Gianfranco Ferre Black Silk and Sweater Knit Body Suit and Wrap or Drape 1980s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 10, fits like a 4-6 (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:West Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:
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: West Palm Beach, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Christian Lacroix Black Silk Organza Embroidered Sequin Appliqued BlouseBy Christian LacroixLocated in West Palm Beach, FLChristian Lacroix black silk organza embroidered and sequin appliqued blouse. This amazing blouse is a tribute to Lacroix's use of decoration as art. ...Category
1990s French Blousons
- Valentino Beaded Knit Plunge V Neckline TopBy ValentinoLocated in West Palm Beach, FLValentino beaded knit, plunge V neckline top in brown. White & crystal beads and sequins trim the neckline and cuffs. Pull on top has 3/4 length sleeves an...Category
1990s Italian Blouses and Tops
- Chloe' Gold & Blue Rhinestone Jewel Neckline BlouseBy ChloéLocated in West Palm Beach, FLChloe' gold and blue rhinestone jewel neckline blouse. Abstract print on a cream ground in blue and gold, the round neckline has a circular band of crys...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Blouses and Tops
- Dennis Basso Striped Dyed Mink & Silk Twill TopBy Dennis BassoLocated in West Palm Beach, FLDennis Basso striped dyed mink & silk twill top. The front of this gorgeous top is made of mink fur dyed in shades of purple, pink-taupe and grey brown set in a horizontal pattern, t...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Blouses and Tops
- Martin Grant Black Sleeveless Gathered Tunic Top with Crochet BallsBy Martin GrantLocated in West Palm Beach, FLMartin Grant black sleeveless gathered tunic top with a neck corsage of crochet black balls. Racer neck top is gathered at the neck with a ruffle, open ga...Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Blouses and Tops
- Anne Klein Black Silk Organza Double Pocket Long Sleeve Blouse 1970sBy Anne KleinLocated in West Palm Beach, FLAnne Klein black silk organza double pocket long sleeve blouse from the 1970s. Button front blouse with black glass buttons, double open breast pockets, deep set in, long sleeves hav...Category
1970s American Blouses and Tops
- Halston Black Crepe Studded Tunic, c.1970s.By HalstonLocated in New York, NYHalston Black Crepe Studded Tunic, c.1970s. Halston Black Crepe Tunic featuring bateau neckline and elasticated waist. Allover studs creates a Starry night effect. Diffusion Line ...Category
1970s American Tunics
- Christian Dior Navy Blue Iconic Logo Tank Top Tank Top T-ShirtBy Christian DiorLocated in Hoffman Estates, ILDescription: Christian Dior navy blue logo tank top T-Shirt.Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Tank Tops
- Christian Dior Navy Blue Iconic Logo Tank Top Tank Top T-ShirtBy Christian DiorLocated in Hoffman Estates, ILChristian Dior navy blue logo tank top T-Shirt.Category
21st Century and Contemporary French T-Shirts
- Extremely Rare Chanel CC Logo Cropped T-shirt Black 1996By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, ChanelLocated in Hoffman Estates, ILIconic Chanel logo cropped t-shirt featuring CC logos in black. From 1996 Spring collection, designed by Karl Lagerfeld. This is a well-known piece among Chanel collectors.Category
1990s French T-Shirts
- KENZO FW 1992 black silk Bustier NEW with tagBy Kenzo Takada, Kenzo ParisLocated in Genève, CHKenzo black satin corset bustier with structured bust is from the last collection designed by Kenzo Takada himself. New conditions. - 7 fabric buttons fastening - Fully lined - 67% Acetate / 33% Silk - FW...Category
1990s French Bustiers
- GUCCI RTW FW 2009 silk lurex ShirtBy GucciLocated in Genève, CHFabulous silk metallic shirt from Gucci Fall 2009 RTW Collection designed by Frida Giannini -Metallic fabric double effect in grey and purple -Closed ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Chemises