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.
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...
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...
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 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.
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...
Vintage Gianfranco Ferré GFF65906 Full Mask 1990's Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Sunglasses. Full mask Frame Holding A Pair Of grey Lenses. New, Never Worn Or Displayed. This Item May Show Sign Of Wear Due To Storage Made In It...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferré GFF 36S Gold / Light Cat Eye 1990 Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New vintage Gianfranco Ferre sunglasses. Gold and tortoise details frame holding a pair of spotless grey lenses. New, never worn or displayed. Made in Italy. MEASUREMENT...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferré GFF 367 Gold / Black Cat Eye 1990 Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New vintage Gianfranco Ferre sunglasses. Gold and black details frame holding a pair of spotless grey lenses. New, never worn or displayed. Made in Italy. MEASUREMENTS F...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Gff 118 Shield Avant Garde Made In Italy 1980'S
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Sunglasses Made In Italy 1980'S. Metallic Gold Frame Holding A Beautiful Mono Lens In Medium Brown. Frame May Show ...
1980s Black Acetate Cat-Eye Sunglasses by Gianfranco Ferrè
By Safilo Group, Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Aci Castello, IT
These sunglasses are a classic piece of 1980s vintage fashion from the renowned Italian designer, Gianfranco Ferré. Known as "the architect of fashion," Ferré's design philosophy is ...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferré Ivory & Rhinestones 1990's Made in Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New vintage Gianfranco Ferre sunglasses. Ivory with rhinestones details frame holding a pair of spotless grey lenses. New, never w...
1990s Amazing Gilded Metal Gian Franco Ferrè High Quality Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Aci Castello, IT
These authentic vintage Gianfranco Ferré sunglasses are a prime example of 1990s Italian luxury and avant-garde design. These high-quality frames feature a striking gold-tone metal f...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferré Tortoise 1990's Made in Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New vintage Gianfranco Ferre sunglasses. Tortoise with gold details frame holding a pair of spotless grey lenses. New, never worn ...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre GFF953 BLACK Made In Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Sunglasses New, Never Worn Or Displayed This Item May Show Minor Sign Of Wear Due To Storage Made In Italy Front : 14.5 Cms Lens Width : 5.5 Cm...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferré GFF 47/S Gold / Dark Tortoise 1990 Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New vintage Gianfranco Ferre sunglasses. Gold and dark tortoise details frame holding a pair of spotless brown lenses. New, never worn or displayed. Made in Italy. MEASU...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferré Gff 80/S Oversized Tortoise 1990'S Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Sunglasses. Tortoise Oversized Frame Holding A Pair Of Spotless Brown Lenses New, Never Worn Or Displayed This Item May Show Minor Sign Of Wear Due ...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferré Black & Rhinestones 1990's Made in Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New vintage Gianfranco Ferre sunglasses. Black with rhinestones details frame holding a pair of spotless grey lenses. New, never worn or disp...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferré GFF 181 Gold / Black 1990 Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New vintage Gianfranco Ferre sunglasses. Gold and black details frame holding a pair of spotless grey lenses. New, never worn or displayed. Made in Italy. Front : 14 cms Lens...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferré GFF 73 Gold / Black 1990 Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New vintage Gianfranco Ferre sunglasses. Gold and black details frame holding a pair of spotless grey lenses. New, never worn or displayed. Made in Italy. Front : 14.8 ...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Oval Black & Gold 1990's Made in Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New vintage Gianfranco Ferre sunglasses. Black with gold details frame holding a pair of gold mirror lenses. New, never worn or displayed...
21st Century High Quality Sunglasses by Marc Jacobs
By Marc by Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Chic 21st Century Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunglasses Step out in style with these fashionable and high-quality sunglasses from Marc by Marc Jacobs, a testament to the brand's modern and ...
1990s Gianni Versace Medusa Rhinestone Beading Acrylic Sunglasses
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous pair of black and silvertone Cateye-style Gianni Versace sunglasses. From the 1990s, these stunning sunglasses are complete with an abstract rhinestone pattern ...
Ultra Rare Christian Dior " Gypsy " Blue Enamel Oversized Sunglasses, 1969
By Christian Dior
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Ultra rare pair of Christian Dior Sunglasses circa 1969. This is a seldom and rare piece not only for its aesthetic value but for its importance in the sunglasses and fashion histor...
SCHIAPARELLI Extremely Rare Resin Floral Cabana Sunglasses c 1950s
By Schiaparelli
Located in University City, MO
SCHIAPARELLI Extremely rare resin floral cabana sunglasses c 1950s The stylish retro midcentury sunglass frames are designed with black & cream color resin striped bands; embellis...
TOM FORD "Bug" Oversize Brown Gradient Sunglasses NEW With Case
By Tom Ford
Located in New York, NY
TOM FORD "Bug" Oversize Brown Gradient Sunglasses NEW With Case .They look unworn. FINAL SALE.
BOTTEGA VENETA brown tortoise 2025 PEGGY FLOWER Sunglasses BV1399S
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Bottega Veneta Peggy sunglasses in havana brown tortoise acetate. Sculpted from polished acetate, these Bottega Veneta sunglasses make a bold, sculptural statement wit...
Vintage Chanel sunglasses from 2000's
By Chanel
Located in Paris, FR
Minimalist and instantly iconic, these Chanel rimless sunglasses from the 2000s perfectly showcase the House's exceptional craftsmanship through a design of remarkable elegance. Thei...
Vintage Christian Dior from the 70's
By Christian Dior
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant and undeniably couture, these Christian Dior sunglasses from the 1970s perfectly embody the refinement of the French fashion house. Their oversized silhouette, softened by ha...
LV Fiction Mask Sunglasses New In Box
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
100% Guaranteed authentic LV Fiction Mask Sunglasses. New in LV box with booklets,dust bag,ribbon and tag Final sale We ship FedEx insured Receipt available t...
New Vintage Gucci GG1453 Sleek Sunglasses Y2K 1990's Made in Italy Y2K
By Gucci
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Gucci Brown Y2K Sleek Frame Sunglasses. New Never Worn Or Displayed. This Item Show Sign Of Wear On The Lenses Due To Nearly 30 Years Of Storage. Made In Italy. Front ...
Emilio Pucci 70s sunglasses for women
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Valencia, CA
MAKE: Emilio Pucci MODEL: PC 843 - N10 MADE IN: Paris ERA: 1970s CONDITION: New Old Stock [never worn] DIMENSIONS: Lens width: 55 mm / 2 3/16 in Lens height: 52 mm / 2 1/16 in B...
Gucci Women’s GG 1002/S Tortoise Oversized Square Sunglasses - D0316
By Gucci
Located in Kaunas, LT
Gucci GG 1002/S 9UJDB sunglasses in tortoise brown. Acetate frame with a refined, slightly oversized square fit. Condition: 9/10 (very good, used) Measurements: Width 14 cm Refin...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferré Rx GFF10 Gold / Tortoise 1990's Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New vintage Gianfranco Ferre Rx glasses. Gold and tortoise details frame New, never worn or displayed. Made in Italy Front 14.5 cms Lens He...
Gianfranco Ferre Oval Vintage Sunglasses Mod.GFF1 48/22 140mm
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Rome, Rome
A true embodiment of 1980s Italian sophistication, these Gianfranco Ferré Vintage Oval Sunglasses showcase the bold yet refined design language that defined the "Architect of Fashion...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferré GFF 47/S Gold & Tortoise 1990's Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Sunglasses. Gold And Tortoise Details Frame Holding A Pair Of Spotless Brown Lenses. New, Never Worn Or Displayed. This Item May Show Minor Sign ...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Mask Copper Y2K Made In Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Sunglasses Wrap Around Mask With Copper Frame And Brown Mono Lens. New, Never Worn Or Displayed This Item May Show Minor Sign Of Wear Due To Storag...
1980s Gianfranco Ferre Cat Eye Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in London, GB
1980s Gianfranco Ferre GFF 361/s sunglasses feature a stylish cat eye shape with black plastic frames and gold trims, exuding an Art Deco-inspired look. Made in Italy in the 1980s, t...
1980S Gianfranco Ferre Tortoise Frame Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in London, GB
Gianfranco Ferre GFF 26 Tortoise Frame Sunglasses , gold metal arms, Made in Italy Measurements Frame width: 14.5cm/5.6in Lens width/height: 6cm/2.4in Bridge: 2.5cm/1.2in Arm le...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Half Black Frame Y2K Made In Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Sunglasses Black half frame sporting grey gradient lens. New, Never Worn Or Displayed This Item May Show Minor Sign Of Wear Due To Storage Made I...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Mask Copper Y2K Made In Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Sunglasses Wrap around mask with copper frame and brown mono lens. New, Never Worn Or Displayed This Item May Show Minor Sign Of Wear Due To Storag...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Mask Wrap Around Y2K Made In Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Sunglasses Black wrap around mask with light grey mono Lens. New, Never Worn Or Displayed This Item May Show Minor Sign Of Wear Due To Storage Ma...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Gff 314S Oval Silver Mate Made In Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Sunglasses Oval Silver brushed metallic Frame Holding A Pair Of Spotless Purple Lenses New, Never Worn Or Displayed This Item May Show Minor Sign O...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferré Gff 378/S Cat Eye Tortoise 90'S Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Sunglasses Tortoise Cat Eye Rhinestones And Gold Accents Frame Holding A Pair Of Spotless Brown Lenses New, Never Worn Or Displayed This Item May ...
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferré GFF 48/S Gold & Tortoise 1990's Italy Sunglasses
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Baleares, Baleares
New Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Sunglasses. Gold And Tortoise Details Frame Holding A Pair Of Spotless Brown Lenses. New, Never Worn Or Displayed. This Item May Show Minor Sign ...