Italian designer Gianfranco Ferré, died today at the age of 62 . He was rushed to the hospital in Milan on Friday after suffering a major cerebral hemorrhage.
Ferré's designs, known for their structure, balance and form reflected his degree in architecture and in fact earned him the nickname "the architect of fashion." He started his own company in the '70s, but it was during his 1989-97 tenure as style director for Christian Dior, that Ferré really burst onto the fashion scene.
His sudden death comes a week before he was to present his menswear line at the shows in Milan, and as of now, it remains unknown whether the show will be staged. Ferré is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, as well as his cousin, Rita Airaghi.
The fashion world responds:
"When I think of Gianfranco Ferre, the idea that comes immediately to mind is the dignity, the calm, the sense of responsibility that he brought to his work" - Giorgio Armani [ANSA]."I am extremely sad. Ten years after the death of my brother I have lost a dear friend. He was a gentleman of another time. He was an innovator in terms of form. He created fashion that was both spectacular but impeccable at the same time. He was a great courtier that knew how to create absolute chic with details that I'll never tire of looking at and that will remain a part of the history of fashion." - Donatella Versace [ANSA]
"[Ferré embodied] the highest level of style, of artisanship, of creativity. A true artist, pure, a beautiful person who will be missed by the whole fashion world." - Roberto Cavalli [ANSA]
"I really admired him, he was a very generous person, a friend and esteemed colleague, who always greeted me with visible pleasure with a big bear hug." - Anna Molinari [WWD]
"[Ferré] strengthened the ‘Made in Italy' style and his ready-to-wear had an unmistakable, consistent elegance. He will be remembered for his remarkable persona." - Ferruccio Ferragamo [WWD]
