Gianfranco Ferré Brands and Licences | Gianfranco Ferré Research Center

1978

since 1982

since 2002

Foundation of the Gianfranco Ferré brand. Debut of the first women’s prêt-à-porter line with the Spring/Summer 1979 collection, presented in October 1978 at the Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan.

Fabric garments are produced by Dei Mattioli (Bologna), leather garments by La Matta (Trissino, Vicenza), and knitwear garments by Maglificio di Vignola (Vignola, Modena).

primavera/estate 1987

primavera/Estate 1990

primavera/estate 2000

Leisurewear line presented in Florence at the Fortezza da Basso: a “young” fashion not intended solely for a young audience.

Press release, 1978

The line is produced and distributed by Omino di Ferro (Casorate, Pavia).

Foto dalla cartella stampa della linea Gianfranco Ferré Oaks, Autunno/Inverno 1983–84, Bob Krieger.

foto di press release, autunno/inverno 1983-84, ph. Bob Krieger

Foto dalla cartella stampa della linea Gianfranco Ferré Oaks, Primavera/Estate 1983.

foto di press release, primavera/Estate 1983

1979

“For me, the relationship that binds garment and accessory is necessary and inseparable. They stem from a shared inspiration and exist in harmony from the very first moment a collection takes shape in my mind, referring to the same suggestions, even when developed in different forms and materials. One is the mirror of the other, one helps to understand the other. More precisely, the latter is a tool for interpreting the former, allowing for a subjective reading of the garment”.

Gianfranco Ferré, Notes

Production is entrusted as follows: shoes to Della Valle (Sant’Elpidio a Mare, Fermo); bags and belts to Dei Mutti (Parma); ties and foulards to Mantero (Como); bijoux to Il Gioiello di Firenze (Florence); fragrances to Diana De Silva Cosmétiques (Milan) until 2002 and subsequently to ITF (Lodi); eyewear to Safilo (Padua) until 2002 and subsequently to Allison (Padua).

Advertising della linea Accessori Gianfranco Ferré, Primavera/Estate 1997, fotografia di Michelangelo Di Battista.

advertising, primavera/Estate 1997, ph. michelangelo di battista

Advertising della linea Accessori Gianfranco Ferré, Autunno/Inverno 1994–95, foto di Tyen.

advertising, autunno/inverno 1994-95, ph. tyen

Advertising della linea Accessori Gianfranco Ferré, Primavera/Estate 1990, fotografia di Albert Watson.

advertising, primavera/estate 1990, ph. albert watson

Advertising della linea Accessori Gianfranco Ferré, Primavera/Estate 1994, fotografia di Tyen.

advertising, primavera/Estate 1994, ph. tyen

Advertising della linea Accessori Gianfranco Ferré, Autunno/Inverno 1989–90, fotografia di Albert Watson.

advertising, autunno/inverno 1989-90, ph. albert watson

As taste evolves, swimwear transforms into a real component of clothing. Not only for the design and sophisticated technology it expresses, but because it fulfils several primary functions: elasticity and, above all, comfort.

Press release, 1992

The line is produced and distributed by Marvel (Bologna).

Advertising della linea Gianfranco Ferré Beachwear, Primavera/Estate 1987, foto di Herb Ritts.

advertising, primavera/Estate 1987, ph. herb ritts

Advertising della linea Gianfranco Ferré Beachwear, Primavera/Estate 1991, fotografia di Gian Paolo Barbieri.

advertising, primavera/Estate 1991, ph. gian paolo barbieri

Under the sign of comfort and style, the new men’s underwear line is created. The collection is defined by elements that reconcile the principle of an easy, relaxed fit with the unmistakable traits of elegance and refinement.
The line is structured into three components: a “base” line, designed in comfortable shapes; a “sport” line with garments offering enhanced adherence and stability; and a “visual” line, characterised by visually impactful elements such as printed logos, high waistbands or embroidered labels applied on the front.

Press release, 1997

The line is produced and distributed by Socotex (Bergamo) until 2002 and subsequently by Mantero (Como).

Advertising della linea Gianfranco Ferré Underwear, Primavera/Estate 1998, fotografia di Michel Comte.

advertising, primavera/estate 1998, ph. michel comte

1982

since 2002

“Designing for men means, in my view, sketching a spontaneous idea and then analysing, controlling, verifying, refining it, reducing it to essential elements. I am convinced that menswear presents complex signals to interpret, made of nuances and sensations, of attitudes that refer to a man’s natural gestures or to his historic familiarity with the uniform, in the broadest sense of the term…”.

