Skip to main content

Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Italian, 1944-2007

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 Dior dresses, suits, coats and other items on 1stDibs.

to
4
3
7
7
31
450
422
394
385
7
7
7
Designer: Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Christian Dior Silk Dress Embroidered with Costume Pearls
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Dior - (Made in France) Silk dress embroidered with costume pearls. Indicated size 42FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 42 cm - Waist: 34 ...
Category

1990s French Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Christian Dior Red and Black Silk Satin Long Dress
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Dior - (Made in France) Red and black silk satin long dress. No size indicated, it fits a 38FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good conditio...
Category

1990s French Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Christian Dior Vintage Black Evening Skirt Suit Fall/Winter 1994 Size 40FR
By Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Christian Dior - Gianfranco Ferre Vintage Black Evening Skirt Suit Fall/Winter 1994 Top Size 40FR Embellished Skirt Size 38FR
Category

1990s French Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Dior Haute Couture Dress in Embroidered Silk, Size 36FR
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Haute-Couture dress in embroidered silk. The top is lined with nude silk, the bottom is lined with black acetate. No composition, brand or size tag, it fits a size 36FR. Haute-Coutur...
Category

1990s French Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

1990s Christian Dior by Gianfranco Ferré Black Linen Sleeveless Button Dress
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black sleeveless linen Christian Dior Boutique dress, designed by Gianfranco Ferré. From the early 1990s, this classically beautiful d...
Category

1990s French Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

1990s Christian Dior by Gianfranco Ferré Sheer Polka Dot Lace Bodycon Mini Dress
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a sensual yellow and black knit Christian Dior Boutique dress, designed by Gianfranco Ferré. From the 1990s, this beautiful sleeveless d...
Category

1990s French Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

A Christian Dior/Gianfranco Ferré Couture Pink Chiffon Dress Circa 1990
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1989 - 1990 France Cocktail dress in raspberry pink silk muslin from Dior-Gianfranco Ferré. Bodice inspired by 1940's Fashion, fully corseted and lined with matching chiffon ...
Category

1990s French Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Related Items
Albert Nipon Early Vintage Rayon Silk Satin 2 Pc Dress Skirt Suit With Black Bow
By Albert Nipon
Located in Portland, OR
This lovely 2 piece dress or suit is from Albert Nipon and we think it's fabulous! We have developed such a new appreciation for Albert Nipon and have been searching for his earlier ...
Category

1980s American Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage 1930's Cartwright Ivory Striped Silk Rayon Cut-Out Maxi Dress & Jacket
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The vibrant rainbow-stripe used on this ivory silk rayon 1930's "Cartwright" designer dress ensemble has a whimsical allure that I find irresistible. The sleeveless bodice has a flir...
Category

1930s American Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Gibo Early 2000s Italian Made Size 40 Black Cut - Out 3/4 Sleeves Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy early 2000s GIBO black cut-out 3/4 sleeves dress ! Features cut-out above the bust that ties at the center. Simply slips over the head and stretches to fit. The perfect little b...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Oscar de la Renta Autumn Winter 2010 Black Wool Asymmetrical Runway Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Portland, OR
This is a black wool long sleeve dress w/ colorful cuff buttons and asymmetrical seams documented from the Oscar de la Renta Fall/Winter 2010 collection. We love this understated dre...
Category

2010s Italian Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Gattinoni Yellow Silk Chiffon High Low Evening Dress w Cutout
By Gattinoni
Located in Portland, OR
This is an incredible Italian yellow silk high low dress with soutache bust detail from Gattinoni. We love the beautiful textures and different silks used for this dress. This has an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Chic 1960s Mademoiselle Canary Yellow Silk Borcade A - Line Dress & Jacket Suit
By MADEMOISELLE
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 60s vintage MADEMOISELLE canary yellow silk brocade A-Line dress and coat ensemble! Dress features a fitted bodice with a bell shaped skirt. Gold metallic embroidery detail at w...
Category

1960s Hong Kong Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

1960s Mardi Gras Gold Silk Lame Colorful Shift Dress and Jacket, Vintage 60s Set
By Mardi Gras
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1960s MARDI GRAS gold lame silk colorful shift dress and jacket ensemble! Features a gold silk lame, with colorful silk tile prints in purple, blu...
Category

1960s American Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

A Nicole Groult / Paul Poiret Evening Dress in Velvet and Rhinestones Circa 1935
By Paul Poiret
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1935 France Rare long collector's evening dress, French Haute Couture by Nicole Groult, famous sister of Paul Poiret and dating from the 1935s. Sl...
Category

