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 IT40
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 ...
1990s High Quality Faux Tortoise Shell Acetate Gianfranco Ferrè Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Elevate your vintage eyewear collection with these never used statement 1990s sunglasses by iconic Italian designer Gianfranco Ferrè. Featuring a refined cat-eye silhouette, the fram...
Gianfranco Ferré Vintage F/W 1995 Runway Black Tuxedo-Inspired Set
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage Gianfranco Ferré Runway 1995 Tuxedo-Inspired Vest & Skirt Set This rare outfit from Gianfranco Ferré’s 1995 runway show is a striking...
Rare Gianfranco Ferre Asymmetric Avant Garde Croco Organza Evening Dress
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
SHIPPING ONLY IN THE U.S.A. Over-the-top avant garde genuine croc, silk, organza and spandex dress by Gianfranco Ferre. Offered brand new. Ferre's dramatic 2003-2004 croco collec...
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
Brown sleeveless cocktail dress with gold painting and beadwork Gianfranco Ferré
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Brown sleeveless cocktail dress with gold painting and beadwork. Fabric composition: 85% rayon, 15% lycra. SIZE 36/38 S/M
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 Shell Pink Leather Crop 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...
1980s High Quality Vintage Italian Sunglasses by Gianfranco Ferrè
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Aci Castello, IT
These authentic 1980s vintage Gianfranco Ferrè designer eyewear frames showcase the architectural precision and bold luxury characteristic of the iconic Italian house. Crafted with a...
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 .
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 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 ...
Christian Dior by Gianfranco Ferre S/S 1994 vintage black silk evening dress
By Gianfranco Ferré, Christian Dior
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...
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: ...
Ferré blouse by Gianfranco Ferré circa 1995
By Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GIANFRANCO FERRÉ - Ready-to-wear collection circa 1990-1995 under the artistic direction of Gianfranco Ferré. White silk organza blouse embroidered with an acanthus leaf motif. Mar...
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...
Christian Dior skirt by Gianfranco Ferré Winter 1992
By Gianfranco Ferré, Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
DIOR - 1992 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Gianfranco Ferré. Black lace and tulle petticoat-style skirt. Size 36FR indicated. Made in France....
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...
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 ...
Y2K Gianfranco Ferre Vintage Sporty Color Block 2-Piece Skirt + Top Ensemble
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Sparks, NV
Sporty vintage 2-piece top and skirt ensemble by Gianfranco Ferre in color blocked jersey and mesh panels. Details: Unlined Front Zip Closure On Top Hook and Tie Closure On S...
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)
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...
$319Sale Price|20% Off
Gianfranco Ferré Vintage Black Sequined Pants Size 42 IT, 1990s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Capri, IT
Gianfranco Ferre black sequins pants size 42 it Waist 78 cm
GIANFRANCO FERRE Size EU 37.5 Black Suede Over the Knee Block Heel Boots
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Francisco, CA
GIANFRANCO FERRE comes in a black suede featuring a over-the-knee style, block heels, and a pull-on design. Made in Italy. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: 80826 8436 37 1/2 ...
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...
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...
2000s Gianfranco Ferré Semi-Sheer Black Bodycon Off-the-Shoulder Tank Top IT40
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianfranco Ferré tank top from the 2000s is cut in a fitted bodycon silhouette with an off-the-shoulder neckline. It is constructed in semi-sheer black stretch textile with a wr...
Gianfranco Ferre Warm Brown Leather and Pony Shouler Bag
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully detailed Gianfranco Ferre warm brown calfskin leather with pony skin accents is finished with detailed topstitching throughout the bag. Shoulder strap along with the...
1980s Gianfranco Ferré Ivory & Champagne Embroidered Lace Illusion Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An exceptional late 1980s to early 1990s Gianfranco Ferré cocktail dress showcasing the designer’s signature balance of architectural structure and refined femininity. Beautifully c...
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...
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...
Gianfranco Ferre "Leopard" Print Tortoise Shell with Gold Hardware Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully wicked Gianfranco Ferre sunglasses measures 5 1/2" in length in front, height is 1 3/8", arms are 6". The corners are accented with gild gold hardware.
Gianfranco Ferre Spring Summer 1999 brown bodycon maxi dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in PARIS, FR
Stunning and rare Gianfranco Ferre brown knit one shoulder and sleeve bodycon gown from the Spring Summer 1999 collection. Similar designs were presented on the runway. Comes with sl...
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...
