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.
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...
1990s Gianfranco Ferre Black Knit Jersey Cocktail Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Sexy Vintage 1990s Gianfranco Ferre Black Viscose long sleeve dress. Plunging Cowl neckline with black buggle beads waist band. Dress can be worn off shou...
Ferragamo Black Cotton Dress with High Side Opening
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New Hope, PA
This black cotton dress from Ferragamo has a notched collar, left side breast pocket, short sleeves and a faux wrap style. There is a left side zipper, a full skirt with two hip poc...
Gianfranco Ferre embroidered tulle and velvet evening dress, fw 1998
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in London, GB
Gianfranco Ferré couture embroidered tulle evening gown, WITH metal-strip worked crescent moon, stars and arabesques, skirt with velvet centra...
1990s Gianfranco Ferre Velvet Unique Colorblock Dress S
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Miami, FL
Gorgeous dress in color block jewel tones velvet. The top is a deep purple and the second section is more of a grape purple and then the bottom section is black. In between the bloc...
Red sleeveless jersey top-stitched cocktail dress Ferré NEW
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Red sleeveless jersey top-stitched cocktail dress. NEW wit tag. SIZE 42 (It) 38 (Fr) 8 (Us)
Gianfranco Ferre Black Brushed Wool with "Swirl" Open-Pleat Detail Pencil Skirt
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New York, NY
Gianfranco Ferre black brushed woll is fully lined with black silk. The front gives a pencil appearance with a wonderfully detailed open "swirl" pleat. Very elegant and classic. ...
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...
Cappotto Gianfranco Ferré rosso in lana con collo in pelliccia – Anni '80
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Elegante cappotto vintage firmato Gianfranco Ferré, realizzato in Italia, espressione dell’estetica strutturata e raffinata che ha reso iconico lo stilista negli anni Ottanta. Il mod...
Vintage Gianfranco Ferre 1990s Charcoal Grey Wool + Chiffon Long SLeeve Blouse
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy, yet sophisticated vintage GIANFRANCO FERRE charcoal gray Virgin wool and silk chiffon semi sheer blouse! Features a grey wool front with grey silk chiffon sleeves and sheer chi...
Gianfranco Ferre Vintage Leather Trench Coat Lined in Sheared Fur Size L (NWT)
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This coat designed by Mr. Ferre for the Gianfranco Ferre FORMA lable has been in a celebrity closet and never worn. Purchased at the Ferre boutique in...
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 bustier dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GIANFRANCO FERRÉ - (Made in Italy) Dark-brown velvet bustier dress. Size 38FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 32 cm - Waist: 35 cm - Length: 145 cm SKU:VR554
2000s Gianfranco Ferre Silk Embellished Evening Bustier
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
2003 Gianfranco Ferre creme silk bustier embellished with rhinestones and chains. Bustier still has original tag from the store. ( see runway ) picture. marked size 42 Bust: 34” / 28...
Top-stitched black wool coat and skirt ensemble GIANFRANCO FERRE
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black wool top-stitched coat and skirt ensemble. Lining composition: 65% acetate, 35% silk. No closure on the coat. Pocket on both side COAT SIZE on tag : 8 (US) 40 (Fr) L SKIRT S...
Gianfranco Ferre brown viscose knit one-sleeve dress, c. 1990s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in London, GB
▪ Gianfranco Ferre brown knit dress ▪ 100% Viscose ▪ One Shoulder Strap ▪ One Sleeve ▪ Appliquéd frayed thread ▪ IT 44 - FR 40 - UK 12 - US 8 ▪ c. ...
Vintage Gianfranco Ferre Black and White Sheer Chiffon Beaded 90s Wide Leg Set
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing vintage late 1990s GIANFRANCO FERRE Couture black and white silk chiffon beaded wide leg ensemble set! Features a semi sheer chiffon b...
Long sleeve see-through top with sequin embellishment Gianfranco Ferré Studio
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long sleeve see-through top with sequin embellishment. Fabric composition: 92% nylon, 8% stretch. Ribs on the bottom and sleeve edge composition: 92% cotton, 8% stretch SIZE L
Printed parka with sherling collar and edge GF FERRE
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed parka with sherling collar and edge. Outside fabric composition: 100% polyester. Lam sherling details. Lining composition: 70% rayon, 30% polyester. Zip closure on the middl...
