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 Alpaca Plush Swing Coat
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New York, NY
Dramatic Gianfranco Ferre Swing Coat in inky black Alpaca from the 1980's. Raised tucked collar which falls into folds down front of closureless robe coat. Large shoulder pads with f...
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: ...
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 ...
An Ice blue Tuxedo Pant Suit by Gianfranco Ferre - Italy Circa 1995 - 2000
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1995 - 2000 Italy Elegant Tuxedo Trouser Suit in ice blue virgin wool fabric (100% WV) by the famous Italian designer Mr Gianfranco Ferre (1944 - 2007). Soft jacket with small...
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 ...
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
Christian Dior Couture floral dress
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Austin, TX
late 1980's - Early 1990s CHRISTIAN DIOR Couture by Gianfranco Ferre Floral print Button closure at front 100% silk 49.5" bust, 54" waist, 58.5" hips, 33.75" length Condition: Exce...
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...
$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 ...
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
Gianfranco Ferre Runway Embellished Dress, Spring-Summer 2005
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Geneva, CH
Made from stretch jersey and snakeskin, this 00's Ferré dress (look n° 78 from the SS2005 collection) is embellished with beads. Labeled an Italian size 42...
Coat and skirt ensemble with leopard print GFF Gianfranco Ferré
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Coat and skirt ensemble with leopard print. Main fabric composition: 67% rayon, 33% polyester. Double-breasted with branded buttons. Lining composition: 100% rayon Pockets on both...
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...
1999 Gianfranco Ferre Runway Sheer hot pink Silk 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...
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 Ferré black elegant suit 1990s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Genova, IT
Gianfranco Ferré black elegant suit 1990s ABOUT Women's suit by Gianfranco Ferré, a piece of Italian vintage of great elegance and impeccable quality. The outfit consists of a penc...
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: ...
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)
1190s Gianfranco Ferrè vintage frame
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Capri, IT
1190s Gianfranco Ferrè vintage frame
Evening gown in pleated tulle and embroideries Gianfranco Ferré
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Bustier Evening gown in dark purple silk pleated tulle and embroideries. Silk chiffon lining .
Gianfranco Ferré Sequin Skirt - '90s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
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...
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...
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...
Gianfranco Ferré Black Wool Suit - US8/L
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Krakow, PL
Gianfranco Ferré – Black Suit (Jacket & Pants) – Size US8 / L Condition: Very good Condition notes: Minimal signs of use on lining in the underarm area; additional cleaning recommen...
Gianfranco Ferré Embellished Bodysuit - '90s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
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 ...
$300Sale Price|20% Off
Gianfranco Ferre Pale Oyster Grey Silk Blouse with Peplum
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New Hope, PA
Gianfranco Ferre Designed this pale oyster grey silk blouse with some interesting details. The button front blouse has a pointed collar, hidden buttons, long sleeves with French cu...
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...
1990s Gianfranco Ferre Black and White Fishnet Beaded Bodycon 90s Vintage Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy 1990s GIANFRANCO FERRE black and white fishnet mini dress! Black cotton jersey with white fishnet. Red hand-sewn seed beads at side waist subtly spell out the GFF logo. Classic ...
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...
1980s Gianfranco Ferre Red Cocktail Dress With Pink Fan Detail
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in London, GB
This arresting 1980s crimson silk cocktail dress by Gianfranco Ferre is of excellent quality and features a show-stopping design. The piece combines stylish simplicity with flamboyan...
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 Ferre Favorite Avant Garde Beaded Blue Evening Dress NEW
By Gianfranco Ferré, Christian Dior
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...
Gianfranco Ferre New Pink Leather Jacket with Grommets
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous shell pink leather crop jacket by Gianfranco Ferre. It has a bateau neckline, long sleeves, and is covered in rows of silver gradating grommets smaller in size at the top...
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
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...
90s Gianfranco Ferre Hot Pink and Sheer Silk Floral Runway Gown
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Spring 1999 runway gown Fushcia silk floral applique gown. This gown is made of silk applique on sheer net fabric. 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...
Black silk cocktail dress with colorfull rhinestone embellishment GF Ferré
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black silk cocktail dress with colorful rhinestone. Zip on the left side. Size 40 (M )
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...
