Gianfranco Ferre black astrakhan fur bodysuit, fw 1999
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: IT 42 - FR 38 - UK 10 (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU140213408202
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: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Vivienne Westwood pink knitted Angora wool corset sweater, fw 1993By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GB▪ Vivienne Westwood rare knitted corset sweater ▪ Sold by One of a Kind Archive ▪ Constructed from knitted pink Angora ▪ Nude internal corset...Category
1990s English Corsets
- Balmain jacquard lame evening blazer, c. 2010By Christopher Decarnin, BalmainLocated in London, GBA rare and highly sought after Balmain evening blazer from the Fall 2010 runway collection, designed by Christophe Decarnin. The blazer is in a high quality jacquard fabric with gold...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Lingerie
- Dolce & Gabbana black corseted mini skirt with gold chains and beads, ss 1991By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GB▪ Dolce & Gabbana black corseted mini skirt ▪ Gold metal chain detail ▪ Beaded tassels ▪ Metal hook closures at centre-back ▪ IT 42 - FR 38 - UK 10 - US 6 ▪ Spring-Summer 1991Category
1990s Italian Skirts
- Dolce & Gabbana black long-sleeve corset and maxi skirt ensemble, fw 1997By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GB▪ Dolce & Gabbana corset and skirt evening ensemble ▪ Sold by One of a Kind Archive ▪ Constructed from a fine silk with 10% elastane for a slight stretch ▪ Long-sleeve corset...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Dolce & Gabbana Autumn-Winter 1990 beaded corset blouseBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GBDolce & Gabbana Autumn-Winter 1990 beaded corset blouseCategory
1990s Italian Corsets
- Gianni Versace black leather embellished bodysuit, S/S 1998By Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GBGianni Versace black leather embellished bodysuit Spring-Summer 1998Category
1990s Italian Bodysuits
- Valentino Night Black and White body topBy ValentinoLocated in Capri, ITValentino Night Black and White body top totally made in italy in size 8 100% silkCategory
1990s Italian Shirts
- Rena Lange Black silk Corset with lace-up front off the shoulder necklineBy Rena LangeLocated in Bilbao, ESRena Lange Corset Corset features off-the-shoulder neckline, boned bodice, short sleeves, lace-up front and zip closure at back Bust: 30" Waist: 25.5" Length: 18" 100% Silk Size 40 ...Category
1990s German Corsets
- Alberta Ferretti black see through swarovski and beads bodyBy Alberta FerrettiLocated in Capri, ITAlberta Ferretti black see through swarovski and beads body wear totally made in italy in size 44 unwornCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shirts
- Dolce & Gabbana Logo Embellished Belted Brown Bikini Swimwear Swimsuit 2 PieceBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Naples, FLDolce & Gabbana Logo Embellished Belted Brown Bikini Swimwear Swimsuit 2 Piece Please note size tag has been removed but it will fit size Small.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Bodysuits
- Gianni Versace S/S 1992 Vintage Plunging Baroque Print Sheer Lace Bodysuit TopBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Naples, FLGianni Versace Intimo S/S 1992 Vintage Plunging Baroque Print Sheer Lace Bodysuit Top IT 38 Condition: good vintage condition, some pulling not noticea...Category
1990s Bodysuits
- Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2006 Wrap Tie Up Black Bikini Swimwear Swimsuit 2 Piece SetBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Naples, FLDolce & Gabbana S/S 2006 Wrap Tie Up Black Bikini Swimwear Swimsuit 2 Piece SetCategory
Early 2000s Bodysuits
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
This Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen Ensemble Is Part Zsa Zsa Gabor, Part ‘Blade Runner’
As Burton steps away from the brand, it’s a fitting time to revisit one of her visionary designs.
Vivienne Westwood’s Punk Spirit Lives On in This ’90s Tartan Ensemble
The shorts suit in a mash-up of patterns with an asymmetrical cut speaks to the designer’s rebellious spirit.