90s Gianfranco Ferre White Silk V Neck Sleeveless Gown
About the Item
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 55 in (139.7 cm)Marked Size: 40/6 (EU)Bust: 34 in (86.36 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Beverly Hills, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4269672402
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 Silk Jersey Multi Color Abstract Print Maxi dressLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1970s Multi Color ( purple, pink, blue , and yellow ) abstract print silk jersey dress with long sash. Dress can be worn 2 way see pictures attached. You can style it as Halter dres...Category
1970s Unknown Cocktail Dresses
- 1960s Watercolor Blue and Purple Floral Print Sleeveless Sheath DressLocated in Beverly Hills, CALate 1950s and early 1960s vintage cotton watercolor floral print sheath dress. Iridescent clear sequins sewn all over the flower prints. Sleeveless Sheath wiggle style. The skirt h...Category
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
- 80s blue beaded sheer dressLocated in Beverly Hills, CA80s blue beaded sheer dress. Size: 4/6 Bust: 36"/ Waist: 36"/ Hips: 38"/ Length: 48"/ sleeve length: 23"Category
1980s Unknown Cocktail Dresses
- 1950s Philip Hulitar Ivory and Black Velvet Pearl Encrusted Beaded GownBy Philip HulitarLocated in Beverly Hills, CAThis vintage Phillip Hulitar 1950s, ivory silk chiffon and black velvet cocktail dress is the perfect party dress or great for wedding. Gown has intricate black velvet, ivory silk chiffon, pearl encrusted, leaf-motif bodice and its double-layer, silk chiffon ballroom skirt...Category
1950s American Vintage Bridal Gowns
- 1960s Metallic Grey and Blue Brocade Sleeveless DressLocated in Beverly Hills, CAVintage 60s Metallic light grey blue and gold embroidered sleeveless brocade maxi A line dress. Dress is rarely worn. Bust: 34 inch / Waist 28inch / Hip...Category
1960s American Sheath Dresses
- 1970s Purple Multi Color Floral Print Silk Chiffon Dress with Blouse SetBy Nieman MarcusLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1970s Neiman Marcus made in france Floral print in purple, yellow, green and orange Silk crepe 2 pcs spaghetti strap dress with blouse. Size: 4 for Dress/ Blouse fit size 6-8 Measure...Category
1970s French Maxi Dress
- Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere Heather Grey Size 40 / 10 Sweatshirt Mini DressBy Nicolas Ghesquière, BalenciagaLocated in San Diego, CAAvant Garde BALENCIAGA by NICOLAS GHESQUIERE mid 2000s heather gray slouchy sweatshirt mini dress ! Simply slips over the head, and stretches to fit. V-neck bodice. Soft cotton blend...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Marc Jacobs for Bergdorf Goodman 1920s Flapper Style Gray 20s Rayon Shirt DressBy Marc JacobsLocated in San Diego, CAMARC JACOBS for BERGDORF GOODMAN early 2000s 1920s flapper style grey shirt dress ! Features a pleated bodice with a drop waist. Butto...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Emanuel Ungaro New Leather Color Block Dress 1980sBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous soft, supple leather dress by Emanuel Ungaro in black and grey. It has a crew neckline, long sleeves with zipper cuffs and shoulder pads. The dress is black with an angul...Category
1980s Italian Day Dresses
- Emanuel Ungaro Check Draped DressBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in Water Mill, NYA great fine black and white small check light weight wool dress by Emanuel Ungaro. It has a crew neckline, fabulous leg o mutton sleeves with zipper and ...Category
1990s French Day Dresses
- Pierre Cardin 1960s Space Age DressBy Pierre CardinLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous off white wool dress by Pierre Cardin. It is an A line sleeveless dress with a stand up collar and hem highlighted with rows of top stitchi...Category
1960s French Day Dresses
- Vicky Tiel Silk Damask Dress 1980sBy Vicky TielLocated in Water Mill, NYA beautiful off white silk damask dress with a red flower print from Vicky Tiel. It has front pockets and closes with self covered buttons. The cap sleev...Category
1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns