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.
Ferré 80s vintage Clip Dangle Earrings
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Gianfranco Ferré Clip Earrings from the 80s come in their original box and boast a classic round shape with a clip-on closure for easy wear. These elegant earrings feature a whit...
Crystal, Metal, Gold Plate
GIANFRANCO FERRE Vintage Massive Seashell Dangle Earrings
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Nice, FR
GIANFRANCO FERRE vintage massive dangle earrings (clip-on) featuring a black resin seashell embellished with clear crystals and a faux pearl drop. Gold tone metal hardware. Embossed...
Gianfranco Ferre Vintage Gold Toned Jewelled Dangling Earrings
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Nice, FR
GIANFRANCEO FERRE vintage gold toned dangling earrings (clip-on) embellished with a faceted fuschia resin cabochon, a massive marbled pink resin drop and clear crystals. Embossed FE...
Gilt Metal
$506Sale Price|25% Off
H 2.5 in
Frank Hess for Miriam Haskell Gold Plated Green Glass Dangle Earrings 1990's
By Frank Hess for Miriam Haskell
Located in North Miami, FL
These lovely pair of dangle clip on earrings from the 90's are a gorgeous shade of light green glass against the gold. They are by Frank Hess of the Miriam Haskell collection and are...
Gold Plate
$3,130 / item
W 0.6 in D 0.03 in L 0.94 in
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Geometric Dangle Clip-On Earring Pendants
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold clip-on pendant earrings consisting of two partially overlapping pierced squares. Alex Jona jewels stand ou...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Amethyst Design Dangle Earrings
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini design collection, contemporary jewels. Handcrafted Earrings in 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Purple Amethyst . Oval cut Amethyst dangle earrings that reflect a Modern style Handcrafted in 14 Karat Yellow Gold and embellished with a deep purple Amethyst. The sculptural design provides an extra shiny surface of the disk and a subtle play of the shadow and light that remind the moon surface. You can wear the earrings every day and the piece can be ordered as a clip - on earrings. All stones have a meaning: Amethyst relieves an individual from stress and strain. By choosing a jewel from the Rossella Ugolini collection, you are not only choosing to support a unique, careful and meticulously built savoir-faire, built over years of work and artistic experimentation; by choosing the ""well-made"" by hand, you contribute to the growth and diffusion of a sector full of value, storytelling, culture and inspiration, in which Beauty plays a fundamental role: as inspirer and muse of the soul." Rossella Ugolini Jewelry Designer's collection is 100% handcrafted with loads of love in Rome. An exclusive design, enriched by the most precious metals and gems, gives shape to Rossella's daily inspirations and a lifetime passion, framed by the timeless beauty of Rome and its enchanting atmosphere. Quality comes from attention to detail. Each Rossella Ugolini's item is unique and never worn or owned before. Each box is wrapped with paper and ribbons in a color that matching the jewelry. In addiction you will find a handwritten card and a watercolor drawing of the piece. The box is seal with a wax lacquer seal . Feel free to contact us for any jewel's customization, we'll be pleased to create a one-of-a-kind piece on request for you. The strength of the collections proposed by Rossella Ugolini comes from the quality of the product, still characterized today by a strong artisan imprint and attention to detail. The company has always been faithfully linked to a Made in Italy that accompanies the jewels from the choice of the best precious stones, subjected to careful selection, up to the final packaging for which a finish aimed at a perfect fit of the jewel is always required . Today, in the Rome Atelier, we are committed to obtaining excellence from every single product. The laboratory entirely dedicated to design and handmade creations is also located in Rome. By choosing a jewel from the Rossella Ugolini collection, you are not only choosing to support a unique, careful and meticulously built savoir-faire, built over years of work and artistic experimentation; by choosing the ""well-made"" by hand, you contribute to the growth and diffusion of a sector full of value, storytelling, culture and inspiration, in which Beauty plays a fundamental role: as inspirer and muse of the soul. Details: Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Amethyst Design...
Amethyst, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
1950s Design Joseff Of Hollywood Gold Cherub Earrings
By Joseff of Hollywood
Located in London, GB
This exquisite 1950s design is by costume jeweller to the stars, Joseff of Hollywood. This set of figural earrings features a cherub with a small clear crystal in the hand reaching ...
Vintage 1980's Gold Plated Clip On Earrings With Turquoise Blue Resin Drops
Located in North Miami, FL
This pair of lovely 1980's clip on earrings are gold plated with a ethereal blue light turquoise resin drop in the center. They are modern, elegant and make a statement. Very beautiful on. These are perfect for any season but especially summer, resort wear...
Gold Plate
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
H 3 in W 2 in D 0.5 in L 3 in
Vintage Paco Rabanne Geometric Gold Plated Modernist Brass Dangle Earrings 60's
By Paco Rabanne
Located in North Miami, FL
These fabulous and amazing signed vintage French Paco Rabanne modernist dangle sculptural earrings are so au courant now as they were then in the 60's. The geometric cutout forms and...
