Gianfranco Ferre by Gianfranco Ferre: launched in 1984 in association with Diana de Silva with U.S. distribution through Alfin Fragrances .
The first perfume by Ferre reportedly took two years to create. Ferre himself was involved at every stage of the creation of the fragrance - the scent, the packaging and visual interpretation. He set a goal for the perfumers: "I want to adorn women with an enveloping perfume that is rich, sensual and provocative, enhancing the key elements of great femininity," he told them.
The European launch party was held in a Renaissance palace situated in the shadow of a famous Milan cathedral. Lucky guests nibbled on haute cuisine and entertained by sensual tango dancers.
In 1984, Gianfranco Ferre traveled from Milan, Italy to make a personal appearance at the launch of his signature fragrance, Ferre, at the Robinson's Beverly Hills department store. The launch party, co-hosted by Robinson's and The Group, a support organization for Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design to help raise money for scholarships to the school.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is a oriental woody floral fragrance for women. Essentially floral, Ferre is blended with aldehydes for freshness, and sparkle, with a complex top note of floral tones enhanced by fruits. Subtle notes of bergamot blended with delicate lily of the valley. Ylang ylang and butterbush mingle with jasmine from Egypt and Bulgarian rose, mimosa unites with dewy violet, dusty iris blends with warm cassia, velvety peach and succulent passionfruit. At its strong yet subtle heart, orange blossom entwines with tuberose and pittosporum, wisteria and the spiciness of Zanzibar carnation. Amber and Tonkin musk combine with Indian sandalwood. Hints of vetiver from Java, opoponax resin from Somalia and benzoin from Thailand are enhanced with touches of honey and heady vanilla.
- Top notes: coriander, tuberose, mimosa, peach, passion fruit, hyacinth, ylang ylang, lily of the valley, bergamot
- Middle notes: honeysuckle, violet, butterbush, Zanzibar carnation, Egyptian jasmine, mandarin, orange, orchid, orris root, orange blossom, rose, narcissus
- Base notes: oakmoss, Java vetiver, vanilla, Mysore sandalwood, ambergris, Tonkin musk, benzoin, civet, cedar
Bottles:
Presented in a bottle designed by Pierre Dinand in 1984. The bottle was manufactured by three different companies: Pochet et du Courval, Saint Gobain Desjonqueres and R. Bormioli.
Available in the following:
- 1 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
- 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
- 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Splash
- 1.7 oz Body Lotion
- 6.6 oz Body Lotion
- 6.6 oz Dusting Powder
Fate of the Fragrance:
Gianfranco Ferre is still being produced, although it has suffered from reformulations.