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{{Short description|Italian fashion designer (1944–2007)}}
{{redirect|Ferre|the French wine grape that is also known as Ferre|Fer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}

{{Infobox fashion designer
{{Infobox fashion designer
|image = Gianfranco Ferré.png
|image=
|caption=
|caption = Ferré in 2003
|name=Gianfranco Ferré
|name = Gianfranco Ferré
|birth_date = {{birth date|df=y|1944|8|15}}
|nationality=Italy|Italian
|birth_place = [[Legnano]], Italy
|birth_date=15 August 1944
|death_date = {{death date and age|df=y|2007|6|17|1944|8|15}}
|birth_place=[[Legnano]]
|death_place = [[Milan]], Italy
|death_date=17 June 2007 (aged 62)
|education = [[Polytechnic University of Milan]]
|death_place=Milan, Italy
|label_name = {{unbulleted list|Gianfranco Ferré|Ferré|GF Ferré}}
|education=[[Politecnico di Milano]]
|awards = {{unbulleted list|Occhio d'Oro (6 times)|De d'Or|Commendatore dell'Ordine}}
|label_name=Gianfranco Ferré, Ferré, GF Ferré
|significant_design=
|awards=Occhio d'Oro (6 times), De d'Or, Commendatore del Ordine
|}}
|}}
'''Gianfranco Ferré''' ({{IPA|it|dʒaɱˈfraŋko ferˈre}}; 15 August 1944 – 17 June 2007) was an Italian [[Fashion design|fashion designer]] also known as "the architect of fashion" for his background and his original attitude toward creating fashion design.


==Early life and education==
'''Gianfranco Ferré''' (15 August 1944 – 17 June 2007) was a [[fashion design]]er also known as "the architect of fashion" for his background and his original attitude toward creating fashion design.
Ferré was born on 15 August 1944 in [[Legnano]], near [[Milan]] in [[Lombardy]], in northern Italy, the first child of Luigi Ferré and Andrea Morosi. He attended the ''[[liceo scientifico]]'' of Legnano, and then, from 1963, studied [[architecture]] at the [[Polytechnic University of Milan]] in central Milan, where he graduated in 1969.{{r|trecc}}


==Early career==
Born in [[Legnano]], [[Italy]], he received a degree in architecture in 1969 at the [[Politecnico di Milano]] university. In 1983, he joined [[Domus Academy]] as founding Professor of the Department of Fashion Design.
Ferré began his fashion career in 1970 by designing accessories, then worked as a [[raincoat]] designer in 1972–74.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} He started his own company Baila in 1974,<ref name=BBC>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6762249.stm BBC Italian fashion idol Ferre dies], ''BBC'', 17 June 2007</ref> and launched his signature collection for women in 1978.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} His first men's collection appeared in 1982, followed in 1986 by his first [[Haute couture|couture]] collection in Rome.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}


Ferré became Stylistic Director of [[Christian Dior SA|Christian Dior]] in Paris in 1989, when he was chosen by owner [[Bernard Arnault]] to replace [[Marc Bohan]].{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} In 1994, Ferré designed the [[Lady Dior]] handbag.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Rebekah |title=Did you know the Lady Dior bag once had a different name? |url=https://graziamagazine.com/articles/history-lady-dior-pop-up/ |access-date=13 June 2023 |website=[[Grazia]]}}</ref> In 1996, it was announced that Ferré would end his engagement with Dior with the Spring 1997 collection for the label.<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ferre-takes-last-bow-at-dior-1327893.html Ferre takes last bow at Dior], ''The Independent'', 9 July 1996</ref>
Ferré began his fashion career in 1970 by designing accessories, then worked as a raincoat designer in 1972-74. He started his own company Baila in 1974 <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6762249.stm BBC "Italian fashion idol Ferre dies" June 17 2007]</ref> and launched his signature collection for women in 1978. His first men's collection appeared in 1982, followed in 1986 by his first couture collection in Rome.
Ferré became Stylistic Director of [[Christian Dior SA|Christian Dior]] in [[Paris]] in 1989, when he was chosen by owner [[Bernard Arnault]] to replace [[Marc Bohan]]. In 1996, it was announced that Ferré would end his engagement with Dior with the Spring 1997 collection for the label.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6762249.stm BBC "Italian fashion idol Ferre dies" June 17 2007]</ref>


