Gianfranco Ferré
Gianfranco Ferré (1944–2007) was an Italian designer, trained as an architect and known as the architect of fashion.
Born in Legnano in 1944, Gianfranco Ferré trained as an architect before turning to fashion, which earned him the nickname "the architect of fashion". He showed his first women's ready-to-wear collection in October 1978. He began in jewellery in the late 1960s, started a couture label in 1986, and was later chosen to design for Dior.
The house.
Born in Legnano in 1944, Gianfranco Ferré trained as an architect before turning to fashion, which earned him the nickname "the architect of fashion". He showed his first women's ready-to-wear collection in October 1978.
He began in jewellery in the late 1960s, started a couture label in 1986, and was later chosen to design for Dior.
What the pieces show.
- 01ArchitectureStructured, constructed silhouettes from an architect's training.
- 02Ready-to-wearFirst women's collection shown in 1978.
- 03DiorLater chosen to design for Dior.
Read the piece,
not the name.
With a pre-owned Gianfranco Ferré piece, read the cloth label first, then the make: a coat or jacket with a floating canvas rolls softly at the lapel, while a fused one stays flat and can bubble with age. Check the shoulder seams, the lining and the buttonholes, and compare flat measurements with a garment that already fits you. Our Suit & Blazer Story explains what to look for.
Gianfranco Ferré in the archive.
About Gianfranco Ferré.
Who was Gianfranco Ferré?
Born in Legnano in 1944, Gianfranco Ferré trained as an architect before turning to fashion, which earned him the nickname "the architect of fashion". He showed his first women's ready-to-wear collection in October 1978.
Where is Gianfranco Ferré from?
Italy (Legnano, near Milan).
How do I check a pre-owned Gianfranco Ferré piece before buying?
Read the cloth label first, then the make: a coat or jacket with a floating canvas rolls softly at the lapel, while a fused one stays flat and can bubble with age. Check the shoulder seams, the lining and the buttonholes, and compare flat measurements with a garment that already fits you.