Gianfranco Ferrè Green Velvet Strapless Cocktail Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 34 in (86.36 cm)Marked Size: 4 (US)Bust: 30 in (76.2 cm)Waist: 28 in (71.12 cm)Hip: 42 in (106.68 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Beverly Hills, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU42614515872
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.
- 1970s Purple and Gold Silk Maxi GownsLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1970s Raksha Purple and Gold long sleeve maxi gown with silk belt. Size :6/8 MediumCategory
1970s Indian Wedding Dresses
- Vintage 1980s Bill Blass Red and Black One Shoulder Sequin GownBy Bill BlassLocated in Beverly Hills, CAVintage 1980s Bill Blass Red and Black One Shoulder Sequin Gown sequin one gown with slit on the side. Sexy and Fun Vintage cocktail dress. B:...Category
1980s American Evening Gowns
- Vintage VIVIENNE WESTWOOD 1990s Black Silk Halter Wrap DressBy Vivienne WestwoodLocated in Beverly Hills, CASexy Vintage Vivienne Westwood wrap halter dress. Size: 2/4. Small Bust: 32 inch / Waist: 26 inch **** This Garment has been professionally ...Category
1990s British Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s Janice Wainwright Long Sleeve Black Velvet V neck Cocktail DressBy Janice WainwrightLocated in Beverly Hills, CAVintage 1980s Janice wainwright V neck Velvet Long sleeve cocktail dress. Bust: 36”/ Waist: 26”/ HIp: 34”Category
1980s British Evening Gowns
- 1960s Geoffrey Beene Grey Wool Shift DressBy Geoffrey BeeneLocated in Beverly Hills, CAVintage Geoffrey Beene gray wool shift dress with rhinestones on collar and sleeve. Dress has pockets. Silk lining need to be replaced. ( see images) ...Category
1960s American Mini Dress
- 1970s Geoffrey Beene Navy Blue Metallic Halter DressBy Geoffrey Beene, Geoffrey Been BoutiqueLocated in Beverly Hills, CASexy and timeless 1970s Geoffrey Beene navy blue metallic jersey halter dress with bare back. Size: 4/ SmallCategory
1970s American Evening Dresses
- Valentino vintage black dress NWOTBy ValentinoLocated in Capri, ITValentino vintage black dress NWOT size 44Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vintage 1960 Norman Norell Sequin Star Novelty Black Sheer Illusion Tulle GownBy Norman NorellLocated in Beverly Hills, CAThis iconic Norman Norell couture gown exemplifies his signature blend of couture level quality with quintessentially American style; elegant in its simplicity. Dating back to his 19...Category
1960s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Chic 1960s Black and Silver Metallic Lace Rayon Crepe Vintage 60s Sheath DressLocated in San Diego, CAChic 1960s black rayon crepe and silver metallic lace vintage sheath dress ! Features an empire style waist with bow at side left waist. Swag detail at ...Category
1960s Cocktail Dresses
- 1970s Nolan Miller Couture Chocolate Brown Silk Chiffon Vintage 70s Midi DressBy Nolan MillerLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful 1970s NOLAN MILLER COUTURE chocolate brown silk chiffon long sleeve midi dress ! Miller, who was the famed designer for all the wardrobe on "Dynasty" in the 80s, started hi...Category
1970s American Evening Gowns
- 2000s Moschino Cheap & Chic Black and White Size 6 8 Hand Painted Vintage DressBy Moschino Cheap and Chic, MoschinoLocated in San Diego, CAAmazing vintage early 2000s MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC black and white hand painted short sleeve y2k dress! Features flattering white handpainted white stripes around the neck and sleeves...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Lanvin Navy Crown and Shield JL Logo Vintage Belted Shirt Dress, 1960sBy Lanvin ParisLocated in San Francisco, CALanvin vintage 1960s by Jules Francois Crahay navy blue long sleeve shirt dress with buttons to waist and belt. Features crown and shield design with Lanvin JL logos throughout in re...Category
1960s American Casual Dresses