==Gianfranco Ferré S.p.A.==
His own label is more relaxed and pared-down than Dior. Sophisticated white shirts have become the symbol of his personal signature in fashion design.
===History===
Ferré founded his eponymous womenswear line in 1978 and in the same year founded the Gianfranco Ferré company.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ferre-factbox-idUKL1726889120070617 FACTBOX: Key facts about fashion designer Ferre] ''[[Reuters]]'', 17 June 2007.</ref> He kept his own line in Italy while he worked at Dior.<ref>Astrid Wendlandt and Marie-Louise Gumuchian (9 September 2009), [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-luxury-ferre-interview-idUSTRE5882OT20090909 Gianfranco Ferre defies crisis with major revamp] ''[[Reuters]]''.</ref> His own label is more relaxed and pared-down than Dior. Sophisticated white shirts have become the symbol of his personal signature in fashion design.


The company achieved total sales of 950 billion Lira ($589 million) in 1994, an increase of 15% over 1993, which had enjoyed a similar increase over 1992 sales. Ferré's 14 licences contributed 58% to total sales in 1994. In 1996, total sales were already at 1250 billion Lira ($811 million).
Ferré appeared to be extremely critical of trends and fashion gimmicks. He dealt with his demanding schedule, being responsible for a French top fashion brand and his own Italian label, by commuting between [[Milan]] and [[Paris]] in his private plane. Ferré had a lakeside home in [[Lake Maggiore]], near Milan.


The Gianfranco Ferré S.p.A. is the holding company that coordinates the fashion business of the Ferré label. It was owned by Gianfranco Ferré (Creative Director) and [[Franco Mattioli]] (Chief Financial Officer) in equal shares until it was sold to IT Holdings in March 2002. Recently, Ferré announced that the group plans to become listed at the [[Borsa Italiana|Milan stock exchange]]. In order to prepare for this movement Ferré started to rearrange the holding significantly. The first step was the recruitment of experienced management personnel under the guidance of [[Giuseppe Cipriano]]. The next step is the reduction of the number of subsidiaries from today 21 to four or five in the future. Another move is the acquisition of the apparel producer [[Dei Mattioli]], which is owned by Mattioli. Ferré also seems to be interested in acquiring some of his contractors, in order to have more control over the production.
[[Eva Riccobono]] was one of his favourite [[supermodels]] for catwalks and advertisements and Matteo Ceccarini his best sound designer.


In 2000, Gianfranco Ferré sold 90 per cent of his company to Gruppo Tonino Perna, the parent company of the Italian fashion group IT Holding SpA, for a sum estimated by analysts to be between $150 million and $175 million.<ref>Astrid Wendlandt and Marie-Louise Gumuchian (9 September 2009), [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-luxury-ferre-interview-idUSTRE5882OT20090909 Gianfranco Ferre defies crisis with major revamp] ''[[Reuters]]''.</ref>
== Product lines ==
* Gianfranco Ferré: The main line for men, women
* Ferré: previously known as the White Label, more practical, ready-to-wear for both men, women. Within this line, there are Ferré Red (for plus size) and Ferré Fur. For Ferré men there is also Ferré Underwear.
* GF Ferré: The younger, more sporty line, for men, women
* Gianfranco Ferré Fragrances<ref>[http://www.fragrantica.com/designers/Gianfranco+Ferre.html Gianfranco Ferré Fragrances]</ref>
* Ferre Milano - casual line for woman and men


