Gianfranco Ferre Black Velvet Midi Skirt
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3226217966782
Gianfranco Ferré
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Jean Paul Gaultier Brown Maxi SkirtBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Los Angeles, CAChocolate brown maxi skirt. Side zipper. Wool. Made in Italy. *Condition: Excellent vintage condition. No visible flaws. Measurements Taken Laying ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Skirts
- Comme Des Garcons Black Maxi SkirtBy Comme des GarçonsLocated in Los Angeles, CABlack maxi skirt. Rear slit. Lined. Wool. Made in Japan. *Condition: Excellent vintage condition. No visible flaws. Measurements Taken Laying Flat (...Category
1990s Skirts
- Emanuel Ungaro Pleated Printed SkirtBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in Los Angeles, CAPurple pleated over the knee skirt. Patterned. Rear zipper and button closure. Pockets. Wool. Made in Italy. *Condition: Excellent vintage condition. No visible flaws. Measurements...Category
1980s Skirts
- Dolce & Gabbana Pencil SkirtBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Los Angeles, CABlack pencil skirt. Front clasp closure. Rear back pockets. Wool and nylon blend. Made in Italy. *Condition: Excellent vintage condition. No visible flaws. Measurements Taken Layin...Category
1990s Skirts
- Dries Van Noten Skirt with SlipBy Dries van NotenLocated in Los Angeles, CABlack maxi skirt with white dettachable slip. Read zipper closure. Back slit. Wool. Made in Belgium. *Condition: Excellent vintage condition. No visible flaws. Measurements Taken L...Category
Early 2000s Skirts
- Angelo Tarlazzi Suede Star SkirtBy Angelo TarlazziLocated in Los Angeles, CABlue suede skirt with leather stars. Elastic waistband. Pockets. Lined. Made in France. *Condition: Excellent vintage condition. No visible flaws. Measurements Taken Laying Flat (...Category
1980s Pencil Skirts
- Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford SS-02 Cotton Laced Safari Skirt with Leopard TrimBy Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in Brussels, BEThe sexy pencil skirt was a piece that Carine Roitfeld, Tom Ford’s longtime stylist and former Vogue Paris editor-in-chief, made quite popular in the early noughties. Roitfeld was obsessed with the rigor and discipline of uniforms, but she kept looking for ways to add eroticism to strictly tailored clothes. This military-inspired skirt -with its sensual trim of leopard print chiffon- was an obvious choice for her and hasn’t lost any of its relevance. This is a version of skirt Look 2 as seen on the runway spring/summer 2002, ready-to-wear, model Rie Rasmussen 100% cotton in brown Leopard trim...Category
Early 2000s Italian Pencil Skirts
- Chanel Spring Summer 2001 Black Wool Skirt With CC Logo Monogram Size 42By Chanel, Karl LagerfeldLocated in Portland, ORThis is a vintage Chanel Spring / Summer 2001 black a-line wool skirt with subtle seams and oval CC logo plate sewn into the waistband. This skirt fits right into the modern aestheti...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Skirts
- 1980s Escada Margaretha Ley Silk Animal Print Blouse & Brown Wrap Skirt w/ BeltBy Margaretha Ley Escada, EscadaLocated in Portland, ORThis is an incredible 2 piece Escada ensemble designed by Margaretha Ley in the 1980's. This outfit came from an estate of clothing we handled that included the best of the 1980's and many unique Escada pieces. This has a chocolate brown wool poly blend skirt that wraps to close with a button and an attached belt with a buckle. It is gently pleated and is labeled a size 34. The yellow and brown textured silk animal print blouse...Category
1980s German Blouses
- Galliano Vintage Black Velvet Skirt w/ Pink Spots - S - 1990'sBy John GallianoLocated in West Palm Beach, FLGalliano Vintage Black Velvet Skirt w/ Pink Spots - S - 1990's. This adorable skirt is in excellent condition. It features a lovely black velvet material with pink spots, silk lini...Category
1990s British Skirts
- Chanel Black Silk Skirt - 38 - NWTBy ChanelLocated in West Palm Beach, FLChanel Black Silk Skirt - 38 - NWT. This Chanel skirt is black and made of silk. It is fitted around the hips and then flares out with pleating...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Skirts
- Chanel Vintage Black Silk Pleated Skirt - 38By ChanelLocated in West Palm Beach, FLChanel Vintage Black Silk Pleated Skirt - 38. This vintage Chanel skirt is black silk and has a gold button. It is flowing and pleated. This skirt is in excellent condition. Size 38....Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Skirts