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.
F/W 1999 Gianfranco Ferré Runway Beige Strapless Corset Boned Top
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianfranco Ferré’s Fall/Winter 1999 collection, this beige strapless corset top debuted on the runway. Designed with structured boning, tonal stitching, and a hidden double zip ...
GIANFRANCO FERRE 90's Vintage 3 Piece Skirt Suit Set Ensemble
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Gianfranco Ferre Vintage Early 1990's 3 pieces (skirt, blazer, & scarf) Size IT42 but fits like an IT40 Excellent Condition, no flaws Measurements in inches laying flat: Skirt: ...
S/S 2006 Gianfranco Ferré heavily embellished Lace Beaded metallic Silver Jeans
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Sheffield, GB
A remarkable Pair of Spring / Summer 2006 Metallic Silver jeans by Gianfranco Ferré, featuring intricate embellishments, turquoise beading and fine embroideries as-well as full layer...
Gianfranco Ferré Fall/Winter 1994 Runway Black Jersey Jumpsuit & Matching Skirt
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Gianfranco Ferré Fall/Winter 1994 Runway Black Jersey Jumpsuit & Layered Skirt An iconic archival jumpsuit from Gianfranco Ferré’s Fall/Winter 1994 runway, worn as the opening lo...
GIANFRANCO FERRE 1993 Brown Sheer High Waisted Leggings/Tights
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Gianfranco Ferre Vintage SS93 Sheer brown Embroidered pattern Back zip IT42 but fits smaller please see measurements below NWT's, Pristine Measurements in inches laying flat: inseam ...
Gianfranco Ferré 90's ivory beige sheer lace embroidered slip wedding mini dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE Gianfranco Ferré 90's mini dress Constructed of two layers, a nude, sheer silk chiffon slip, overlaid with an illusion tulle ground richly worked in highly dimensi...
Cappotto Gianfranco Ferré rosso in lana con collo in pelliccia – Anni '80
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Elegante cappotto vintage firmato Gianfranco Ferré, realizzato in Italia, espressione dell’estetica strutturata e raffinata che ha reso iconico lo stilista negli anni Ottanta. Il mod...
1999 Gianfranco Ferre Hot Pink and Sheer Silk Floral Runway Gown
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gianfranco Ferre Spring 1999 runway gown Fushcia silk floral applique gown. This gown is made of silk applique on sheer net fabric. Long sleeve and zip on the side. Museum Quality an...
Gianfranco Ferré Vintage Fall Winter 1995 Runway Three-Piece Tuxedo-Inspired Set
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage Gianfranco Ferré Runway 1995 Three-Piece Tuxedo-Inspired Silk Blouse, Vest & Skirt Set This rare outfit from Gianfranco Ferré’s 1995 ...
Printed parka with sherling collar and edge GF FERRE
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed parka with sherling collar and edge. Outside fabric composition: 100% polyester. Lam sherling details. Lining composition: 70% rayon, 30% polyester. Zip closure on the middl...
Gianfranco Ferre Black Evening Ensemble with Lace Peplum, 1980s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1980s era Gianfranco Ferre evening ensemble. Black faille jacket with heavy lace peplum with diamante button closing with hidden snaps. paired with full length slim fitting straight ...
GIANFRANCO FERRÉ suit jacket and dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Rubiera, RE
GIANFRANCO FERRÉ suit jacket and dress Important cocktail suit in black and white fish thorn wool fabric with chantilly gray lace inlays embroi...
Christian Dior by Gianfranco Ferre S/S 1994 vintage black silk evening dress
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Enjoy this item as part of our Holiday Sale, for one week! Christian Dior by Gianfranco Ferre spring summer 1994 runway black silk evening dress. A white version was presented on th...
1990s Gianfranco Ferre Size 44 / 8 Brown Drop Waist Grommet Turtleneck 90s Gown
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1990s vintage GIANFRANCO FERRE chocolate brown silver grommet encrusted rayon elastane turtleneck evening dress ! Features logo embossed grommets at drop waist. Hidden zipper up...
