Gianfranco Ferré dies age 62

Fashion

Legendary designer Gianfranco Ferré died Sunday night in Italy after suffering a brain haemorrhage, aged 62. Ferré was highly regarded in the fashion world, where he began to make a name for himself in the Eighties. Famed for his sculptured silhouettes, the Italian was nicknamed "l'architetto Ferré" by his staff and WWD referred to him as "the Frank Lloyd Wright of Italian fashion". His clients included celebrated beauties like the Queen of Jordan, Sophia Loren, Princess Diana, Sharon Stone and Elizabeth Taylor.

Colleagues mourned his passing and paid tribute to him. Donatella Versace told WWD: "He was a gentleman of another time. He was an innovator in terms of form." Roberto Cavalli added: "Ferré embodied the highest level of style, craftsmanship and creative bravura. He was a true artist, pure, a beautiful person that (Italian fashion) will truly miss."

Ferré, who was born in a small town close to Milan and held a degree in architecture from Milan's Politecnico University, was influenced by everything around him. He paid particularly attention to architecture and art from various periods and cultures and was also inspired by the elegant creations of leading designers from the past, namely, Worth, Balenciaga and Dior. In the seventies, he embarked upon a career in fashion, designing costume jewellery and accessories with Walter Albini. He established the house of Gianfranco Ferré in 1978, together with business partner Franco Mattioli. He pair parted ways in 1999, and in 2000, they sold 90 percent of their company to Gruppo Tonino Perna, the parent of fashion group IT Holding for a rumoured $150 to $175 million.

"I was very honoured to work 10 years with this great man of genius and creativity who represented Italian style and fashion the world over," said Tonino Perna, chairman of the IT Holding, concluding, "He really became the DNA of our group." Perna also said that the company would continue to promote and honour Ferré's vision. "We feel very responsible for this inheritance of his work and creativity."

The company is expected to issue an official statement regarding its plans for the future.