From 2007 to 2008, [[Lars Nilsson (designer)|Lars Nilsson]] served as the label's creative director for only five months; Nilsson's first and only menswear collection for the Gianfranco Ferré was shown in an unusual "presentation" style, with static models in a theatrical setting and no catwalk show.<ref>Gilles Castonguay (8 February 2008), [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ferre-nilsson-idUSL0844192920080208 Ferre parts with creative director after 5 months] ''[[Reuters]]''.</ref> From April 2008 to April 2011, designers [[Tommaso Aquilano]] and [[Roberto Rimondi]] followed; they were let go from the company due to poor sales.<ref>Luisa Zargani (19 April 2011),[https://wwd.com/fashion-news/designer-luxury/ferre-designers-out-3586491/ Tommaso Aquilano, Roberto Rimondi Out at Ferré] ''[[Women's Wear Daily]]''.</ref>
== Awards ==
Ferré won a number of prestigious awards including the [[L'Occhio d'Oro]] during his career <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6762249.stm BBC "Italian fashion idol Ferre dies" June 17 2007]</ref>


In 2008, Chinese businessman Billy Ngok entered into negotiations to buy a minority stake in the Gianfranco Ferré label from IT Holding.<ref>Cristina Carlevaro (12 September 2008), [https://www.reuters.com/article/itholding-hembly-idUSLC73223020080912 Chinese businessman in talks on Italy's Ferre] ''[[Reuters]]''.</ref> In 2009, three years after Ferré died, IT Holding itself went into bankruptcy administration.<ref>Jess Cartner-Morley (25 February 2011), [https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/feb/25/gianfranco-ferre-milan-fashion-week Milan fashion week: Investor rescues Gianfranco Ferré label at last minute] ''[[The Guardian]]''.</ref> In 2010, Italy cleared the sale of Gianfranco Ferré to U.S. private equity firm Prodos Capital.<ref>Antonella Ciancio and Cristina Carlevaro (10 November 2010),[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ferre-sale-idUSTRE6A955G20101110 U.S. company to buy distressed Ferre fashion house] ''[[Reuters]]''.</ref> In 2011, Dubai-based retailer Paris Group bought the company.<ref>Nathania Zevi (19 October 2011), [https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-RB-9133 Ferré Struggles to Find Its Feet] ''[[Wall Street Journal]]''.</ref>
* Occhio d'Oro Award (six times) for Best Italian Designer

* Gold Medal from the City of Milan
===Product lines===
* Commendatore del Ordine decoration from the President of the Italian Republic
* Gianfranco Ferré: Main line for men, women and children
* De d'Or (Golden Thimble Award) for his first Dior haute couture collection (1989)
* Ferré: Previously known as the White Label, more practical, ready-to-wear for both men and women. Within this line, there are Ferré Red (for plus size) and Ferré Fur. For Ferré men there is also Ferré Underwear.
* GF Ferré: Younger, more sporty line, for men, women
* Gianfranco Ferré Fragrances<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fragrantica.com/designers/Gianfranco-Ferre.html|title=Gianfranco Ferre Perfumes And Colognes|website=www.fragrantica.com}}</ref>
* Ferre Milano: Casual line for women and men
* Ferre designed [[Korean Air]]'s flight attendant uniforms in 2005, using Korean "binyeo" traditional hair accessories.

Ferré later branched out into jewellery, children's wear and a spa venture with British company ESPA.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ferre-factbox-idUKL1726889120070617 FACTBOX: Key facts about fashion designer Ferre] ''[[Reuters]]'', 17 June 2007.</ref> In 2008, Gianfranco Ferré and [[Suhail Galadari|Galadari Investment Office]] announced plans to build a luxurious $1.2 billion tower of at least 60 floors in Dubai in 2011, part of a joint venture for the design and development of real estate.<ref>Astrid Wendlandt and Marie-Louise Gumuchian (25 June 2008), [https://www.reuters.com/article/ferre-property/ferre-gio-in-jv-for-property-design-development-idINL258562320080625 Ferre, GIO in JV for property design, development] ''[[Reuters]]''.</ref>


===Production/licenses===
== Economic data ==
Though no longer under production, the Studio .0001 and Forma O were produced by Marzotto, one of the biggest Italian garment manufacturers. The sportswear collections Oaks by Ferré and Ferrejeans used to be manufactured by [[Italiana Manifatture S.p.A.]], but Ferré contracted those lines for the next ten years to Ittiere, who also furnish the bride collections of [[Dolce & Gabbana]], [[Gianni Versace S.p.A.|Versace]], and others. The range of licensed products is wide, including shoes, stationery, luggage, home furnishings, and perfumes. The latest addition to this list is the license given to the Swiss watch manufacturer Swatch.
=== Ownership ===
The Gianfranco Ferré S.p.A. is the holding company that coordinates the fashion business of the Ferré label. It was owned by Gianfranco Ferré (Creative Director) and [[Franco Mattioli]] (Chief Financial Officer) in equal shares until it was sold to IT Holdings in March 2002. Recently, Ferré announced that the group plans to become listed at the [[Borsa Italiana|Milan stock exchange]]. In order to prepare for this movement Ferré started to rearrange the holding significantly. First step was the recruitment of experienced management personnel under the guide of [[Giuseppe Cipriano]]. Next step is the reduction of the number of subsidiaries from today 21 to four or five in the future. Another move is the acquisition of the apparel producer [[Dei Mattioli]], which is owned by [[Franco Mattioli]]. Ferré also seems to be interested in acquiring some of his contractors, in order to have more control over the production.


Most of the external licenses were eliminated in 2003, leaving only the Gianfranco Ferre mainline, Ferré diffusion, and GF Ferré younger/activewear labels.
=== Performance ===
The company achieved total sales of 950 billion Lira ($589 million) in 1994, an increase of 15% over 1993, which had shown enjoyed a similar increase over 1992 sales. Ferré's 14 licences contributed 58% to total sales in 1994. In 1996, total sales were already at 1250 billion Lira ($811 million).


=== Exports ===
===Exports===
70% of Ferré sales are achieved in export, where the US appears to be the biggest market with growing importance. Italy still holds 20% of the sales, but the success of the Ferré Jeans business in the US seems to shift the focus here. The Studio .0001 by Ferré line, produced by Italian garment manufacturer [[Marzotto]], is basically targeted at the US market.
70% of Ferré sales are achieved in export, where the US appears to be the biggest market with growing importance. Italy still holds 20% of the sales, but the success of the Ferré Jeans business in the US seems to shift the focus here. The Studio .0001 by Ferré line, produced by Italian garment manufacturer [[Marzotto]], is basically targeted at the US market.


=== Distribution ===
===Distribution===
Ferré distributes in 17 exclusive boutiques worldwide (1994) and has over 250 sales points in total.
Ferré distributes in 17 exclusive boutiques worldwide (1994) and has over 250 sales points in total.


=== Production/licenses ===
===Sports sponsoring===
GF Ferré designed the official off-field uniform for Rome-based soccer club [[S.S. Lazio]] for the upcoming 2009-2010 soccer season.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-41564120090805 Designer GF Ferre to dress Lazio soccer team] ''[[Reuters]]'', 5 August 2009.</ref><ref>Astrid Wendlandt and Marie-Louise Gumuchian (9 September 2009), [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-luxury-ferre-interview-idUSTRE5882OT20090909 Gianfranco Ferre defies crisis with major revamp] ''[[Reuters]]''.</ref>
Though no longer under production, the Studio .0001 and Forma O were produced by Marzotto, one of the biggest Italian garment manufacturers. The sportswear collections Oaks by Ferré and Ferrejeans used to be manufactured by [[Italiana Manifatture S.p.A.]], but Ferré contracted those lines for the next ten years to Ittiere, who also furnish the bridge collections of [[Dolce & Gabbana]], [[Gianni Versace S.p.A.|Versace]], and others. The range of licenced products is wide, including shoes, stationery, luggage, home furnishings, and perfumes. The latest addition to this list is the license given to the Swiss watch manufacturer Swatch.