NWT Gianfranco Ferre 2000s Size 44 / 8 - 10 Black Dolman Sleeve Gown Maxi Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant early 2000s new with original store tags vintage Y2K GIANFRANCO FERRE black rayon wrap gown ! Features a generous bodice with dolman sleeves. The dress can actually be worn backwards as well. Simply slips over the head, and buttons at the side. Very flattering, and a timeless investment to any wardrobe. Brand new, with tags attached. Made in Italy Marked Size 44 / US 8 - 10 Measurements: Up to 44 inch bust...
Gianfranco Ferre Soft Wool + Alpaca Avant Garde Coat with Cape Detail
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Sparks, NV
Unbelievably soft gray wool and alpaca blend coat with a cape detail by Gianfranco Ferre. Partially lined. 85% pure virgin wool 15% alpaca. Made in Italy. Marked size 44. Estimated s...
90s Gianfranco Ferre Cream Lace Cocktail Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
90s Gianfranco Ferre Cream Lace spaghetti strap cocktail dress with embroidery. Perfect for wedding or rehearsal dinner. Size 4/6 Measurement : Bust 36”/ W 31”/ H : 36”/ Length: 34.5”
Silk ivory shirt dress Gianfranco Ferré
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silk ivory shirt dress with button and buttonhole closure on the middle front and snap closure on the cuffs. Bow tie SIZE 40 / L
Gold silk chiffon lurex cocktail dress with beaded work Gianfranco Ferré
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Gold silk chiffon lurex cocktail dress with beaded work ( on half on the bust and middle back on the zip) Ajustable shoulders straps in beige velvet. Silk chiffon lurex as lining. Th...
Gianfranco Ferre Brown Beaded Chiffon Gown, 1990s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sparkling chocolate 1990s elegance! This gorgeous gown evokes charm and class with its gorgeous beaded bodice juxtaposed with sheer illusion cuts and sparkling silk body. Double laye...
Gianfranco Ferré Embellished Leather Jacket - '90s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, IT
Brown soft leather jacket by Gianfranco Ferré with striking African-inspired design, featuring bold wooden and gold-tone sculptural accents, open front, and cropped quarter sleeves. ...
Gianfranco Ferre Runway Gown Spring/Summer 2004 Size 42IT
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Gianfranco Ferre - Runway Gown Spring/Summer 2004 Size 42IT
$580Sale Price|20% Off
Gianfranco Ferre Black Jersey + Pleather Sexy Vintage 1990s Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage Gianfranco Ferre black jersey dress, with pleather details at bust and shoulder straps! Body hugging fit, that is very forgiving, yet extreme...
Gianfranco Ferre Vintage Black Wool Silk Avant Garde Cut Out Tunic Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Sparks, NV
Black wool and silk avant garde tunic dress by Gianfranco Ferre. Unique avant garde shape with an asymmetric neckline and "slash" detail on the front and back shoulder. Details: ...
$933Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Gianfranco Ferre 1990s Brown + White Zebra Jeweled BodyCon Jersey Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing vintage GIANFRANCO FERRE (early 90s) brown and white abstract zebra printed rayon jersey BodyCon dress! Features incredible Amber and green crystal jewels below bust. Intrica...
Silk organza shirt and top ensemble GIANFRANCO FERRE STUDIO
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silk organza shirt and top ensemble with ribbon and sequin embellishment on the sleeve. SIZE 48 (It) 44 (Fr) L
Long sleeve see-through top with sequin embellishment Gianfranco Ferré Studio
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long sleeve see-through top with sequin embellishment. Fabric composition: 92% nylon, 8% stretch. Ribs on the bottom and sleeve edge composition: 92% cotton, 8% stretch SIZE L
See-through silk shirt with thread and beads embroideries GIANFRANCO FERRE FORMA
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
See-through silk shirt with thread and beads embroideries. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle front . Hook&eye on the cuffs. SIZE 46 (IT) 10 (US)
$375Sale Price|44% Off
Gianfranco Ferre
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in University City, MO
Gianfranco Ferre Elegant champagne silk sheath dress Made in Italy Size 46 The stylish dress is designed with luminous champagne color silk The dress ...
Gianfranco Ferré Sequin Skirt - '90s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, IT
Gianfranco Ferré sequin-embellished wrap style skirt with bold animal print and striking red beaded trim — a statement piece for glamorous evening wear. With a silk lining and snap b...