1990s Gianfranco Ferre Size 44 / 8 Metallic Bronze Gold High Waist Pencil Skirt
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1990s GIANFRANCO FERRE metllaic bronze / golden high waisted pencil skirt! The perfect pairing for a basic black or white blouse. Skirt is even prettier in person, and looks lik...
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 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...
Backless pink silk chiffon draped evening dress with beaded back GF Ferré
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Backless Pink silk chiffon draped evening dress with beaded back . Invisible zip on the left side and hook&eye behind the neck. No fabric tag but the main fabric is silk chiffon and...
Gianfranco Ferré Vintage Black Wool Sheath Dress from the 1980s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Genova, IT
Vintage 1980s black wool sheath dress by Gianfranco Ferré ABOUT Vintage winter dress from the 1980s by Gianfranco Ferré. The long-sleeved sheath dress has a simple silhouette and i...
GIANFRANCO FERRE, Pink Organza Silk Black Sleeve Vest Jacket 1990s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Kingston, NY
Vintage Gianfranco Ferré vest jacket in pink silk organza front covered in shimmering gold sequins. Styled with contrasting black long sleeves, a...
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 Runway Crystal Embellished Gown Spring/Summer 2005 Size 40IT
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Gianfranco Ferre Runway Crystal Embellished Gown Spring/Summer 2005 Size 40IT
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
Ferré gray pinstripe blazer from the 2000s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Genova, IT
Gianfranco Ferré Gray Pinstriped Jacket ABOUT A timeless classic, the gray pinstripe blazer is a piece that turns heads on any occasion. This is a Ferrè blazer from the 2000s, and ...
GIANFRANCO FERRE, Crimson Wool and Alpaca Purple Silk lining Cocoon Coat 1978
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Kingston, NY
Rare archival Gianfranco Ferré circa 1978 oversized cocoon coat in rich crimson red. Crafted from a soft wool and alpaca blend, featuring a contrast vibrant purple silk interior lini...
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 Ferré Sequined Sheer Jacket - '90s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Gianfranco Ferré sheer jacket with all over sequin in light pink. The jacket has a front zipper opening with a golden ball. The hem is elaborated with golden round sequins and beads....
Sheer beaded nylon tulle tee-shirt GIANFRANCO FERRE Studio
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sheer beaded nylon tulle tee-shirt with jersey lining. SIZE 44 (It) 8 (Us) New with extra rhinestone provided.
Gianfranco Ferré Sheer Top
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This Gianfranco Ferré top is made of sheer silk and is the perfect vintage look for the modern fashionista. The grey hue and detailed hem offer a ...
1990s Gianfranco Ferré Oversized Graphic Sweatshirt God Save The King
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in London, GB
Vintage GF Ferré "God Save The King / English Attitude" Graphic Sweatshirt – Size Large (Oversized 90s Style) Condition: Good, rated 8/10. Shows minor signs of normal vintage wear ...
90s Gianfranco Ferre Light Brown Strapless Mini cocktail Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Light Brown Knit mini strapless dress with leather trimming. Dress has built in bra. Perfect for cocktail party. Size : Small Bust : 32” / Waist : 28” / ...
Gianfranco Ferre Studios Sleeveless maxi fishnet beaded grey dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in CANNES, FR
Gianfranco Ferré Studio Sleeveless, floor-length, anthracite-colored mesh dress embellished with beads. Italian size 40. Very good condition.
Gianfranco Ferre 1990s Leather Suede + Mohair Tan Nude Vintage 90s Sweater Top
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic early 90s GIANFRANCO FERRE tan / nude suede leather and mohair sweater top ! Features panels of suede and mohair, and is lined in silk behind the suede panels. Gold button at ea...
$731Sale Price|20% Off
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...
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...
2000s Gianfranco Ferré Deep Burgundy Velvet Cami Style Tank Top 44FR
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This chic burgundy velvet tank top by Gianfranco Ferré from the 2000s features a wide scoop neckline and a semi-exposed back. Approximate measurements: Size - 44FR Bust: 36" Waist: ...
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...
1990s Gianfranco Ferré Women's Vintage Black Leather Faux Fur Mittens
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in London, GB
1990s Gianfranco Ferre Faux Fur Yeti Mittens, exterior is a supple, heavily grained black leather, cut into a classic mitten silhouette with a stitched thumb gusset and clean topstit...
Gianfranco Ferré 1980's Black Sequin Fringe Cocktail Dress
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...