==Recognition==
Most of the external licenses were eliminated in 2003, leaving only the Gianfranco Ferre mainline, Ferre diffusion, and GF Ferre younger/activewear labels.
Ferré won a number of prestigious awards including the [[L'Occhio d'Oro]] during his career:<ref name=BBC/>
* Occhio d'Oro Award (six times) for Best Italian Designer
* Gold Medal from the City of Milan
* Commendatore del Ordine decoration from the President of the Italian Republic
* De d'Or (Golden Thimble Award) for his first Dior haute couture collection (1989)


==Personal life==
=== Real Estate ===
Ferré appeared to be extremely critical of trends and fashion gimmicks. He dealt with his demanding schedule, being responsible for a French top fashion brand and his own Italian label, by commuting between Milan and Paris in his private plane.{{citation needed|date=February 2013}} Ferré had a {{convert|5000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|disp=flip}} lakeside home on the western bank of [[Lake Maggiore]], near Milan.<ref>Nathan Brooker (12 July 2013), [https://www.ft.com/content/e0fcf9b4-e496-11e2-875b-00144feabdc0 Homes with famous owners] ''[[Financial Times]]''.</ref>
On June 25 of 2008 real estate and the world of high fashion established a new precedent in the world of modern architectural splendour when Gianfranco Ferré entered into a worldwide joint venture with Dubai-based GIO Developments, part of Galadari Investment Office (GIO) in Milan today.
An exclusive development deal was signed naming GIO Developments the worldwide partner for all Gianfranco Ferré real estate projects. GIO Developments is fully responsible for real estate, construction, management and operations, whilst Gianfranco Ferré will oversee all aspects of content, design and style.
The first project of the "'''Gianfranco Ferré for GIO'''" joint venture will be erected in Dubai and named Gianfranco Ferré Stresa. It will go on stream combining residential, commercial and hospitality spaces so that the mixed-use development will complement itself. The project is worth more than USD$1.2 billion and is packaged to introduce the world to genuine 'concrete couture', according to industry experts.


== Death ==
==Death==
Ferré died on June 17, 2007. The previous Friday, he had suffered a massive brain hemorrhage. Ferré was hospitalized at the [[San Raffaele Hospital]] in Milan, where he was pronounced dead a few days later.
Ferré died on 17 June 2007. The previous Friday, he had suffered a massive brain haemorrhage. Ferré was hospitalized at the [[San Raffaele Hospital]] in Milan, where he was pronounced dead a few days later.<ref name=BBC/>

Ferré was buried in his home town of Legnano. Fellow designers [[Giorgio Armani]], [[Valentino Garavani]] and [[Donatella Versace]] attended the service.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ferre-funeral-idUSL1983940620070619 Fashion icons gather for funeral of designer Ferre] ''[[Reuters]]'', 19 June 2007.</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|45em|refs=


<ref name=trecc>Maria Natalina Trivisano (2016). [http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/gianfranco-ferre_(Dizionario-Biografico) Ferré, Gianfranco] (in Italian). ''Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani''. Rome: Istituto dell'Enciclopedia Italiana. Retrieved January 2019.</ref>
{{reflist}}
5. Λ[http://www.perfumesnow.com/fendi fendi perfumes]


}}
== Sources and links ==

*[http://www.gianfrancoferre.com/ Official Website]
==External links==
*[http://www.gianfrancoferre.com/ Official website]
*{{fashiondesigner|id=gianfranco-ferre}}
*{{fashiondesigner|id=gianfranco-ferre}}
* [http://observer.com/1999/04/gianfranco-ferr-and-the-architecture-of-design/ Gianfranco Ferré and the Architecture of Design], New York Observer
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6762249.stm Italian fashion idol Ferre dies]
{{Authority control}}
*[http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=3288114]
*[http://uk.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUKL258562320080625/ Ferre,GIO in JV for property, design development]


