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 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...
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...
$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...
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 - Rare red leather oversized jacket
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, IT
Eye-catching jacket in fine leather designed by Gianfranco Ferrè for Dior in the 1990s, made in Italy. ORIGINAL LABEL. The jacket is made entirely of fine red leather on the outside,...
Gianfranco Ferré coat 1990s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GIANFRANCO FERRÉ - (Made in Italy) Silk and wool knitted coat with ostrich feathers in beige and brown tones. Size 40IT indicated, it fits a 36FR. A 1990s Collection. Condition: Ver...
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"...
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 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....
Evening jacket in silk and cotton with metallic embroidery Gianfranco Ferré
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Evening jacket in silk and cotton with metallic thread embroidery. Eyelet under armpit. Top-stitching. Hook&eye in the middle front. Red satin piping inside. Fabric composition: 57%...
Gold lurex brocade single breasted jacket with branded buttons Ferré Jeans
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Gold lurex brocade single breasted jacket. No lining. Branded buttons. SIZE M
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...
Gianfranco Ferré Vintage Unisex Snake Skin Bomber Jacket, Circa 1990s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Capri, IT
Gianfranco Ferrè iconic snake skin bomber jacket An iconic piece by Ferrè embellished with brass buttons, a belt and a squirrel fur lining totally made in...
Gianfranco Ferré jacket 1990s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GIANFRANCO FERRÉ - (Made in Italy) Mid-length black wool jacket decorated with golden lurex embroidery, silvery sequins, golden pearls, and rhinestoned golden metal animal pattern de...
$529Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Gianfranco Ferré Reversible Linen Taffeta Kimono Coat with Leather Belt
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Charenton-le-pont, FR
A rare and architecturally stunning piece from Gianfranco Ferré’s 1990s archives. This reversible kimono-style coat is meticulously crafted in Italy from a luxurious linen taffeta, f...
Gianfranco Ferré Camel Blazer - '00s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Expertly crafted from a wool blend fabric, the Gianfranco Ferré Camel Blazer exudes sophistication. This classic piece features an embossed brand logo thr...
Gianfranco Ferre Pink Nylon Windbreaker Jacket 2005
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Gianfranco Ferre blush pink nylon windbreaker jacket featuring double zippers at front, four flap pockets with buckle closures, zip...
Gianfranco Ferre Black Goat Fur Coat
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Gianfranco Ferre black and silver metallic thread quilted coat with metal buttons, black goat fur collar and cuffs...
$120Sale Price|64% Off
Gianfranco Ferré Vintage Women's Beije Jacket Circa 1990s Acetate Wool
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Capri, IT
Forma Zero by Gff Beije Jacket Totally made in italy in italian size range 46 Composition: Acetate and wool
$177Sale Price|20% Off
Gianfranco Ferré Vintage Women's Silk Leather Blazer Jacket, Size 42
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Capri, IT
Gianfranco Ferre Silk Leather jacket totally made in italy in size 42 Blazer back nacked size Lenght 77 shoulder to hem 29 cm
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.
Granfranco Ferre for Martha Multi-Textured, Multi-Woven Cropped Jacket
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully detailed Granfranco Ferre for Martha on Park Avenue in New York has multi-textured woven black combination of 55% wool along with 45% visco. This wonderful detailed ...
$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...
Gianfranco Ferre black & white silk polka-dot jacket
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New York, NY
Gianfranco Ferre Black & white silk crepe de chine jacket has a single hook & eye in front for closure. The sides of the jacket has a wide detailing slit. The shoulders are slight...
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”
Gianfranco Ferre Black Leather Cut-Out Dot Jacket
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Gianfranco Ferre black leather jacket featuring a folding collar, center front silver-tone zipper with black leather pull, a tailor...
Gianfranco Ferre vintage blazer
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New York, NY
Gianfranco Ferre vintage blazer Size – S US4, IT40 Bust: 35″ / 89 cm Waist: 31.5″ / 80 cm Shoulder: 15.75″ / 40 cm Length: 33″ / 84 cm Sleeve: 23.5″ / 56,7 cm Fabric – 100% Cotton...
