Fashion Designer Gianfranco Ferre was born on 15 August 1944 in Legnano, in northern Italy. He received a degree in architecture in 1969. Ferre began his fashion career in 1970 by designing accessories, then worked as a raincoat designer in 1972-74. He started his own company in 1974 (Baila-label) 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.

Ferre became Stylistic Director of Christian Dior in Paris in 1989, when he was chosen by owner Bernard Arnault to replace Marc Bohan. In 1996, it was announced that Ferre would end his engagement with Dior with the Spring 1997 collection for the label.

His own label is more relaxed and practical than Dior, with functional pockets and no big hats.

Ferre appears to be extremely critical of trends and fashion gimmicks. He deals 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. Ferre has a lakeside home in beautiful Lake Maggiore, near Milan.

Credit: infomat.com