Remembered fondly with a nod to his architecture education as the “Frank Lloyd Wright of Italian Fashion” and the “Architect of Fashion,” Milanese designer Gianfranco Ferré spent a lifetime creating handbags, dresses, jackets and other garments and accessories that were defined by meticulous tailoring and crisp geometry. Designing the iconic Lady Dior handbag after being named artistic director at Dior during the late 1980s is only one of Ferré’s impressive achievements in the fashion industry.
Ferré was born in Legnano and was raised by his mother and two aunts. He studied architecture at Milan Polytechnic but had a love for fashion, and made belts and other items for female friends in his classes. He graduated in 1969.
Ferré’s accessories caught the eye of Rosy Biffi, who operated boutiques in Milan with her sister, Adele. He was encouraged by Biffi to create clothing, and soon began creating jewelry and accessories for Christiane Bailly and Walter Albini. The latter is an unsung hero of 20th-century fashion, while Bailly was part of a small group of prominent young stylistes who helped build a sterling reputation for French ready-to-wear fashion during the 1960s. Ferré’s work was photographed by Italian Vogue, and he secured commissions from the likes of Karl Lagerfeld and Elio Fiorucci.
Ferré appreciated other cultures and drew inspiration from his travels abroad. His most influential trip — a years-long stint in India — saw him bringing bright colors and patterns to his evening dresses and day dresses. While there he created a collection for the Genoa-based San Giorgio Impermeabili. Ferrè designed for brands such as Les Grenouilles and Baila, and met with Italian businessman and clothing manufacturer Franco Mattioli, who would become an important collaborator.
In 1978, Ferré and Mattioli became equal business partners in establishing Ferré’s own label, for which he designed women’s ready-to-wear and menswear collections in Milan. In 1983, he was named the first professor of fashion at the Domus Academy.
While teaching, Ferré won the Occhio d’Oro — Italy’s award for best fashion designer — six times. In 1986, he introduced his first women’s fragrance, his first couture and fur collections, and a new line called Studio 00l. A few years later, Bernard Arnault, owner of Christian Dior, appointed him artistic director.
It was unexpected for an Italian to be given the job at Dior — one of fashion’s most coveted roles — as that position traditionally went to French designers. There, as Marc Bohan’s successor, Ferré created luxurious and striking gowns that drew on his architecture studies in their sculptural forms while celebrating the long history of the legendary house. He revisited the nipped-waist silhouettes of Dior’s postwar years, and his work dazzled onlookers and exuded femininity. Ferré won the Dé d'Or prize in 1989 for his first collection at the label.
In the early 1990s, Ferré designed the Lady Dior handbag (prior to its 1995 debut, it was called the Chouchou). The boxy top-handled accessory soared to immense popularity after French first lady Bernadette Chirac gave a version in black leather to Diana, Princess of Wales. Each bag, which was eventually named for the Princess, is made from 130 pieces of leather and worked on by seven Dior craftsmen who spend at least eight hours perfecting it.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Gianfranco Ferré clothing, accessories and handbags and purses.
F/W 1999 Gianfranco Ferré Runway Beige Strapless Corset Boned Top IT40
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianfranco Ferré’s Fall/Winter 1999 collection, this beige strapless corset top debuted on the runway. Designed with structured boning, tonal stitching, and a hidden double zip ...
Sheer beaded nylon tulle tee-shirt GIANFRANCO FERRE Studio
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sheer beaded nylon tulle tee-shirt with jersey lining. SIZE 44 (It) 8 (Us) New with extra rhinestone provided.
1990s Gianfranco Ferrè black multicoloured top size M
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Capri, IT
1990s Gianfranco Ferrè black multicoloured top size M Totally made in Italy
NWT Gianfranco Ferre Size 8 Navy Blue White Sequin Paillettes Silk Chiffon Top
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand new with tags beautiful early 2000s GIANFRANCO FERRE navy blue and white sequin and paillette encrusted silk chiffon blouse ! Features thousands of hand-sewn sequins and beads ...
Gianfranco Ferré 1990s Golden Metallic Sun Jacquard Vest with Jeweled Buttons
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in NICE, FR
A striking vintage Gianfranco Ferré vest from the 1990s, expertly tailored in a luxurious golden metallic jacquard fabric featuring an oversized radiant sun motif woven throughout. T...
See-through silk shirt with thread and beads embroideries GIANFRANCO FERRE FORMA
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
See-through silk shirt with thread and beads embroideries. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle front . Hook&eye on the cuffs. SIZE 46 (IT) 10 (US)
Stretch tulle tee-shirt with embroideries GIANFRANCO FERRE STUDIO
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Stretch tulle tee-shirt with beads, rhinestone and pearls. Tulle and lining composition: 100% nylon. Zip closure on the left side SIZE 44 (It) 40 (Fr) M
2000s Gianfranco Ferre Silk Embellished Evening Bustier
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
2003 Gianfranco Ferre creme silk bustier embellished with rhinestones and chains. Bustier still has original tag from the store. ( see runway ) picture. marked size 42 Bust: 34” / 28...
1990s Gianfranco Ferre Size 46 XL Black Sheer Silk Chiffon Blouse Vintage Shirt
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 90s vintage GIANFRANCO FERRE black silk chiffon sheer blouse ! Rhinestone encrusted buttons down the front. Great belted or alone. In great unworn condition Made in Italy ...
Gianfranco Ferrè S/S 2008 Embellished Black Top
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Ferré's former team - Sold by Skof.Archive - Spring Summer 2008 Collection - Embellished Black Top - Black Stone Embellishment on the front - Payettes Pattern - Banded ...