{{Grands couturiers}}

{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME =Ferre, Gianfranco
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
| DATE OF BIRTH =15 August 1944
| PLACE OF BIRTH =[[Legnano]]
| DATE OF DEATH =17 June 2007
| PLACE OF DEATH =Milan, Italy
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ferre, Gianfranco}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ferre, Gianfranco}}
[[Category:1944 births]]
[[Category:1944 births]]
[[Category:2007 deaths]]
[[Category:2007 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Legnano]]
[[Category:Fashion designers from Milan]]
[[Category:Italian fashion designers]]
[[Category:Italian fashion designers]]
[[Category:Deaths from cerebral hemorrhage]]
[[Category:Polytechnic University of Milan alumni]]
[[Category:Alumni of the Politecnico di Milano]]
[[Category:People from the Province of Milan]]
[[Category:High fashion brands]]
[[Category:High fashion brands]]
[[Category:Clothing brands of Italy]]

[[Category:Dior people]]
[[ast:Gianfranco Ferré]]
[[de:Gianfranco Ferré]]
[[el:Τζιανφράνκο Φερέ]]
[[es:Gianfranco Ferré]]
[[fa:جان‌فرانکو فرره]]
[[fr:Gianfranco Ferré]]
[[it:Gianfranco Ferré]]
[[nl:Gianfranco Ferré]]
[[ja:ジャンフランコ・フェレ]]
[[pl:Gianfranco Ferré]]
[[pt:Gianfranco Ferrè]]
[[ru:Ферре, Джанфранко]]
[[fi:Gianfranco Ferrè]]
[[sv:Gianfranco Ferré]]

Latest revision as of 00:14, 16 August 2024

Gianfranco Ferré
Ferré in 2003
Born(1944-08-15)15 August 1944
Legnano, Italy
Died17 June 2007(2007-06-17) (aged 62)
Milan, Italy
EducationPolytechnic University of Milan
Labels
  • Gianfranco Ferré
  • Ferré
  • GF Ferré
Awards
  • Occhio d'Oro (6 times)
  • De d'Or
  • Commendatore dell'Ordine

Gianfranco Ferré (Italian pronunciation: [dʒaɱˈfraŋko ferˈre]; 15 August 1944 – 17 June 2007) was an Italian fashion designer also known as "the architect of fashion" for his background and his original attitude toward creating fashion design.

Early life and education

[edit]

Ferré was born on 15 August 1944 in Legnano, near Milan in Lombardy, in northern Italy, the first child of Luigi Ferré and Andrea Morosi. He attended the liceo scientifico of Legnano, and then, from 1963, studied architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan in central Milan, where he graduated in 1969.[1]

Early career

[edit]

Ferré began his fashion career in 1970 by designing accessories, then worked as a raincoat designer in 1972–74.[citation needed] He started his own company Baila in 1974,[2] and launched his signature collection for women in 1978.[citation needed] His first men's collection appeared in 1982, followed in 1986 by his first couture collection in Rome.[citation needed]

Ferré became Stylistic Director of Christian Dior in Paris in 1989, when he was chosen by owner Bernard Arnault to replace Marc Bohan.[citation needed] In 1994, Ferré designed the Lady Dior handbag.[3] In 1996, it was announced that Ferré would end his engagement with Dior with the Spring 1997 collection for the label.[4]

Gianfranco Ferré S.p.A.

[edit]

History

[edit]

Ferré founded his eponymous womenswear line in 1978 and in the same year founded the Gianfranco Ferré company.[5] He kept his own line in Italy while he worked at Dior.[6] His own label is more relaxed and pared-down than Dior. Sophisticated white shirts have become the symbol of his personal signature in fashion design.