Gianfranco Ferré jacket Winter 1993
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GIANFRANCO FERRÉ - (Made in Italy) Jacquard jacket edged with a black velve pattern and decorated with trimmings. Size 38IT indicated, it fits a 34FR, but it can also fit a 36FR. 199...
1990s Gianfranco Ferre Navy Sheer Net Blazer w Sequined Patch Pockets and Lapel
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Gresham, OR
1990s Gianfranco Ferre navy blue sheer net jacket w/ micro-sequined patch pockets (4) and lapels Rhinestone buttons. Sheer and daring!
Gianfranco Ferre Navy & Burgundy Suede Belted Jacket
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Gianfranco Ferre navy suede jacket featuring burgundy suede waist panel, white belt with silver-tone metal, large front pockets, wh...
$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 blazer with lurex.
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gianfranco Ferre, brown leopard blazer with lurex stripes in size M. This item is in mint condition. • CONDITION: mint condition • SIZE: M • MEASUREM...
Gianfranco Ferré Black Jacket - '90s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Gianfranco Ferré black wool jacket. Classic collar with lapels and five button front closure. Shoulder:42;Sleeve:62;Bust:49.5;Waist:44;Total Length:76
Stunning Gianfranco Ferre Leather & Wool Jacket With Tassels and Grommets
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Gianfranco Ferre black leather and textured wool collarless jacket featuring black leather trim, black leather lacing at the seams,...
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
Gianfranco Ferre Fourrures Pink Burgundy Stripe Fur Coat
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Miami, FL
90s Gianfranco Ferre Fourrures incredible striped fur coat in pink and burgundy stripes. The inside is not lined and so is a suede texture and you can see the construction. The coa...
Black jacket with mink stripes on the sleeves Gianfranco Ferré Studio
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black jacket with mink stripes on the sleeves. Zip in the middle front with branded zip-pullers. Pocket on both side. No fabric tag but technical waterproof fabric. Cut-work and top...
90s Gianfranco Ferre Studio Grey Blazer
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Miami, FL
So chic, soft wool blazer - it feels like cashmere but is a very fine and soft wool. Two pop buttons are hidden and it has a black satin silk collar. Lined in acetate and looks to ...
Gianfranco Ferrè S/S 2004 Sun Pattern Silver Jacket
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Caserta, IT
- Designed by Gianfranco Ferrè - Spring summer 2004 - Sun Pattern Silver Jacket - Button a frontal closure - Multifit buttoned band at the neckline - Two frontal pockets - Crop fit -...
Gianfranco Ferré Vintage Women's Wool Blazer Jacket, 1990s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Capri, IT
Gianfranco Ferre white grey blazer wool jacket size 44 it
$1,731Sale Price|20% Off
Gianfranco Ferrè Black back netted motorcycle leather jacket, early 2000s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, IT
- Designed by Gianfranco Ferrè - Sold by Skof.Archive - Black leather jacket - White stitching all over - Back netted - Detachable long-sleeves with zipper closure - early 2000s ...
Gianfranco Ferre Men's Gray Sweater Jacket with Patch Pockets
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New York, NY
Gianfranco Ferre wonderfully tailored men's gray medium-weight wool-blend sweater-jacket is detailed with two(2) front patch pockets. The shoulders are s...
$234Sale 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
1990s Gianfranco Ferre Graphic Blazer
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1990s Gianfranco Ferre white, brown, black and deep red graphic and abstract geometric silk blazer. Notched collar, hook and eye closures, faux horizontal slit pockets and side slits...
1990S Gianfranco Ferre Green Pink Silk & Lurex Jacket
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New York, NY
1990S Gianfranco Ferre Green Pink Silk & Lurex Jacket
1990s Gianfranco Ferre Black Blazer with Baroque Pearl & Gold Chain
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1990s Gianfranco Ferre double breasted black wool blazer. Features long gold tone, rhinestone and pearl chain with large teardrop shaped Baroque pearl that fastens at left side of th...
Gianfranco Ferré Studio Checkered Blazer - '90s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Expertly tailored from the contemporary line, the Gianfranco Ferré Studio blazer is a timeless piece in a grey hue checkered fabric. With a classic notched lapel collar and 3 front b...