Gianfranco Ferre Black Mesh Long Sleeve Top With Sequin Band
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Gianfranco Ferre black mesh top featuring a black square sequin front panel at the bustline, long sleeves, and straight body. * Gi...
Gianfranco Ferré White Cut-out Top - '00s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This one-of-a-kind Gianfranco Ferré top features lace and sequined details as well as flattering triangle cut outs in the waist and back areas. It can be styled with a skirt or pants...
Vintage Gianfranco Ferre 1990s Charcoal Grey Wool + Chiffon Long SLeeve Blouse
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy, yet sophisticated vintage GIANFRANCO FERRE charcoal gray Virgin wool and silk chiffon semi sheer blouse! Features a grey wool front with grey silk chiffon sleeves and sheer chi...
Vintage Studio 0001 Ferré Ivory Silk Blouse with Draped Collar and Open Stitch
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant, ethereal, and undeniably refined, this vintage blouse by Studio 0001 Ferré is a beautiful example of understated Italian design from the 1980s. Ma...
Long sleeve see-through top with sequin embellishment Gianfranco Ferré Studio
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long sleeve see-through top with sequin embellishment. Fabric composition: 92% nylon, 8% stretch. Ribs on the bottom and sleeve edge composition: 92% cotton, 8% stretch SIZE L
Gianfranco Ferre black double-zipper bustier
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New York, NY
Gianfranco Ferre black bustier is fully lined and have double zippers and eleastic sides for a better fit and comfort. The zippers measures 12", The front length is 13", back is 10".
1990s Gianfranco Ferré Sheer Black Velvet Accented Bodysuit Top IT40
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This 1990s Gianfranco Ferré bodysuit features sheer black mesh with sculptural velvet appliqué detailing in a sharp chevron design. The top is finished with a plunging neckline, long...
Gianfranco Ferre black & white silk polka-dot jacket
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New York, NY
Gianfranco Ferre Black & white silk crepe de chine jacket has a single hook & eye in front for closure. The sides of the jacket has a wide detailing slit. The shoulders are slight...
2000s Gianfranco Ferré Deep Burgundy Velvet Cami Style Tank Top 44FR
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This chic burgundy velvet tank top by Gianfranco Ferré from the 2000s features a wide scoop neckline and a semi-exposed back. Approximate measurements: Size - 44FR Bust: 36" Waist: ...
GIANFRANCO FERRE Vintage taupe cashmere silk v neck hand stitch tunic top IT42 M
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANFRANCO FERRE Vintage taupe cashmere silk v neck hand stitch tunic top IT42 M Reference: CNLE/A00365 Brand: Gianfranco Ferre Designer: Gianfranco Ferre Material: Cashmere, Silk Co...
Gianfranco Ferre Fully-Lined Black Faux Fur Pullover With Zippered Spandex Sides
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New York, NY
Gianfranco Ferre fully-lined black faux fur pullover is detailed with an invisible side zipper along the spandex side. Totaal length measures 22 inches...
Gianfranco Ferré Sheer Top - '90s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This Gianfranco Ferré top is made of sheer silk and is the perfect vintage look for the modern fashionista. The grey hue and detailed hem offer a refined style, while the sleeveless ...
Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Black Velvet Bodysuit
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection is excited to offer a vintage Gianfranco Ferre black velvet bodysuit featuring a scoop neck, short sleeves, snap crotch, sheer bottom, an...
1990s Gianfranco Ferré Black White Polka Dot Corset Boned Strapless Bustier Top
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the 1990s, this Gianfranco Ferré black strapless bustier top features a bold white polka dot pattern in silk taffeta. Designed with internal boning for a sculpted silhouette, th...
Gianfranco Ferré Double Button Shirt - '00s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Expertly crafted from 100% soft cotton in a timeless shade of blue, the Gianfranco Ferré Double Button Shirt is a modern take on the classic button down. With its unique double butto...
Gianfranco Ferré Stripe Shirt - '00s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Gianfranco Ferré cotton stripe shirt with wider-spaced stripes on collar and cuffs, long tapered sleeve cuffs, brand emblem embroidery, and a slightly fitted waist. Material: 100% ...
New GIANFRANCO FERRE WOMAN Sexy Sheer Striped Button Up Top Blouse size L
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Montgomery, TX
Gianfranco Ferre is known for their luxurious clothing that portray the feelings of youth, freedom and experience. New GIANFRANCO FERRE Sexy Sheer Top Blouse Designer size - L Multi...
Gianfranco Ferre Burgundy Printed Tunic & Embroidered Belt
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Gianfranco Ferre burgundy and red silk tunic and belt featuring heavy embroidery, handkerchief hem,...
$338Sale Price|20% Off
Ferre' 70s striped shirt
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Striped shirt in beige/brown tones Gianfranco Ferre' studio. Clear cuffs and collar, fabric-covered buttons Measures: Spalle 44cm Sleeve 67cm Petto 50cm Length 60cm
$129Sale Price|58% Off
Gianfranco Ferré Vintage 1980s Unisex Red Cotton Shirt with Gold Print
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Capri, IT
Gianfranco Ferre Oaks Red Cotton Shirt gold tone print on the front Totally made in italy in size M
Gianfranco Ferre 1990s Embellished Bodysuit
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add this bodysuit to your collection! Circa 1990s, this black bodysuit features an overlapping G and F logo in black beads and rhinestones, thick spaghetti straps and mesh bottoms wi...