1990s Gianfranco Ferre Size 46 XL Black Sheer Silk Chiffon Blouse Vintage Shirt
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 90s vintage GIANFRANCO FERRE black silk chiffon sheer blouse ! Rhinestone encrusted buttons down the front. Great belted or alone. In great unworn condition Made in Italy ...
90s Gianfranco Ferre White Silk V Neck Sleeveless Gown
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
90s Gianfranco Ferre White Silk sleeveless gown with v neck satin lapel. Size: 40italy, fit size 6 US Perfect for wedding or rehearsal dinner. Measurement flat: Bust : 36”/ empire wa...
Brown and red striped single breasted jacket FERRE
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Brown and red striped single breasted jacket . Main fabric composition: linen . Lining composition: rayon & polyester. Satin ribbon pipping. Branded button and buttonhole closure on ...
Vintage Gianfranco Ferre 90s Size 46 / 10 Black Jersey Racerback Midi Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy late 1990s GIANFRANCO FERRE black jersey racerback midi dress ! Features. A draped high neck with a tailored bodice. The back reveals just the right amount of skin. Hidden zipper up the back of the skirt with hook-and-eye closure. The perfect black dress...
Stretch tulle tee-shirt with embroideries GIANFRANCO FERRE STUDIO
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Stretch tulle tee-shirt with beads, rhinestone and pearls. Tulle and lining composition: 100% nylon. Zip closure on the left side SIZE 44 (It) 40 (Fr) M
Vintage Gianfranco Ferre 1990s Brown + White Zebra Jeweled BodyCon Jersey Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing vintage GIANFRANCO FERRE (early 90s) brown and white abstract zebra printed rayon jersey BodyCon dress! Features incredible Amber and green crystal jewels below bust. Intrica...
Gianfranco Ferré Embellished Bodysuit - '90s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage 90s Gianfranco Ferré bodysuit in beige mesh with golden sequin embellishment in a signature Ferré motif. Remarks: The tags are missing. There are some imperfections on the ...
Gianfranco Ferre Animal Print Fur Coat
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic is an understatement to describe this Gianfranco animal print fur coat.Light up any room with this luxurious fur while pairing it with a simple gown or something more expressi...
2000s Gianfranco Ferre Navy and Brown Polka Dot Spring Weight Coat
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Gianfranco Ferre navy blue and brown oval polka dot oversize coat. Swing style with two buttons at neck and the bottom lays open. Cotton. Beautiful draping. Perfect for spring and ea...
Gianfranco Ferré Vintage Jacket in Black Jacquard Fabric with Leather Inserts
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
A rare and sophisticated garment by Gianfranco Ferré, a symbol of the architectural elegance and bold design that have made the Italian designer famous. This vintage jacket in black ...
S/S 2006 Gianfranco Ferré Sheer Turquoise Beaded Lace Sleeveless Brown Tunic Top
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This sheer brown tunic top from Gianfranco Ferré's Spring/Summer 2006 collection is intricately embellished with silver and turquoise beadwork over fine lace. Finished with a high la...
Ferragamo Black Cotton Dress with High Side Opening
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New Hope, PA
This black cotton dress from Ferragamo has a notched collar, left side breast pocket, short sleeves and a faux wrap style. There is a left side zipper, a full skirt with two hip poc...
3 pieces black Tuxedo with rhinestone buttons Gianfranco Ferré
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
3 pieces ( jacket, vest and trouser) black Tuxedo with rhinestone buttons. Main fabric composition: 62% acetate, 38% rayon. Lining composition: 100% rayon. Shoulder-pad. Pocket on b...
NWT Gianfranco Ferre Size 8 Navy Blue White Sequin Paillettes Silk Chiffon Top
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand new with tags beautiful early 2000s GIANFRANCO FERRE navy blue and white sequin and paillette encrusted silk chiffon blouse ! Features thousands of hand-sewn sequins and beads ...
Gianfranco Ferrè 3 piece suit like new
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
3-piece suit Gianfranco Ferrè composed of jacket, skirt and top The multicolored horizontal striped jacket contrasts with the bronze-colored suit underneath. Condition like new Meas...