1930s French Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Alexander McQueen 2005 Black Lace and Crinkle Pleat Silk Dress
By Alexander McQueen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Alexander McQueen black dress featuring lace at upper bodice and skirt of crinkle pleated silk. Cream mesh straps, raw edge at hem. Back zip and hook and eye with snaps at bottom zip...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage Givenchy 1990s Black and White Rhinestone Long Sleeve 90s Mini Dress
By Givenchy
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic early 90s GIVENCHY black and white rhinestone encrusted long sleeve mini dress ! Channel your inner Wednesday Addams from "The Addams Family," in th...
Category

1990s French Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Oscar de la Renta 1990's Red & Purple Satin & Velvet Color Block Dress-Size 8
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Oscar de la Renta 1990's Red & Purple Color-Block Dress - 8. This dress is in excellent condition and is long sleeved. The top part is velvet and the ...
Category

1990s American Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

French SilkVelvet Dress and Opera Cape by Simone Pieltain
Located in Gresham, OR
A fabulous French 60s formal evening ensemble in flocked silk satin by Simone Pieltain with back pouf detail and opera cape. Approx US size 6
Category

1960s French Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Previously Available Items
F/W 1993 Christian Dior by Gianfranco Ferré Grey Velvet Chiffon Wrap Gown
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: a gorgeous grey velvet Christian Dior gown, designed by Gianfranco Ferré. From the Fall/Winter 1993 collection, a version of thi...
Category

1990s Italian Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Christian Dior Spring Summer 1993 Numbered Blue White Striped Silk Taffeta Dress
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This stunning vintage piece from Spring Summer 1993 by Gianfranco Ferre for Christian Dior is a sight to behold - made of luxurious sky blue and white striped silk taffeta, this dres...
Category

1990s French Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

S/S 1995 Christian Dior by Gianfranco Ferré Sequin Black White Bodysuit Skirt
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: an intricate Christian Dior Boutique body suit skirt set, designed by Gianfranco Ferré. Designed for the Spring/Summer 1995 collection, this demi-couture set is...
Category

1990s French Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

S/S 1995 Christian Dior Fringe Sequin Flapper Mini Dress by Gianfranco Ferré
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
TheRealList presents: Dior's take on a classic 1920s flapper dress, designed by Gianfranco Ferré. This mini dress with flapper inspiration was seen on Tyra Banks...
Category

1990s French Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Christian Dior vintage 1990s liquid gold silk lame draped bustier & skirt set
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in Antwerp, BE
Spectacular Christian Dior by Gianfranco Ferre vintage museum-worthy collector's item. Draped bustier top with attached bow and an envelope draped skirt. Made in a mix of 74% silk an...
Category

1990s French Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

S/S 1997 Christian Dior Runway Black One Shoulder Cut-Out High Slit Maxi Dress
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 1997 Christian Dior by Gianfranco Ferre Runway Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Good- only imperfection is an extremely minor snag at the...
Category

1990s French Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage 1990 Christian Dior Black White Polka-Dot Silk Bustier Plunge Mini Dress
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning Christian Dior numbered Paris boutique polka-dot stretch hourglass dress dating back to the spring-summer 1990 collection. Christian Dior designed under his own name for only a decade, but his influence is everlasting. When the talented Gianfranco Ferré took over as head designer, he continued the Dior tradition of feminine design. This finely crafted flirty party dress is a perfect example of his talent. The fabrics used for this garment are ultra flattering; black and white double-sided stretch mesh with semi sheer polka-dot silk tulle skirting. The bodice has an ultra seductive corset style plunge with cut-out backside. I love the polka-dot trimming which ties the whole look together flawlessly. Just look at that full two-tier mini skirt! The hourglass silhouette mixed with playful print is a wonderful nod to 1950's femme-fatale pin up fashion. An adorable piece of fashion history that would be perfect for any modern event. Measurements Bust: 32-36 inches (due to mesh stretch) Waist: 25 inches (hook can be moved an additional 2 inches) Hips: up to 42 inches Total Length: 35 inches This stunning Christian Dior Paris numbered dress...
Category

1990s French Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

S/S 1997 Christian Dior Black & White Stripe Plunging Bodycon Wiggle Dress
By Christian Dior, Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 1997 Christian Dior Please contact for more information and/or photos. CONDITION: Excellent FABRIC: Viscose- Nylon- Spandex COUNTRY MADE: Italy SIZE: M- runs small...
Category

1990s Italian Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior Evening Dresses and Gowns

Gianfranco Ferré For Christian Dior evening dresses and gowns for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior evening dresses and gowns available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of pink and other tones. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Christian Lacroix Paris, Louis Feraud Paris, and Phoebe Philo appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior evening dresses and gowns from top boutiques around the world. Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior evening dresses and gowns prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,210 and tops out at $13,700, while the average work can sell for $2,200.

Recently Viewed

View All