Gianfranco Ferré, Notes

The menswear prêt-à-porter collection was presented in a static format until the Autumn/Winter 1992–93 season, after which the traditional runway show format was adopted. The garments are produced by Redaelli (Verano Brianza, Monza Brianza), leather garments by La Matta (Trissino, Vicenza), knitwear by Maglificio di Vignola (Vignola, Modena), and shirts by Boulevard (Galliate, Novara).

autunno/inverno 1987-88

primavera/estate 1993

autunno/inverno 2004-05

1983

since 1996

since 2002

“This new project represents an important opportunity to offer fresh interpretations of the tradition of relaxed and informal clothing. I wanted to go beyond its customary limits, in terms of both form and material, in order to find solutions defined by specific functionality: from jeans to city wear… a project of freedom and innovation made possible by an indispensable tool: technology, in its most advanced and sophisticated applications. Because technology gives tangible substance to imagination. And to our dreams”.

Gianfranco Ferré
Press release, 1983

The line is produced and distributed by Italiana Manifatture (San Benedetto del Tronto, Ascoli Piceno) until 1996 and subsequently by Ittierre (Isernia).

Advertising della linea Gianfranco Ferré Jeans, Primavera/Estate 1991, fotografia di Tyen.

advertising, primavera/estate 1991, ph. tyen

advertising, primaver/estate 1991, ph. tyen

The pieces that make up the line span both day and night; thus, alongside briefs, bras, culottes and the softest silk-knit bodysuits, there are pyjamas, nightdresses, robes, dressing gowns and home-wear garments. The quality of the materials is expressed in silk satins and crêpe de chine, in superb pure-silk laces and wool mouflon.

Press release, 1983

The line is produced and distributed by Marvel (Bologna).

Advertising della linea Gianfranco Ferré Lingerie, Primavera/Estate 1988, fotografia di Stefano Babic.

advertising, primavera/estate 1988, ph. Stefano Babic

1984

A collection conceived and created exclusively for the demanding American audience, presented in New York and composed of haute-tailoring pieces, sophisticated in materials, lines, volumes and colours.

Press release, 1984

Production is entrusted to Dei Mattioli (Bologna) and to Maglificio di Vignola (Vignola, Modena).

AUTUNNO/INVERNO 1984-85

AUTUNNO/INVERNO 1985-86

“The desire to experiment with new technologies and new materials, which make my eyewear more functional and resistant. Two lines: one optical and one sunglass, for men and for women. The materials: above all aluminium, which guarantees absolute lightness for models with a prominent front bar and flexible temples, in gold and havana tones”.

Gianfranco Ferré
Press release, 1989

The line is produced and distributed by Safilo (Padua) until 2002 and subsequently by Allison (Padua).

Advertising della linea Gianfranco Ferré Lunettes, Autunno/Inverno 1987-88, fotografia di Herb Ritts.

advertising, autunno/inverno 1987-88, ph. herb ritts

Advertising della linea Gianfranco Ferré Lunettes, Autunno/Inverno 1991–92, fotografia di Gian Paolo Barbieri.

advertising, autunno/inverno 1991-92, ph. gian paolo barbieri

In a fragrance, a woman seeks character and identity; she seeks nuances and facets, suggestion and allusion, and above all a great versatility of “moods” and the possibility of adapting it to herself with ease. The first women’s perfume has the warm, sweet aroma of white flowers, yet is at the same time fresh thanks to the green notes of lily of the valley. The bottle is solid, more horizontal than vertical, with a faceted diamond-shaped cap designed to be inserted rather than screwed on.

Press release, 1984

The perfume is produced and distributed by Diana De Silva Cosmétiques (Milan).

Advertising della linea Gianfranco Ferré Fragrance Pour Femme, 1984, fotografia di Steven Meisel.

advertising, 1984, ph. Steven Meisel

1985

Launch of the knitwear collection with a classic, traditional line, dedicated to a particularly discerning female and male audience in terms of material quality.

Press release, 1985

The line is produced and distributed by Maglificio di Vignola (Vignola, Modena).

Foto di presentazione della linea Golden Regiment Gianfranco Ferré, 1985.

1986

With its proud sense of uniqueness and its pursuit of splendour, Haute Couture represents a special form of dress that always carries with it an aura of exceptionality.
The sartorial approach to construction, the making of the garment - based essentially on handwork - and the absolute attention to detail are extraordinary tools available only to the couturier, tools that amplify every aspect of his creativity.

