1980s Gianfranco Ferre Navy Suede Wrap Skirt
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 30 in (76.2 cm)Marked Size: 2-4 (US)Waist: 25 in (63.5 cm)Hip: 34 in (86.36 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Beverly Hills, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4264994103
Gianfranco Ferré
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Beverly Hills, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Vintage Saint Laurent Green and Red Harlequin Print Tulle SkirtBy Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1980s Red, black, green and teal print harlequin tulle mini skirt. Skirt is paired with Jean Paul Gaultier burgundy mesh cropped sweater shirt with ostrich sleeves. ( sweater shirt a...Category
1980s French Bubble Skirts
- Vintage Viviene Westwood Black Wook with Grey Pin striped asymmetrical SkirtBy Vivienne WestwoodLocated in Beverly Hills, CAVintage Viviene Westwood Black Wook with Grey Pin striped asymmetrical Skirt. Waist 27 inch / Hip 36 inchCategory
1990s British Pencil Skirts
- Paco Rabanne Brown Mini skirt with Circles Leather Cut OutBy Paco RabanneLocated in Beverly Hills, CA2000s Paco Rabanne black mini skirt with red, white and black vinyl leather cut out. Waist: 28"/ Hip: 38"/ Length: 19 ** Skirt is styled with beaded vest available for purchase on ou...Category
Early 2000s French Skirts
- Comme des garcons black wool diagonal zipper skirtBy Comme des Garçons, Rei KawakuboLocated in Beverly Hills, CA2000s Comme des garcons black wool diagonal zipper skirt. Waist: 25" Hip: 34" Length: 30"Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Skirts
- Jil Sander By Raf Simons Green Maxi SkirtBy Jil Sander by Raf Simons, Raf SimonsLocated in Beverly Hills, CA2011 Jil Sander by Raf Simons Green Maxi Skirt. Marked size 38 Waist 28”/ Skirt length 41”Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Circle Skirts
- 1970s Pucci velvet midi skirtBy Emilio PucciLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1970s Pucci velvet midi skirt. waist: 28"/ Hip: 42"/Length: 40"Category
1970s Italian A-Line Skirts
- Diane Freis Vintage 2 Pc Dress W Drawstring Top & Gored Skirt in Floral PrintBy Diane FreisLocated in Portland, ORWe have re-discovered our love affair with Diane Freis pieces and this one is one of our favorites! This Diane Freis Original two piece dress includes a gored skirt...Category
1980s Hong Kong Day Dresses
- Vintage James Galanos Black & White Dot Red Rose Print Bodysuit & Sarong SkirtBy James GalanosLocated in Portland, ORThis is a gorgeous James Galanos vintage 2 piece silk outfit that includes a bodysuit and a wrap sarong style skirt. The print is a black and white polka dot with red roses and green leaves. The scoop neck one piece bodysuit has built in bra cups and a hidden 14" zipper down the center back seam with a hook and eye for closure. There are triple snap closures at the crotch. The mid length sarong is a faux wrap style with lovely draping and black silk trim. It is unlined and has a double hook and eye closure at waist. We estimate that this fabulous vintage outfit...Category
Late 20th Century American Day Dresses
- 1970s Vintage Bohemian Floral Printed Dress Miss Magnin at I. MagninBy I. Magnin, I Magnin and CoLocated in North Hollywood, CA1970s Vintage Miss Magnin at I. Magnin. 1970s Joseph Magnin Bohemian floral printed blouse and skirt. Printed bohemian dress featuring a floral print i...Category
1960s American Chemise Dresses
- 1980S AZZEDINE ALAIA Blue & Black Rayon Blend Knit High-Waisted SkirtBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in New York, NY1980S AZZEDINE ALAIA Blue & Black Rayon Blend Knit High-Waisted SkirtCategory
1980s Day Dresses
- Fendi 90s Vintage Black Denim Suspender SkirtBy FendiLocated in Sparks, NVReduced from $750. Rare faded black denim maxi dress with suspender straps by Fendi! Amazing denim detailing with back pockets and front zip closure. ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Day Dresses
- Stephen Sprouse Iconic Barb Wire Print Skirt 1980sBy Stephen SprouseLocated in Water Mill, NYAn iconic wool skirt from Stephen Sprouse with golden vertical rows of barbed wire popping against a black background. The high waisted pencil style skirt is fully lined with a side...Category
1980s American Pencil Skirts