1990s Gianfranco Ferre Tropical Print Silk Tunic
About the Item
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Toronto, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU228212347052
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: Toronto, Canada
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- 1990s Hermes Nautical Print Cotton Silk Blend T-ShirtBy HermèsLocated in Toronto, OntarioSilk cotton blend Hermes t-shirt from the 1990s. Allover abstract row boat and rope nautical print in black, brown, tan, yellow and white. Crew neckline and s...Category
1990s French T-Shirts
- Lucien Pellat-Finet Spring Summer 2003 Orange Shirt with Abstract BullBy Lucien Pellat FinetLocated in Toronto, OntarioLong sleeve cotton shirt from the spring/summer 2003 Lucien Pellat-Finet collection. Small rust orange and white graphic print. Orange collar ...Category
Early 2000s French Shirts
- 1990s Gianni Versace Couture Baroque and Carnation Print Silk ShirtBy Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in Toronto, OntarioAmazing Gianni Versace black label Couture silk shirt from the early 1990s. Front features baroque style and paisley details. Sleeves and back are ...Category
1990s Italian Blouses and Tops
- 1990s Emilio Pucci Bright Multi Colour V Neck TopBy Emilio PucciLocated in Toronto, OntarioFun & vibrant Emilio Pucci top from the 1990s. This top features the iconic Pucci abstract print in very bright colors. V neckline with long sleeves. Signed fabric, made in Italy. Fi...Category
1990s Italian Blouses and Tops
- 2000s John Galliano Short Sleeve V Neck Graphic T-ShirtBy John GallianoLocated in Toronto, OntarioFun and vibrant John Galliano graphic, cotton, v neck, short sleeve t-shirt from the early 2000s. The orange, pink and yellow abstract background features a quirky doll with a bright...Category
Early 2000s French T-Shirts
- 1960's Vera Cotton Marigold BlouseBy VeraLocated in Toronto, OntarioVera cotton 3/4 length sleeve blouse from the 1960s. The blouse features a typical summery water color floral print of orange and yellow flowers wit...Category
1960s American Blouses
- Chanel Sport Gorgeous Tank Top With Cc LogosBy ChanelLocated in Hoffman Estates, ILChanel Sport gorgeous tank top with CC logos. Specifications: Size: 36Category
Early 2000s French Sleeveless Shirts
- Colllector JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Asian mesh shirtBy Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean Paul Gaultier SoleilLocated in Genève, CHRare Jean Paul Gaultier Early 00s mesh T-Shirt with vibrant Asian print, as seen on Beyoncé for InStyle Magazine (May 2003) shot by Fabrizio Ferri....Category
21st Century and Contemporary French T-Shirts
- Eavis & Brown Embellished Victorian BlouseBy Eavis & BrownLocated in Scottsdale, AZNow this is what we call vintage! Circa 1980s straight from London, this hand made Eavis and Brown for Capriccio haute couture blouse is crafted from S...Category
1980s English Blouses and Tops
- Vivienne Westwood unisex pink and white polkadot shirt, S/S 1985By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GB- Loose cut 'Mini Crini' Spring-Summer 1985Category
1980s British Shirts
- Moschino Couture Bugs Bunny Basketball JerseyBy MoschinoLocated in Scottsdale, AZElevate your streetwear game with the Moschino Couture Bugs Bunny Basketball Jersey - a rare collector's gem that's as stylish as it is playful. This unisex jersey combines fashion a...Category
2010s Italian Sleeveless Shirts
- Azzedine Alaia striped cotton maxi shirt dress, ss 1992By Azzedine AlaïaLocated in London, GBAzzedine Alaia striped cotton maxi shirt dress. Oversized fit with elasticated waistband, turn over cuffs, built in waist stay and 2 side pockets. Spring-Summer 1992Category
1990s French Shirts