Lesson “créateur/couturier”, new york, september 6, 1996. fashion institute of technology

primavera/Estate 1987

primavera/estate 1987

Foto di sfilata, Gianfranco Ferré Alta Moda, Autunno/Inverno 1987-88.

autunno/inverno 1988-89

“I designed this project as a watch enthusiast, forgetting that I work in fashion. I created it as a personal statement, for the pleasure of approaching an object I love, in which I usually look for a solid quality that places it firmly within the great tradition.

It consists of a single shape in different sizes. A case that functions as a buckle through a system of ‘complicated’ joints and that can also snap shut onto the strap. Classic materials: gold, steel, an alloy of bronze and beryllium which, when properly treated, is twice as hard as stainless steel. A leather strap tanned with vegetable processes, without dyes, embossed with vertical canneté-style lines. The most original design feature - apart from the joint of the clasp - is a certain thickness, a soft shape without edges, yet with character. The packaging also seems very successful to me: a heat-formed leather box”.

Gianfranco Ferré
Press release, 1986

The line is entirely manufactured in Geneva by a master watchmaker and then distributed by C.L.A.S.S. (Ancona).

Still life della linea Gianfranco Ferré Montres, 1986.

still life, 1986

Advertising della linea Gianfranco Ferré Montres, 1986, fotografia di Giovanni Gastel.

Advertising, 1986, ph. Giovanni Gastel

First men’s fragrance with aromatic-woody notes and initial citrus accords. A yellow glass bottle in an “old pharmacy” style with a matte black side covering. Dominating the whole is a cap which, once pulled out from its socket, allows the perfume to be poured into the palm of the hand.

Press release, 1986

The fragrance is produced and distributed by Diana De Silva Cosmétiques (Milan).

Advertising della linea Gianfranco Ferré Fragrance Pour Homme, 1986, fotografia di Steven Meisel.

advertising, 1986, Ph. Steven Meisel

1987

since 1996

For both men and women, this line expresses with coherence the values of Ferré elegance in an everyday version.
Its “classic and natural” spirit reveals a strong sense of rule and an equally determined call for measure, sobriety and quality as the garment’s essential component - a quality that translates above all into precise cuts and refined materials. Studio 000.1 is conceived with an emphasis on “ease” in the use and combination of garments, as well as accessibility in terms of price. An accessibility that nevertheless does not compromise broad and thoughtful concessions to refinement and the uniqueness of the solutions.

Press release, 1987

The line is produced and distributed by Marzotto (Valdagno, Vicenza).

Advertising della linea Studio 0001 by Ferré, Primavera/Estate 1989, fotografia di Luca Babini.

advertising, primavera/estate 1989, ph. Luca babini

Advertising della linea Studio 0001 by Ferré, Autunno/Inverno 1988-89, fotografia di Luca Babini.

advertising, autunno/interno 1988-89, ph. Luca babini

In the new collection, Ferré designs ceramic coverings intended for interior decoration, playing with geometric motifs and unusual colours.

Press release, 1987

The line is produced and distributed by Ceramiche Panaria (Finale Emilia, Modena).

Cartella stampa della linea Ferré Le Nuove Ceramiche, 1987.

1988

“I like furs to be natural. Almost wild. I want the richness of the matter to emerge, the fullness of the skin, without those joints, cuts and seams that torment it. I have reduced colour interventions to a minimum, limiting them to the more compact pelts, such as beaver. And I have focused on the shape, because in this case, more than ever, it is determined by the material, whose natural plasticity I have emphasised and whose thousand possible reflections I have highlighted”.

Gianfranco Ferré
Press release, 1988

The line is produced and distributed by Mondialpelli (Milan).

Advertising della linea Gianfranco Ferré Fourrures, Autunno/Inverno 1988–89, fotografia di Herb Ritts.

advertising, autunno/inverno 1988-89, ph. herb ritts

The collection is rigorously classic and feminine, featuring sheer, ultra-sheer and hold-up stockings, in keeping with current trends, while also exploring developments in the more specific field of patterned designs.

Press release, 1988

Produced and distributed by SiSi (Castiglione delle Stiviere, Mantua).

Advertising della linea Gianfranco Ferré Bas et Collants, Primavera/Estate 1989, fotografia di Herb Ritts.

advertising, primavera/estate 1989, ph. herb ritts

1989

since 1997

“The ‘conformed’ line is created as a response to a woman’s desire to feel free and elegant; it therefore corresponds to a maturation of taste and to the determination not to feel excluded from a high-quality product solely because of size.
In this sense, my ‘conformed’ line is characterised by the essential nature of its constructions - which exist in harmony with an allure of sober and refined elegance - by the quality of the materials, which combine natural qualities with marked elements of innovation, and by an interpretation of colour that is particularly attentive, with the aim of enhancing to the fullest the principle of harmony”.