The company achieved total sales of 950 billion Lira ($589 million) in 1994, an increase of 15% over 1993, which had enjoyed a similar increase over 1992 sales. Ferré's 14 licences contributed 58% to total sales in 1994. In 1996, total sales were already at 1250 billion Lira ($811 million).

The Gianfranco Ferré S.p.A. is the holding company that coordinates the fashion business of the Ferré label. It was owned by Gianfranco Ferré (Creative Director) and Franco Mattioli (Chief Financial Officer) in equal shares until it was sold to IT Holdings in March 2002. Recently, Ferré announced that the group plans to become listed at the Milan stock exchange. In order to prepare for this movement Ferré started to rearrange the holding significantly. The first step was the recruitment of experienced management personnel under the guidance of Giuseppe Cipriano. The next step is the reduction of the number of subsidiaries from today 21 to four or five in the future. Another move is the acquisition of the apparel producer Dei Mattioli, which is owned by Mattioli. Ferré also seems to be interested in acquiring some of his contractors, in order to have more control over the production.

In 2000, Gianfranco Ferré sold 90 per cent of his company to Gruppo Tonino Perna, the parent company of the Italian fashion group IT Holding SpA, for a sum estimated by analysts to be between $150 million and $175 million.[7]

From 2007 to 2008, Lars Nilsson served as the label's creative director for only five months; Nilsson's first and only menswear collection for the Gianfranco Ferré was shown in an unusual "presentation" style, with static models in a theatrical setting and no catwalk show.[8] From April 2008 to April 2011, designers Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi followed; they were let go from the company due to poor sales.[9]

In 2008, Chinese businessman Billy Ngok entered into negotiations to buy a minority stake in the Gianfranco Ferré label from IT Holding.[10] In 2009, three years after Ferré died, IT Holding itself went into bankruptcy administration.[11] In 2010, Italy cleared the sale of Gianfranco Ferré to U.S. private equity firm Prodos Capital.[12] In 2011, Dubai-based retailer Paris Group bought the company.[13]

Product lines

[edit]
  • Gianfranco Ferré: Main line for men, women and children
  • Ferré: Previously known as the White Label, more practical, ready-to-wear for both men and women. Within this line, there are Ferré Red (for plus size) and Ferré Fur. For Ferré men there is also Ferré Underwear.
  • GF Ferré: Younger, more sporty line, for men, women
  • Gianfranco Ferré Fragrances[14]
  • Ferre Milano: Casual line for women and men
  • Ferre designed Korean Air's flight attendant uniforms in 2005, using Korean "binyeo" traditional hair accessories.

Ferré later branched out into jewellery, children's wear and a spa venture with British company ESPA.[15] In 2008, Gianfranco Ferré and Galadari Investment Office announced plans to build a luxurious $1.2 billion tower of at least 60 floors in Dubai in 2011, part of a joint venture for the design and development of real estate.[16]

Production/licenses

[edit]

Though no longer under production, the Studio .0001 and Forma O were produced by Marzotto, one of the biggest Italian garment manufacturers. The sportswear collections Oaks by Ferré and Ferrejeans used to be manufactured by Italiana Manifatture S.p.A., but Ferré contracted those lines for the next ten years to Ittiere, who also furnish the bride collections of Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and others. The range of licensed products is wide, including shoes, stationery, luggage, home furnishings, and perfumes. The latest addition to this list is the license given to the Swiss watch manufacturer Swatch.

Most of the external licenses were eliminated in 2003, leaving only the Gianfranco Ferre mainline, Ferré diffusion, and GF Ferré younger/activewear labels.

Exports

[edit]

70% of Ferré sales are achieved in export, where the US appears to be the biggest market with growing importance. Italy still holds 20% of the sales, but the success of the Ferré Jeans business in the US seems to shift the focus here. The Studio .0001 by Ferré line, produced by Italian garment manufacturer Marzotto, is basically targeted at the US market.