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...
documented 1980's GIANFRANCO FERRE wide black leather belt with top-stitching
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This documented 1980’s Gianfranco Ferre belt is made from wide, structured black leather with bold contrast top-stitching throughout. The leather is thick and holds its shape well, w...
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 ...
Gianfranco Ferre beige wool column dress, fw 1999
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianfranco Ferre beige wool column dress ▪ Wide funnel neck with halter ▪ High leg slit at center-front ▪ Extra long skirt ▪ Fully lined ▪ IT 42 - FR 38 - UK 10 - US 6 ▪ Fall-Win...
Gianfranco Ferré black gown with sheer sleeves, ca. 1970
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New York, NY
Gianfranco Ferré black gown with sheer sleeves, ca. 1970 Long black wool dress with subtle shimmer featuring waistcoat-style bodice with sheer sleeves. Mermaid skirt features diagona...
Gianfranco Ferre embroidered tulle and velvet evening dress, fw 1998
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in London, GB
Gianfranco Ferré couture embroidered tulle evening gown, WITH metal-strip worked crescent moon, stars and arabesques, skirt with velvet centra...
Brown Gianfranco Ferre Charm-Embellished Leather Jacket
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New York, NY
Brown charm-embellished cropped leather jacket by Gianfranco Ferre. Gold-tone chain-link and charm embellishments throughout. Whipstitch trim. Pointed collar. Front tie closures. 35"...
$705Sale Price|25% Off
GIANFRANCO FERRE Vintage cream silk XL bow detail power shoulder jacket IT44 L
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Hong Kong, NT
GIANFRANCO FERRE Vintage cream silk XL bow detail power shoulder jacket IT44 L Reference: DYTG/A00015 Brand: Gianfranco Ferre Designer: Gianfranco Ferre Material: Silk Color: Cream P...
Gianfranco Ferre raw silk patchwork embroidered pants, ss 2002
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianfranco Ferre raw silk patchwork evening pants ▪ Elaborate embroidery all-over in metal gold thread and sequins ▪ Straight leg ▪ Cream silk...
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 ...
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...
Gianfranco Ferre embellished silk backless evening top, ss 2006
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianfranco Ferre silk halter neck evening top ▪ Floral shaped embellishments in pink, white, gold, and red ▪ Silk string ties to the back ▪ IT 44 - FR 40 - UK 12 ▪ Spring-Summer ...
Gianfranco Ferré Evening Leather Bag Clutch
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Gianfranco Ferré -Evening bag in fake leather and long handle. To note, rare marks on the bag. Additional information: Dimensions: Width: 18 cm, Height: 11 cm, Depth: 6 cm, Handle...
Gianfranco Ferre Vintage Leather Trench Coat Lined in Sheared Fur Size L (NWT)
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This coat designed by Mr. Ferre for the Gianfranco Ferre FORMA lable has been in a celebrity closet and never worn. Purchased at the Ferre boutique in...
Gianfranco Ferré Vintage Unisex Sunglasses Circa 1990s Made in Italy
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Capri, IT
Gianfranco Ferrè vintage sunglasses still with box Totally made in Italy
Gianfranco Ferré leather belt
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GIANFRANCO FERRÉ - (Made in Italy) Brown leather belt with a golden and silvery metal buckle and a magnifying glass. Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Size 70 SKU:ACC246
Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Black and White Sheer Chiffon Beaded 90s Wide Leg Set
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing vintage late 1990s GIANFRANCO FERRE Couture black and white silk chiffon beaded wide leg ensemble set! Features a semi sheer chiffon b...
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...
Vintage Gianfranco Ferre 1990s Lilac Lavender Purple Lizard Embossed Handbag 90s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage early 90s GIANFRANCO FERRE lilac light purple lizard skin embossed leather bag! Beautiful color matches nearly everything, and can be worn all year. Hinged opening ...
1990s Gianfranco Ferre Velvet Unique Colorblock Dress S
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Miami, FL
Gorgeous dress in color block jewel tones velvet. The top is a deep purple and the second section is more of a grape purple and then the bottom section is black. In between the bloc...