Gianfranco Ferré
Press release, 1989

The line is produced and distributed by Marzotto (Valdagno, Vicenza).

Advertising della linea Forma 0 by GFF, Autunno/Inverno 1996–97, fotografia di Aldo Fallai.

advertising, autunno/inverno 1996-97, ph. aldo fallai

1991

“I have designed a home line that respects the rules of tradition, one that has its roots in a past that we almost no longer remember. It evokes the surprises of shadowy wardrobes, of old walnut chests… and I wanted as the partner for this project one of the most famous and historic linen weavers: Bellora, a master of quality since 1883. For the decorations I have been inspired by that distant period of the Industrial Revolution, drawing on stuccoes and plasters, scrolls, handles and openwork motifs. In a style that I would call Umbertino”.

Gianfranco Ferré
Press release, 1991

The collection is produced and distributed by Bellora (Milan).

“The Gianfranco Ferré writing instruments line: a fountain pen, a ballpoint pen, a rollerball and a mechanical pencil. Fine materials, modern and functional design, technique and craftsmanship of the highest perfection.
All models, made in ruthenium, matte black lacquer, sterling silver 925 and gold-plated brass, are constructed with a snap-fit and screw assembly system, with gold-plated brass watchmaking components. They all have the same diameter of 9.9 mm and a gold ring on the cap edge bearing the engraving of the Gianfranco Ferré brand”.

Press release, 1991

Distribution is entrusted to Prospettive (Milan).

Linea Gianfranco Ferré Oggetti da Scrittura, 1991.

“I have desired, for my second fragrance, subtle, expansive and deep accords, thinking of today’s woman and her modern sensibility. I have wanted notes of a very substantial bouquet which, I hope, will speak to this woman: a woman of character, elegant, sensual, provocative, who vibrates in unison with the speed and the changes of our world”.

Gianfranco Ferré
Press release, 1991

The fragrance is produced and distributed by Diana De Silva Cosmétiques (Milan).

Advertising della linea Ferré by Ferré Fragrance Pour Femme, 1991, fotografia di Steven Meisel.

advertising, 1991, ph. Steven Meisel

1992

The great spaces, the great animals, the great silence - the call of nature. For travelling beyond well-known routes, beyond the paths traced by others.
A line dedicated to a very young audience who rejects overused myths, who seeks what is new and freely expressed, to the new generations for whom friendship and solidarity matter, as well as the protection of disappearing animals.
A different collection, created to meet different needs. Technological innovations applied to high-quality materials.

Press release, 1992

The line is produced and distributed by Italiana Manifatture (San Benedetto del Tronto, Ascoli Piceno).

Foto dalla cartella stampa della linea Rhinosaurus Rex, Primavera/Estate 1992.

foto di press release, primavera/estate 1992

autunno/inverno 1992-93

1996

since 1998

GFF Gianfranco Ferré translates the inclination toward novelty and essentiality into a distinctly young and free approach. It reconciles the values of naturalness and immediacy with choices of great formal rigour, combining an experimental attitude toward materials with a mood often characterised by softness, irony and poetry. The result is a style with a very clear yet effortless appeal, accessible in terms of price but at the same time “exclusive” thanks to its strong and distinctive identity.

Press release, 1996

The line is produced and distributed by Marzotto (Valdagno, Vicenza).

Autunno/Inverno 1998-99

autunno/inverno 1996-97

primavera/Estate 1999

Gianfranco Ferré and sport: a longstanding relationship, enriched season after season with new components and elements. Inspirations, shapes and materials drawn from a wide range of disciplines, reinterpreted in an original way within the men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections. With particular attention to the fundamental aspects of comfort and to the technological innovations that sportswear offers. Now, within Gianfranco Ferré’s global style project, sportswear attains full autonomy – in terms of content and proposals, but also in terms of distribution.

Press release, 1996

The line is produced and distributed by Ittierre (Isernia).

Advertising della linea Gianfranco Ferré Sport, Primavera/Estate 1998, foto di Michel Comte.

advertising, primavera/estate 1998, ph. michel comte

Unisex fragrance with a clean, sparkling scent that is also warm and intense.
A slender bottle with a “nail” sprayer, a gold ring and the brand name in silver lettering.

Press release, 1996

The fragrance is produced and distributed by Diana De Silva Cosmétiques (Milan).