Sequin mini cocktail dress with animal pattern GIANFRANCO FERRÉ JEANS
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sequin mini cocktail dress with animal pattern. Black polyester jersey lining. SIZE L
Striped trousers pant suit with threads flowers embroideries GF Ferré
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Striped trousers pant suit with threads flowers embroideries . One branded button in the middle front. Cut-work and top-stitched. Fabric composition: 70% cotton, 30% polyamide. SIZ...
Gianfranco Ferré Black Velvet Dress 1990s - Baroque Embroidered Jewel Neck
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Charenton-le-pont, FR
A breathtaking example of Gianfranco Ferré’s mastery of form and luxury, this 1990s sheath dress is crafted from deep black plush velvet. The architectural silhouette is anchored by ...
Black sweater with gold details embellishment and see-through back G. Ferré
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Oversize Black sweater with gold details embellishment and see-through back. Zip on the top middle back. Knit fabric composition: 100% wool Back chiffon fabric composition: 100% r...
Wool and mohair long edge to edge cardigan Gianfranco Ferré
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Wool and mohair long edge to edge cardigan. Silk lining inside the pockets and felt lining inside the collar. No lining. Fabric composition: 62% wool, 25% ...
An Ice blue Tuxedo Pant Suit by Gianfranco Ferre - Italy Circa 1995 - 2000
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1995 - 2000 Italy Elegant Tuxedo Trouser Suit in ice blue virgin wool fabric (100% WV) by the famous Italian designer Mr Gianfranco Ferre (1944 - 2007). Soft jacket with small...
2000s Gianfranco Ferré Deep Burgundy Velvet Cami Style Tank Top 44FR
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This chic burgundy velvet tank top by Gianfranco Ferré from the 2000s features a wide scoop neckline and a semi-exposed back. Approximate measurements: Size - 44FR Bust: 36" Waist: ...
Gianfranco Ferré Black Crocodile Wallet - '70s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Gianfranco Ferré black crocodile leather wallet. Rectangular style. Height:11;Width:18;Depth:2
Gianfranco Ferré Rabbit and Fox Fur Coat - '90s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Indulge in luxury with this vintage Gianfranco Ferré Rabbit and Fox Fur Coat from the 90s. The duo-toned stripe effect of the fur creates a striking look, while fox fur trim adds a t...
Gianfranco Ferre Runway Red Evening Gown with Gold Trim Fall/Winter 1992 Sz 40IT
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Gianfranco Ferre Runway Red Evening Gown with Gold Trim Fall/Winter 1992 Sz 40IT
Gianfranco Ferre Warm Brown Leather and Pony Shouler Bag
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully detailed Gianfranco Ferre warm brown calfskin leather with pony skin accents is finished with detailed topstitching throughout the bag. Shoulder strap along with the...
Black silk cocktail dress with colorfull rhinestone embellishment GF Ferré
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black silk cocktail dress with colorful rhinestone. Zip on the left side. Size 40 (M )
$176Sale Price|30% Off
1980s Gianfranco Ferre Houndstooth Wool Shawl Scarf
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in London, GB
1980s Gianfranco Ferre Houndstooth Wool Shawl Scarf, Made in Italy Condition: 1980s, good, slight wear Measurements: 34x58in
Gianfranco Ferré White Cut-out Top - '00s
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This one-of-a-kind Gianfranco Ferré top features lace and sequined details as well as flattering triangle cut outs in the waist and back areas. It can be styled with a skirt or pants...
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...
Long skirt in green satin, tulle and black ribbon appliqué Gianfranco FERRE
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long evening skirt in green satin, Polka-dot tulle and black ribbon appliqué. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle back ( adjustable, there is 2 buttons) SIZE 38 (Fr) M
2000s Gianfranco Ferré Sheer Black Puka Shell Trim Skirt 44IT
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This sheer black Gianfranco Ferré skirt from the early 2000s is cut in a straight knee-length silhouette. It features a lightweight transparent construction with a concealed back zip closure. The hem is trimmed with genuine puka shells...
$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 Polka dot Silk Blouse
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gianfranco Ferre Sheer Black polkadot Silk blouse with dramatic sleeves Size: small Bust: 34 inches
$227Sale 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
Gianfranco Ferré set Winter 2004
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GIANFRANCO FERRÉ - (Made in Italy) Set composed of a short black jacket and a pleated skirt made of mesh, silk, and crocodile-like coconut leather. Size 40IT indicated on the jacket ...
