Gianfranco Ferre Black Croc-Embossed Calfskin Zippered Shoulder Bag
View Similar Items
Gianfranco Ferre Black Croc-Embossed Calfskin Zippered Shoulder Bag
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU247413192
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.
- Moschino "Comical Female Relaxing" Shoulder BagBy MoschinoLocated in New York, NYMoschino Wonderfully whimsical "Comical Female Relaxing" with leopard accent shoulder bag is detailed with gold hardware throughout as well as the double gold hardware chain straps which measures 9 1/2" in height. The bottom of the bag in bold print are the words "LOVE MOSCHINO". The vinyl-finished cloth shoulder bag...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Escada Forest Green Lizard Skin Shoulder Bag with Removable StrapsBy EscadaLocated in New York, NYEscada's wonderfully detailed forest green lizard skin flap-over shoulder bag is accented with removable shoulder straps for used as a clutch if desire. The shoulder straps...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
$1,385 Sale Price45% Off - Bottega Veneta Vinyl-Coated "Butterflies" Shoulder BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in New York, NYBottega Veneta wonderful vinyl-coated canvas shoulder bag features multi-colors of "Butterflies" throughout the exterior of the bag. The interior is fully lined with soft can...Category
1980s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Claude Montana Cut-Out Stenciled Calfskin HandbagBy Claude MontanaLocated in New York, NYClaude Montana Coco-Brown Calfskin has detailed Cut-out stencil detailing on both front and back. The top zipper has double tabs for your choice of either having a top opening, or to...Category
1980s French Shoulder Bags
- Prada Textured Shoulder BagBy PradaLocated in New York, NYThis Prada black textured shoulder bag has a flap including a buckle located at the bottom for added security. The straps can be adjusted if desire. Straps measures 58" at the longes...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Yoshi Yamamoto Y-3 Black Leather & Pony Huge ToteBy Yohji YamamotoLocated in New York, NYYoshi Yamamoto's Y-3 Huge leather & pony tote measures at 17" inches in height, 13" in length along the top and 13 1/2" in length along the bottom. Including...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Judith Leiber Vintage Silk Crystals Flap 2-Way Clutch Shoulder Tassel BagBy Judith LeiberLocated in Fort Lauderdale, FLThe ultimate in handbag making luxury craftsmanship. The Iconic House of Judith Leiber always provides us with timeless and classic pieces. This beautiful bag takes timeless creation...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Chanel large CC coated canvas beach toteBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLNever worn As seen on Sex and the City the movie Has a large detachable interior pouch insert XL shopping tote with rope detail perfect for travel or vacation Very spacious tote th...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
- Chanel Caviar Executive Shopper Tote BrownBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLBrown, copper, and iridescent CHANEL Caviar Executive Shopping Tote. This traditional shopper tote is classy and stylish despite its simplicity. The bag is made from textured leather...Category
2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Hermès Constance Brown and Gold 23 cmBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLBrown and gold Hermès Constance. Brown leather with gold hardware in excellent shape, with no odor or discoloration. One outside and one inner pocket. Collection from 1972.Category
1970s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Chocolate Bar CC Quilted LeatherBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis chocolate bar bag is crafted from black leather with Chanel's signature square stitching and has an adjustable leather shoulder strap, protective base studs, a CC logo stitch in...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Multicolor Speedy 30 BlackBy Louis VuittonLocated in Palm Beach, FLOn black toile canvas, this Speedy bag has the Louis Vuitton Multicolore logo in 33 vibrant hues. This handbag has rolling handles made of vachetta cowhide leather and polished brass...Category
Early 2000s French Structured Shoulder Bags