Distribution

[edit]

Ferré distributes in 17 exclusive boutiques worldwide (1994) and has over 250 sales points in total.

Sports sponsoring

[edit]

GF Ferré designed the official off-field uniform for Rome-based soccer club S.S. Lazio for the upcoming 2009-2010 soccer season.[17][18]

Recognition

[edit]

Ferré won a number of prestigious awards including the L'Occhio d'Oro during his career:[2]

  • Occhio d'Oro Award (six times) for Best Italian Designer
  • Gold Medal from the City of Milan
  • Commendatore del Ordine decoration from the President of the Italian Republic
  • De d'Or (Golden Thimble Award) for his first Dior haute couture collection (1989)

Personal life

[edit]

Ferré appeared to be extremely critical of trends and fashion gimmicks. He dealt with his demanding schedule, being responsible for a French top fashion brand and his own Italian label, by commuting between Milan and Paris in his private plane.[citation needed] Ferré had a 460 m2 (5,000 sq ft) lakeside home on the western bank of Lake Maggiore, near Milan.[19]

Death

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Ferré died on 17 June 2007. The previous Friday, he had suffered a massive brain haemorrhage. Ferré was hospitalized at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, where he was pronounced dead a few days later.[2]

Ferré was buried in his home town of Legnano. Fellow designers Giorgio Armani, Valentino Garavani and Donatella Versace attended the service.[20]

References

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  1. ^ Maria Natalina Trivisano (2016). Ferré, Gianfranco (in Italian). Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani. Rome: Istituto dell'Enciclopedia Italiana. Retrieved January 2019.
  2. ^ a b c BBC Italian fashion idol Ferre dies, BBC, 17 June 2007
  3. ^ Clark, Rebekah. "Did you know the Lady Dior bag once had a different name?". Grazia. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
  4. ^ Ferre takes last bow at Dior, The Independent, 9 July 1996
  5. ^ FACTBOX: Key facts about fashion designer Ferre Reuters, 17 June 2007.
  6. ^ Astrid Wendlandt and Marie-Louise Gumuchian (9 September 2009), Gianfranco Ferre defies crisis with major revamp Reuters.
  7. ^ Astrid Wendlandt and Marie-Louise Gumuchian (9 September 2009), Gianfranco Ferre defies crisis with major revamp Reuters.
  8. ^ Gilles Castonguay (8 February 2008), Ferre parts with creative director after 5 months Reuters.
  9. ^ Luisa Zargani (19 April 2011),Tommaso Aquilano, Roberto Rimondi Out at Ferré Women's Wear Daily.
  10. ^ Cristina Carlevaro (12 September 2008), Chinese businessman in talks on Italy's Ferre Reuters.
  11. ^ Jess Cartner-Morley (25 February 2011), Milan fashion week: Investor rescues Gianfranco Ferré label at last minute The Guardian.
  12. ^ Antonella Ciancio and Cristina Carlevaro (10 November 2010),U.S. company to buy distressed Ferre fashion house Reuters.
  13. ^ Nathania Zevi (19 October 2011), Ferré Struggles to Find Its Feet Wall Street Journal.
  14. ^ "Gianfranco Ferre Perfumes And Colognes". www.fragrantica.com.
  15. ^ FACTBOX: Key facts about fashion designer Ferre Reuters, 17 June 2007.
  16. ^ Astrid Wendlandt and Marie-Louise Gumuchian (25 June 2008), Ferre, GIO in JV for property design, development Reuters.
  17. ^ Designer GF Ferre to dress Lazio soccer team Reuters, 5 August 2009.
  18. ^ Astrid Wendlandt and Marie-Louise Gumuchian (9 September 2009), Gianfranco Ferre defies crisis with major revamp Reuters.
  19. ^ Nathan Brooker (12 July 2013), Homes with famous owners Financial Times.
  20. ^ Fashion icons gather for funeral of designer Ferre Reuters, 19 June 2007.
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