Gold Plate, Brass
Vintage Southwestern Sterling Silver & 14K Gold Spider Earrings
Located in Webster, SD
These beautiful vintage Southwestern spider earrings are sterling silver and 14k yellow gold. Measurements: 5/8 by 1 5/16 inches from the top of the earwire Weight: 6.1 grams Marks...
14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold
$5,120 / set
W 1.38 in L 2.17 in
CHANEL CC Logo Gold Metal Earrings Evening Dangle Drop Large Circa 1994 W/Box
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
CHANEL CC Logo Gold Metal Earrings Evening Dangle Drop Large Circa 1994 A very rare stunning 1994 Chanel spring ‘printemps’ CC logo large gilded drop clip-on earrings. Gold filigree ...
Gold Plate
$3,130 / item
W 0.6 in D 0.03 in L 0.94 in
Alex Jona 18 Karat Brushed Rose Gold Dangle Clip-on Earring Pendants
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat brushed rose gold clip-on pendant earrings consisting of two partially overlapping pierced disks. Alex Jona jewels stan...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Hexagonal Dangle Earrings
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold hexagonal dangling earrings. Dimensions: Length 2.37"- 6cm , width 1.8"-46mm. Alex Jona jewels stand out, no...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$638
W 1.03 in L 2.8 in
Oscar de la Renta Parlor Crystal Drop Clip On Earrings, Blue, Gray, Silvertone
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Milford, DE
A pair of Oscar de la Renta dangling clip on earrings from the parlor collection. Feature dark blue and gray/clear crystals with centerpiece gray moonglow cabochons. Silvertone setti...
Crystal
18k Yellow Gold Handcrafted Citrine Amethyst Topaz Dangle Modern Earrings
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
These Modern linear style Earrings are a stunning work of art from the Rossella Ugolini collection. Handcrafted in Italy, these Earrings are made from 18k Yellow Gold and feature an elegant, articulated design that is both beautiful and functional. The earrings measure 8 cm in length and are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication and glamour to any outfit. At the top of the earrings, an oval-shaped Blue Topaz stone is set in a lobe with a clip-on mechanism that keeps it securely in place. The Blue Topaz is then articulated to Green Amethyst and Citrine stones that dangle elegantly from the main body of the earrings. The shade of green and yellow colors creates a stunning visual contrast. Together, amethyst, blue topaz, and citrine create a beautiful and harmonious combination of colors and meanings that can help enhance one's spiritual and emotional well-being. Whether worn as part of a larger piece of jewelry or on their own, these precious stones are sure to make a lasting impression and add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. Amethyst, Blue Topaz, and Citrine are all popular and highly sought-after gemstones that hold special meanings for those who wear them. Amethyst is a beautiful purple gemstone that has been prized for centuries for its unique color and symbolism. It is often associated with spirituality, wisdom, and clarity of thought, making it a popular choice for those seeking to enhance their mental focus and spiritual well-being. Blue topaz is a stunning gemstone that ranges in color from pale blue to deep, rich shades of blue. It is often associated with calmness, communication, and self-expression, and is said to promote harmony and balance in one's life. Citrine is a bright, sunny gemstone that ranges in color from pale yellow to deep golden hues. It is often associated with happiness, abundance, and creativity, and is said to inspire confidence and optimism in those who wear it. Rossella Ugolini Jewelry Designer's collection is 100% handcrafted with loads of love in Rome. An exclusive design, enriched by the most precious metals and gems, gives shape to Rossella's daily inspirations and a lifetime passion, framed by the timeless beauty of Rome and its enchanting atmosphere. Quality comes from attention to details. Each Rossella Ugolini's item is a unique design and never worn or owned before. Each box is wrapped with paper and ribbons in a color chosen specifically for that jewel. In addiction you will find a handwritten card and a watercolor drawing of the piece. The box is sealed with a wax lacquer seal . Feel free to contact us for any jewel's customization, we'll be pleased to create for you one-of-a-kind piece on request. The strength of the collections proposed by Rossella Ugolini comes from the quality of the product, still characterized today by a strong artisan imprint and attention to detail. The company has always been faithfully linked to a Made in Italy that accompanies the jewels from the choice of the best precious stones, subjected to careful selection, up to the final packaging for which a finishing aimed at a perfect fit of the jewel is always required . Today, in the Rome Atelier, we are committed to obtaining excellence from every single product. The laboratory entirely dedicated to design and handmade creations is also located in Rome. Details: Rossella Ugolini Collection, 18K Yellow Gold Handcrafted Citrine Amethyst Topaz Dangle Modern Multicolor Earrings
Amethyst, Citrine, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
GIANFRANCO FERRE Vintage Massive Green Crystal Dangle Earrings
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Nice, FR
GIANFRANCO FERRE vintage massive gold tone dangle earrings (clip-on) embellished with a large oval green crystal. Embossed FERRE Made in Italy. Indicative measurements : height app...
Gilt Metal