Ferré, Gianfranco (1944–2007)

Italian couturier, whose style was strongly influenced by his training as an architect. His clothes were marked by simple shapes and clearly defined lines punctuated by such flourishes as oversized bows and theatrical sashes, rendered in luxurious fabrics. His first collection under his own name was shown in 1979 and scored an immediate success. He was artistic director of the house of Christian Dior, arguably the crowning post in the world of international fashion, from 1989 to 1996.

Born in Legnano, a suburb of Milan, Italy, Ferré began designing jewellery and belts in 1969, after failing to find opportunities to put his architectural training into practice. Soon he also began designing scarves and footwear, and by 1971 was creating accessories for such leading designers as Karl Lagerfeld, Walter Albini, and Elio Fiorucci. In 1978 he established his own label, Oaks by Ferré, which was an immediate hit. In 1987 he established Studio 6.001 by Ferré, and in 1989 Ferré Jeans. He was awarded the Dé d'Or, or Golden Thimble award, for the best collection in Paris in 1989.