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.
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...
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 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 ...
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 Ferré Studio Blazer, New with Tag, in Plum-Brown Linen
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Elegant Gianfranco Ferré Studio jacket, made in Italy in the early 2000s and offered in like-new condition, complete with original tag still attached. The model features the typical...
Gianfranco Ferré 1990s Women's Floral Scarf, Good Condition, Italy
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
This striking Gianfranco Ferré scarf captures the designer’s refined sense of style and love for bold color. Made from lightweight, semi-transpa...
Vintage Gian France Ferre Jacket
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in London, GB
A headturning vintage jacket by Gian France Ferre, Studio 0001 . The jacket has great tailoring and a cut away collar, one button fastening and braid detai...
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 Ferré 1990s Golden Metallic Sun Jacquard Vest with Jeweled Buttons
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in NICE, FR
A striking vintage Gianfranco Ferré vest from the 1990s, expertly tailored in a luxurious golden metallic jacquard fabric featuring an oversized ...
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...
Gianfranco Ferre Denim Inspired Wool Suit With Yellow Stitching 1999
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Gianfranco Ferre denim-inspired suit featuring charcoal gray wool fabric, contrasting yellow stitching, a fitted blazer with asymme...
Stunning Gianfranco Ferre Black Motorcycle Leather Jacket With Fur Trim
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Gianfranco Ferre black leather motorcycle jacket featuring a high collar, pony hair insets, whipstitching, decorative black leather...
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...
1990s Gianfranco Ferre Black Knit Jersey Cocktail Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Sexy Vintage 1990s Gianfranco Ferre Black Viscose long sleeve dress. Plunging Cowl neckline with black buggle beads waist band. Dress can be worn off shou...
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...
Gianfranco Ferre Eggplant Purple with Gold Sequin Silk Asymmetrical Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Gianfranco Ferre dress in rich eggplant purple features a gold sequin empire waist and an elegant asymmetrical hem. Crafted from luscious, fully lined silk, it offers both comfo...
Gianfranco Ferré set Winter 1992
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GIANFRANCO FERRÉ - (Made in Italy) Set composed of a lace jacket edged with trimmings, a long-sleeve top, and straight trousers. Leather belt topped with golden lurex threads. Golden...
Gianfranco Ferré Rabbit and Fox Fur Coat - '90s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Indulge in luxury with this vintage Gianfranco Ferré Rabbit and Fox Fur Coat from the 90s. The duo-toned stripe effect of the fur creates a striking look, while fox fur trim adds a t...
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
Gianfranco Ferre Runway Red Evening Gown with Gold Trim Fall/Winter 1992 Sz 40IT
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Gianfranco Ferre Runway Red Evening Gown with Gold Trim Fall/Winter 1992 Sz 40IT
Gianfranco Ferre Black Denim & Fur Jacket & Skirt Ensemble
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection is pleased to offer this vintage Gianfranco Ferre ultra-dark denim jacket and skirt ensemble. The hip-length jacket features stand up collar, yellow topstitching details...
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...
Striped trousers pant suit with threads flowers embroideries GF Ferré
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Striped trousers pant suit with threads flowers embroideries . One branded button in the middle front. Cut-work and top-stitched. Fabric composition: 70% cotton, 30% polyamide. SIZ...
2000s Gianfranco Ferre Black Mock Neck Brown Leather Lace Up Corset Top 42IT
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible black Gianfranco Ferre faux leather accented top. From the 2000s, this chic black knit top features short sleeves, a mock neck, and is made complete with a l...
$102Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Gianfranco Ferré all-silk tie
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, IT
This all-silk vintage tie designed by Gianfranco Ferré is elegant and classy. Its white motifs on a light blue background make it classic, fresh and elegant. This tie is the ideal ac...
$227Sale Price|45% Off
Oaks by Gianfranco Ferre Black & White Wool Jacket
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Capri, IT
Oaks by Gianfranco Ferre Black & White Jacket Totally made in italy in size 40 Composition: Wool
Vintage Gianfranco Ferré from the 80's
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Paris, FR
Bold and unmistakably contemporary, this Gianfranco Ferré frame from the early 2000s embodies the confident elegance that defined the turn of the millennium. Its clean rectangular si...
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 FERRE, Red, Wool and Alpaca, Cocoon Coat, 1978
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Kingston, NY
Gianfranco Ferre, Circa 1978 Oversized, Red, Cocoon Coat 70% Wool, 30% Alpaca Interior Purple Design Lining Hidden Side Pockets Architectural and Minimalist Design NWT Made in Italy ...
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 ...
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
$651Sale Price|25% Off
Gianfranco Ferre Fringed Yellow Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This dress is made in one piece with fringe and has a zipper at the back. Its in good vintage condition with some wear. Size is marked Italian 46 which is about US 12 /EU 40-42 Plea...
GIANFRANCO FERRÉ Navy & White Striped Organza & Knit Two-Piece Skirt Set, SIZE 6
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Richardson, TX
Gianfranco Ferré plays with transparency and proportion in this clever play on mini versus maxi. The ensemble pairs semi-sheer, long outer layers with mini-sized knit counterparts un...
Gianfranco Ferrè White Shorts - '90s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
White tailored shorts by Gianfranco Ferré featuring a clean and structured design with a refined and minimal silhouette. The model is defined by precise tailoring and a balanced cons...
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 ...
Gianfranco Ferré Black Crocodile Wallet - '70s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Gianfranco Ferré black crocodile leather wallet. Rectangular style. Height:11;Width:18;Depth:2
Gianfranco Ferre blue silk jacquard embroidered pant suit, ss 2000
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianfranco Ferre blue silk jacquard pant suit ▪ Scoop neck jacket with double-ended zipper ▪ Armhole cut-outs ▪ three-quarter length sleeves ▪ Straight leg pants with zippers at ...
Gianfranco Ferré Vintage Dress With Jacket
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This gorgeous ensemble includes a multicolor striped dress with a black bodice and ruched waist, plus an eye-catching jacket embelished with sequin, featuring a front closure. Wear t...
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 Black Mesh Long Sleeve Top With Sequin Band
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Gianfranco Ferre black mesh top featuring a black square sequin front panel at the bustline, long sleeves, and straight body. * Gi...
1990s Gianfranco Ferré Sheer Knit Navy Blue White Trim Backless Bodycon Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the 1990s, this gorgeous navy blue Gianfranco Ferré slip dress is the perfect classic bombshell dress. This chic, form-fitting dress features a princess neckline, spaghetti stra...
S/S 1993 Gianfranco Ferré Ad Brown Scale Sheer Cutout One Piece Swimsuit IT42
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianfranco Ferré’s Spring/Summer 1993 collection, this striking one-piece swimsuit features a form fitting silhouette with sheer mesh panels and a brown scale-print motif. The b...
Black sweater with gold details embellishment and see-through back G. Ferré
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Oversize Black sweater with gold details embellishment and see-through back. Zip on the top middle back. Knit fabric composition: 100% wool Back chiffon fabric composition: 100% r...
Gianfranco Ferré Sequin Cocktail Dress - '90s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Gianfranco Ferré multicolor sequin dress. Zip fastening. Shoulder:40;Sleeve:16.5;Bust:40;Waist:37;Total Length:78
Gianfranco Ferre 1990s Vintage Red and Blue Color Block High Waisted Leggings
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Early 1990s GIANFRANCO FERRE blue and red stretch high waisted color blocked leggings / pants! Features a red front and blue back. Black ribbed cuff at each ankle, and waistband. Sof...
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...
$1,007Sale Price|28% Off
Gianfranco Ferrè F/W 1993 Black Silk Long Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Gianfranco Ferrè - Sold by Skiff.Archive - Fall Winter 1993 Collection - Black Long Dress - Sleeveless - Lateral Zip Closure - Open Back - Semitransparent Details - Mad...
$980Sale Price|30% Off
1990s Gianfranco Black Knit Illusion Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage 1990s Gianfranco Ferre black knit dress with sheer sleeve. Size 6 / Medium All Sales is final
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...
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 ...
Vintage Gianfranco Ferre 1990s Charcoal Grey Wool + Chiffon Long SLeeve Blouse
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy, yet sophisticated vintage GIANFRANCO FERRE charcoal gray Virgin wool and silk chiffon semi sheer blouse! Features a grey wool front with grey silk chiffon sleeves and sheer chi...
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...
$795Sale Price|51% Off
Gianfranco Ferre Multi Color Striped Zip Front Sequin Jacket
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New Hope, PA
This zip front sequin jacket from Gianfranco Ferre is not only beautiful but it is quite versatile as well. The multi color sequins allow you to pair it with many different pieces i...
Gianfranco Ferre Leopard Print Silk Blazer Jacket
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gianfranco Ferre Leopard Print silk blazer jacket . Marked size 38/ Fit size 2/4/ Small Shoulder: 15” ( flat) Bust: 34”/ Waist: 30” / Hip : 34” / sleeve length: 24”
Long Skirt - '80s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Gianfranco Ferré black skirt. Long skirt decorated with lace and tulle. Waist:35;Total Length:70
90s Gianfranco Ferre Sheer Metallic Grey Cocktail Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
90s Gianfranco Ferre Sheer metallic grey long sleeve fitted cocktail dress. Size: 4/6 see measurement: Bust: 36” / Waist: 30”/ Hip : 38”/ Should...
GIANFRANCO FERRE, Pink Organza Silk Vest or Jacket with Gold Tone Sequins
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Kingston, NY
GIANFRANCO FERRE, Pink Organza Silk Vest Jacket with Gold-Tone Sequins and Sphere Zipper Pull. Size IT38/40 This Vest/Jacket stuns on male or female..! Unisex.
Black asymmetrical tulle cocktail dress with beaded work Gianfranco Ferré Studio
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black asymmetrical tulle cocktail dress with beaded work and sequin. Black slip dress lining underneath. Embroideries mix of sequin and beads. Size M
Gianfranco Ferré Baroque Print Silk Dress with Oversized Bow – '80s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A striking example of Gianfranco Ferré's architectural approach to fashion, this 1985 pure silk dress showcases an oversized Baroque-inspired print in vibrant shades of orange and fu...
Velvet skirt with branded snap and branded belt buckle Gianfranco Ferré Jeans
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Navy blue velvet skirt with branded snap and branded belt buckle. Main fabric composition ( velvet) : cotton and stretch. Lining: rayon and polyes...