Gianfranco Ferre Fur Collar Shift Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: Fits Like a US 10 (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU583318704792
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 PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Burberry Black Silk-Blend Cutout Sheath DressBy BurberryLocated in Los Angeles, CABurberry Black Silk-Blend Cutout Sheath Dress Black/Brown/Tortoise Pattern Allover circular cutouts Square neckline Long sleeves with bell cuffs Cuffs adorned with chain-linked wood...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Jean Paul Gaultier Pleated Dress FW2002By Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Los Angeles, CAVintage Pleated Stitched Long Dress by Jean Paul Gaultier Femme Fall / Winter 2002 Ready-To-Wear Made in Italy Black Long sleeve Floor length dress Turtle neckline Pleated and stitch...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Attico Color Block Sequin Wrap DressLocated in Los Angeles, CAColor block sequin wrap dress by Attico Wrap style mini dress V-neckline Color-blocked multicolored sequins throughout Blouson Long sleeves with t...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vintage Vicky Tiel Gathered Strapless DressBy Vicky TielLocated in Los Angeles, CAVintage Strapless Gathered Dress by Vicky Tiel Circa 1980's Made in France Black Sweetheart neckline Gathered bodice with asymmetrical wrap effect Decorative bow on right hip Int...Category
1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Givenchy Bandage Cutout DressBy GivenchyLocated in Los Angeles, CABandage cutout dress by Givenchy Made in Italy Red Three-quarter sleeves Gathered shoulder detail Shoulder pads Cutouts throughout bodice and back Decor...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Louis Féraud Decorative Cutout Neckline Dress 1974By Louis FeraudLocated in Los Angeles, CADecorative cutout neckline dress by Louis Feraud Made in Germany 1974 Black Full-length Long sleeves with functional cuff zippers Scalloped keyhole ...Category
1970s German Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Lilac & Multicolor Patbo One-Shoulder Floral Print Dress Size US 0Located in New York, NYLilac and multicolor floral print one-shoulder tiered ruffle dress by Patbo. Belt at waist. Zip closure at side. 26" bust, 24" waist, 51" length.Category
21st Century and Contemporary South American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Emilio Pucci Blue Silk DressBy Emilio PucciLocated in Paris, FREmilio Pucci blue silk jersey printed dress featuring an iconic geometric print, a front gathered detail. Composition: 100% silk Estimated size IT42/38fr/US6 /UK10 Made in Italy. In...Category
1990s French Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s A J Bari Vintage Silver Evening Dress w Puffed Gathered Sleeves & PocketsBy A.J. BariLocated in Portland, ORWe love this vintage A. J. Bari vintage dress from the 1980's. The dress is in a silver abstract pattern fabric and it has a gently pleated skirt, gather...Category
1980s American Evening Dresses
- Gucci S/S 2010 Unworn Bodycon Lace Up Bandage Grey Mini DressBy GucciLocated in Naples, FLGucci S/S 2010 Unworn Bodycon Lace Up Bandage Grey Mini Dress Size XSCategory
2010s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2003 Corset Bustier Bra Bodycon Hook and Eye Black DressBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Naples, FLDolce & Gabbana Corset Bustier Bra Bodycon Hook and Eye Black Dress IT 38Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Dolce & Gabbana Vintage Special Edition Bodycon Corset Black Mini DressBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Naples, FLDolce & Gabbana Vintage Special Edition Bodycon Corset Black Mini Dress IT 42 Dolce & Gabbana bodycon corset structured mini dress featuring lac...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mini Dress