Gianfranco Ferré bustier dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GIANFRANCO FERRÉ - (Made in Italy) Dark-brown velvet bustier dress. Size 38FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 32 cm - Waist: 35 cm - Length: 145 cm SKU:VR554
Runway Gianfranco Ferré Sculptural Lambskin Leather Vest - Spring/Summer 2004
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Charenton-le-pont, FR
A rare and collectible masterpiece from Gianfranco Ferré’s Spring/Summer 2004 runway collection. This avant-garde vest is meticulously crafted from premium lambskin leather in a rich...
Sequin mini cocktail dress with animal pattern GIANFRANCO FERRÉ JEANS
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sequin mini cocktail dress with animal pattern. Black polyester jersey lining. SIZE L
1990s Gianfranco Ferre Black Leather Mongolian Shearling Cuff Moto Jacket
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianfranco Ferré jacket from the 1990s is crafted in smooth black leather with voluminous Mongolian shearling fur cuffs. The design features a structured collar, a front zipper ...
2000s Gianfranco Ferre Silk Embellished Evening Bustier
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
2003 Gianfranco Ferre creme silk bustier embellished with rhinestones and chains. Bustier still has original tag from the store. ( see runway ) picture. marked size 42 Bust: 34” / 28...
Red sleeveless jersey top-stitched cocktail dress Ferré NEW
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red sleeveless jersey top-stitched cocktail dress. NEW wit tag. SIZE 42 (It) 38 (Fr) 8 (Us)
Wool and mohair long edge to edge cardigan Gianfranco Ferré
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Wool and mohair long edge to edge cardigan. Silk lining inside the pockets and felt lining inside the collar. No lining. Fabric composition: 62% wool, 25% ...
90s Gianfranco Ferre tan knit dress with silk collar
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Deadstock Gianfranco Ferre knit dress with silk collar. Size: 2/ XS Bust: 32" Hip: 34" Flaws: black stains (front collar) you can easily reverse the collar (in and out) to hi...
Gianfranco Ferré Black Sequin Fringe Cocktail Dress, 1980s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Experience the dazzling allure of Gianfranco Ferre's Black Sequin Fringe Cocktail Dress from the iconic Ultimo boutique. With a sleek, flapper-inspired silhouette and intricate Art D...
$960Sale Price|20% Off
CHRISTIAN DIOR Vintage 1990s leopard lurex embroidery sheer back dress FR38 M
By Gianfranco Ferré, Christian Dior
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN DIOR Vintage 1990s leopard lurex embroidery sheer back dress FR38 M Reference: TGAS/E00216 Brand: Christian Dior Designer: Gianfranco Ferre Collection: Early 1990s Material: Wool, Cotton, Blend Color: Bronze, Black Pattern: Leopard Closure: Zip Lining: Black Fabric Extra Details: This Christian Dior Boutique dress, designed by Gianfranco Ferré in the 1990s, features a cheetah print top...
$292Sale Price|35% Off
GIANFRANCO FERRE Vintage red black floral embroidery stand collar jacket M
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANFRANCO FERRE Vintage red black floral embroidery stand collar jacket M Reference: TGAS/B02205 Brand: Gianfranco Ferre Designer: Gianfranco Ferre Color: Red, Black Pattern: Floral...
Long skirt in green satin, tulle and black ribbon appliqué Gianfranco FERRE
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long evening skirt in green satin, Polka-dot tulle and black ribbon appliqué. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle back ( adjustable, there is 2 buttons) SIZE 38 (Fr) M
1990s Gianfranco FerreNavy Blue Iridescent Trench Coat
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1990s Gianfranco Ferre iridescent navy blue trench coat with black oversized black fox fur cuffs. Double breasted with a notched collar and wide lapels a...
Gianfranco Ferre Favorite Avant Garde Beaded Blue Evening Dress NEW
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gianfranco Ferre's highly architectural avant garde creation, designed with an art deco influence, is truly unique and imaginative in an amazing innovative and structurally breathtak...
NWT 1990s Gianfranco Ferre Black Sheer Logo Vintage One Piece Swimsuit Bodysuit
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Step into bold 1990s glamour with this new-with-tags Gianfranco Size Medium one piece swimsuit or bodysuit ! A rare archival piece that perfectly embodies the designer’s daring aest...