1990s Gianfranco Ferre Ice Blue Shark Skin Fishtail Full Length Skirt
View Similar Items
1990s Gianfranco Ferre Ice Blue Shark Skin Fishtail Full Length Skirt
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 8-10 (US)
- Style:Holiday Chic (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Gresham, OR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5021205612
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.
- James Galanos Early 50s Cocktail Dress in Wool and Silk ChiffonBy James GalanosLocated in Gresham, ORA gorgeous very early example of James Galanos' fine work. Label style indicates it was made between '51 and '55. Very simple but extremely structured wool strapless bodice and volu...Category
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
Price Upon Request - James Galanos 80s Silk Chiffon Gown w/ High Leg SlitBy James Galanos, GalanosLocated in Gresham, ORA beautiful and feminine James Galanos evening gown in beautiful black silk chiffon and satin with demure yet sexy sheer panels at decolletage, balloon sleeves and skirt...but with u...Category
1980s American Evening Gowns
Price Upon Request - Luis Estévez 60s Brown Chiffon Cocktail Dress w/ Rhinestone TrimBy Luis EstévezLocated in Gresham, ORA wonderful60s Luis Estévez chiffon cocktail dress with voluminous sheer chiffon sleeves caught up at the cuff with rhinestones! Double layered chiffon over an underskirt flutters a...Category
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
Price Upon Request - 50s Silk Jacquard Cocktail Dress w/ Swallowtail Bow -Located in Gresham, ORA fantastic 50s silk jacquard cocktail dress in black with a floral pattern: zips up the back with a square neckline, 3/4 fitted sleeves, deep V back, a gat...Category
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
Price Upon Request - 80s Silk Ivory Michael Casey Pouf Cocktail DressBy Michael CaseyLocated in Gresham, OR80s Michael Casey pouf cocktail dress of gorgeous ivory crinkled silk. Lots of ruched fabric in the pouf skirt and cap sleeves! Size 8Category
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
Price Upon Request - 1960 Mr. Blackwell Fluorescent Yellow Embroidered Floral Net Trapeze DressBy Mr. BlackwellLocated in Gresham, OR1960s Mr. Blackwell fluorescent yellow floral embroidered net cocktail dress. Under-layer is a sheath styled crepe dress and the over-layer of embro...Category
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
- La Mendola Vintage White Long Kaftan Caftan Tunic Evening Dress Size 46By La MendolaLocated in Rome, RomeLa Mendola Vintage White Long Kaftan Evening Dress Size 46 Beautiful vintage 1970 maxi long dress signed La Mendola, Italy. Silk Crepe de Chine. Short sl...Category
20th Century Italian Caftans
- Gucci Women's XS Light Grey Short Sleeve Short 121g35By GucciLocated in Dix hills, NYGucci Women's XS Light Grey Short Sleeve Short 121g35 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 14" Width: .2" Height: 23" OVERALL EXCELLENT VINTAGE CONDITION ( 9/10 or A ) Women's X...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Burberry Brit Size 10 Black Nova Check Dress s331b38By Burberry BritLocated in Dix hills, NYBurberry Brit Size 10 Black Nova Check Dress s331b38 Date Code/Serial Number: CNALLASIPAN 3976451/65E Made In: China Measurements: Length: 21" Width: .3" Height: 38.5" OVERALL NE...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Evening Dresses and Gowns
- CHANEL 2013 Blue Black Checkered DressBy ChanelLocated in Krakow, PLFrom the cruise 2013 runway collection Excellent condition. Features a blue and black checkered geometric pattern with mash checkering at the hem. Elastic around bust. Side zipper...Category
2010s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Saint Laurent Plunge Neck Gold Tunic Dress DressBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Krakow, PLEnsure you never stay out of focus with this glittering golden mini dress from Saint Laurent's SS17 selection. This silk mini dress is designed with a plunging neckline, long sleeve...Category
2010s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Blue Cocktail Dress Nina Ricci ParisBy Nina RicciLocated in Amsterdam, NLThis vintage dress from Nina Ricci Boutique edition is styled with an overlayer, 2 side pockets on the attached underdress with a closing zipper at the back. At the end of sleeves is...Category
20th Century French Cocktail Dresses