Profumo Gieffeffe Gianfranco Ferré, 1996.

1997

“The project represents for me an exciting and meaningful challenge. The new golfwear line allows me to develop the spirit of a sport traditionally linked to the values of elegance through quality, comfort and the uniqueness of its solutions”.

Gianfranco Ferré
Press release, 1997

The line is produced and distributed in collaboration with Itochu Corporation and Mizuno Corporation (Japan).

Advertising della linea Gianfranco Ferré Golf, Primavera/Estate 1997, foto di Webb.

advertising, primavera/estate 1997, ph. webb

1998

Women’s fragrance celebrating the 20th anniversary of the brand’s foundation, with a composition defined by a perfect balance of precious essences, resulting in an “oriental-woody” effect.
The bottle recalls the first women’s fragrance of 1984: the same “ingot” shape, no longer in transparent glass but in solid, gleaming gold-coloured glass.

Press release, 1998

The fragrance is produced and distributed by Diana De Silva Cosmétiques (Milan).

Advertising del profumo Gianfranco Ferré 20, 1998.

2000

New, special, refined, rich. A complete collection of clothing and accessories for children and teenagers, articulated for boys and girls in two main components: one for the youngest, up to six years old, and one for teenagers up to sixteen. It is the lesson of Gianfranco Ferré’s elegance which, when addressed to children and adolescents, absorbs their energy, their desire for freedom, fun, play and novelty. With the declared intent of educating - of fostering an appreciation for beauty and quality.

Press release, 2000

The line is produced and distributed by Valtib (Città di Castello, Perugia). In 2004, the footwear line is launched, produced and distributed by Andrea Montelpare (Fermo).

Advertising della collezione Gianfranco Ferré Bimbi, Autunno/Inverno 2000–01, foto di Luciano Pergreffi e Zelig.

advertising, autunno/inverno 2000-01, ph. luciano pergreffi e zelig

Men’s fragrance with a scent belonging to the leather and woody olfactory family. The name of the fragrance carries the address of the brand’s new Milan headquarters, established in 1998.

Press release, 2000

The fragrance is produced and distributed by Diana De Silva Cosmétiques (Milan).

Profumo Uomo Gianfranco Ferré Pontaccio 21, 2000.

2003

GF FERRÉ is a new concept, defined by cross-disciplinarity and by the thousand ways young people express themselves - ways of living, thinking and moving through the world. GF stands for “Guardare al Futuro” (Looking to the Future in Italian), and therefore for imagining a way of dressing that takes into account different attitudes and strongly diversified approaches to reality. There is energy and determination, but also an intense and profound search for solidity, concreteness and essentiality. And there is, indispensably, the need for freedom - the habit of engaging with every kind of experience, every culture, beyond borders and barriers.

Press release, 2003

Production and distribution for men’s and women’s apparel are entrusted to Ittierre (Isernia), for watches to Global Watch Industries (Milan), for childrenswear to Mafrat (Putignano, Bari), and for children’s footwear to Andrea Montelpare (Fermo).

Advertising della linea GF FERRÉ, Autunno/Inverno 2005–06, foto di Patrick Demarchelier.

advertising, autunno/inverno 2005-06, ph. patrick demarchelier

A lifelong passion now becomes a fully realised project. The purest and most absolute emblem of luxury, gold is the key element of a new expression of Gianfranco Ferré’s creativity, which translates his love for this precious material into a jewellery collection.
Around twenty pieces make up the new line. These are jewels for both women and men: rings and bracelets, earrings and brooches, necklaces and chains, tie clips and money clips, all entirely handcrafted in two variants of 18-carat gold - yellow and white - often mixed together, embellished with diamonds and sometimes reinforced with jewellery-grade steel. In the collection, Gianfranco Ferré’s “signature” is unmistakable. The traditional safety pin that has always been his tie clip becomes the true aesthetic leitmotif.

Press release, 2003

The collection is produced and distributed by Damiani (Milan).

Foto della collezione Gianfranco Ferré Gioielli prodotta da Damiani, 2003.

2004

First fragrance of the GF FERRÉ line for women and for men. The women’s version has a fresh scent with floral-bouquet notes, while the men’s version combines energetic and fresh aromas with warm, woody accents.

Press release, 2004

The fragrance is produced and distributed by ITF (Lodi).

2005

Women’s fragrance whose essence is centred on iris.
Men’s fragrance with a scent belonging to the woody, floral and musky family.

Press release, 2005

The fragrances are produced and distributed by ITF (Lodi).

Brands & Licences