$374Sale 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 1990s Vintage Black Silk Off-Shoulder Pleated Gown
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1990s Gianfranco Ferre Silk Crepe pleated off shoulder gown. Built in corset bra. marked size 40 Italian. Fit size US 4/6 Bust 36” / waist 28” / length 57”
1990s Gianfranco Ferre Black and White Fishnet Beaded Bodycon 90s Vintage Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy 1990s GIANFRANCO FERRE black and white fishnet mini dress! Black cotton jersey with white fishnet. Red hand-sewn seed beads at side waist subtly spell out the GFF logo. Classic ...
S/S 1993 Gianfranco Ferré Ad Brown Scale Print Sheer Cutout One Piece Swimsuit
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Gianfranco Ferré’s Spring/Summer 1993 collection, this striking one-piece swimsuit features a form fitting silhouette with sheer mesh panels and a brown scale-print motif. The b...
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.
Gianfranco Ferre Gray Faux Fur Coat High Collar Sz L
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Krakow, PL
Gianfranco Ferre Straight-Fit Faux Fur Coat with High Collar Sz.L Condition: Very good, minimal signs of use such as slight snags on the fabric and minor wear on the collar Closur...
Gianfranco Ferre 1990s Vintage Red and Blue Color Block High Waisted Leggings
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Early 1990s GIANFRANCO FERRE blue and red stretch high waisted color blocked leggings / pants! Features a red front and blue back. Black ribbed cuff at each ankle, and waistband. Sof...
Gianfranco Ferré S/S 2008 runway purple suede wide belt
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, IT
Gianfranco Ferré S/S 2008 runway wide belt Purple suede and leather Silver metal chain Adjustable Marked size 80 length 78.5-84 cm - 31-33 in height 8.5 cm - 3.25 in Great conditio...
$555Sale Price|24% Off
Gianfranco Ferre 80's Grand Polka Dot Silk Blouse/Jacket
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Amsterdam, NL
We offer more vintage exclusive items, view our frontstore This 80/90's vintage Ferre is made of silk and has 1 inside button and double brested buttons, no lining, small hipsize. I...
Gianfranco Ferré Sheer Top
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This Gianfranco Ferré top is made of sheer silk and is the perfect vintage look for the modern fashionista. The grey hue and detailed hem offer a ...
90s Ferre navy blue knit dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Sexy and sporty 90s Gianfranco Ferre navy blue knit dress with racer back. Bust: 32"/ W: 26" / 34" ( fabric strecth) Best fit US size 2 and 4.
$980Sale Price|30% Off
1990s Gianfranco Black Knit Illusion Dress
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage 1990s Gianfranco Ferre black knit dress with sheer sleeve. Size 6 / Medium All Sales is final
Double breasted coat with check pattern Gianfranco Ferré Studio
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Double breasted coat with check pattern. Main fabric composition: 85% wool, 10% mohair, 5% nylon. Lining composition: 60% rayon, 40% acetate. Pocket on both side. Shoulder pad. Bu...
Corral linen skirt suit with tone on tone thread embroideries Gianfranco Ferré
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Corral linen skirt suit with tone on tone thread embroideries. No fabric tag composition but the lining is probably acetate. Shoulder pad. Cut-work on the bust. SIZE M
90s Gianfranco Ferre tan knit dress with silk collar
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Deadstock Gianfranco Ferre knit dress with silk collar. Size: 2/ XS Bust: 32" Hip: 34" Flaws: black stains (front collar) you can easily reverse the collar (in and out) to hi...
Gianfranco Ferré Black Crepe LBD
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Alford, MA
Great LBD by Gianfranco Ferre. Of black crepe, the fitted sleeveless sheath features an empire stitched satin band with bow, squared armholes and overlappi...
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
Gianfranco Ferre 1990s Leather Suede + Mohair Tan Nude Vintage 90s Sweater Top
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic early 90s GIANFRANCO FERRE tan / nude suede leather and mohair sweater top ! Features panels of suede and mohair, and is lined in silk behind the suede panels. Gold button at ea...
1990s Gianfranco FerreNavy Blue Iridescent Trench Coat
By Gianfranco Ferré
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1990s Gianfranco Ferre iridescent navy blue trench coat with black oversized black fox fur cuffs. Double breasted with a notched collar and wide lapels a...
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....