy toothless little creature who follows Tara everywhere she goes. He loves going to work with her too!
LATEST NEWS
Noble Chapter of Ferdinand VI Invests Tara Grinna, Countess of Montbriand with the
Cross of Justice.
Madrid, Spain
The Noble Chapter of Ferdinand VI (Capítulo Noble de Fernando VI) has formally announced the investiture of Tara Grinna, Countess of Montbriand, with the Cross of Justice (Cruz de Justicia). This rare distinction, conferred by the Madrid-based chivalric order, recognizes her lifelong dedication to the arts, her influence on international commerce, and the formal verification of her standing within European nobility.
Recognition of Chivalry and Excellence:
The conferral of the Category of Justice is a significant historical event, strictly reserved for individuals who provide rigorous genealogical proof of Hidalguía (blood nobility). Following a formal vetting of her lineage, the Countess’s status was confirmed and documented in the Geneall Archive (Ref: G-1836a), with records maintained by the GDA-EU in Luxembourg. The honors officially acknowledge the survival of the House of Montbriand, with the Countess holding the title in her own right. While she has long prioritized her reputation as a leader in the luxury fashion sector over her aristocratic heritage, this investiture marks the formal public recognition of her family’s historic titles. Her husband, Rune Grinna, serves as Consort of the title.
A Legacy of Industry and Global Commerce:
The Noble Chapter’s recognition highlights the Countess’s role in bridging the American and European luxury sectors through technical mastery and artisanal craftsmanship. Since 1987, her work has been instrumental in redefining the standards of luxury manufacturing. By marrying exclusive textiles sourced from Italy with high-end manufacturing in the United States, she has been a pioneer in creating a bridge between international sophistication and domestic production.
Philanthropy and Societal Impact:
Beyond her professional achievements, the Cross of Justice reflects a deep commitment to humanitarian efforts. The Countess’s leadership extends to her past service on the board of Welvista—a South Carolina organization providing essential healthcare resources to underserved populations—as well as extensive philanthropic work in animal welfare. This blend of professional excellence and societal contribution aligns her with the elite international figures honored by the Noble Chapter.
About the Capítulo Noble de Fernando VI:
The Noble Chapter of Ferdinand VI is a Spanish nobiliary corporation dedicated to the preservation of chivalric traditions and the recognition of individuals who demonstrate extraordinary professional achievement and noble lineage.
About the House of Montbriand:
The House of Montbriand is an ancient lineage whose historical titles and standing have been formally preserved through the investiture of the current Countess. The House continues to be a patron of the arts and a supporter of various international charitable initiatives.
