Gianfranco Ferré: The Architect of Fashion

Ferré’s creative philosophy was bold yet measured. His designs combined geometric proportion with the emotive power of textiles and silhouette. Fashion, for him, was a language rooted in structure but fluent in movement and material.

From his early experiments in geometry and draping to his haute couture creations, Ferré inspired generations of designers. His vision helped solidify Milan’s status as a global capital of design and fashion.

As Ferré said:

“Explore and experiment, work and know exactly what you want. And, above all, never forget that fashion is also a dream.”

In the early 1980s, Domus Academy, founded in 1982, launched its Fashion School, introducing a new approach to fashion education. Gianfranco Ferré played a key role, bringing his architectural mindset and creative leadership to the school.

He co-conceived and directed the Master in Fashion Design with Daniela Puppa and Ampelio Bucci. The programme focused on Ferré’s “method of the method,” combining imagination and creativity with logical rigor, deep material knowledge, and new technology.

These years helped define a new educational model for fashion, making Domus Academy a hub for cultural awareness, material innovation and craftsmanship.

Domus Academy offers a comprehensive range of fashion programmes designed for the global industry while continuing the forward-looking spirit of Gianfranco Ferré:

• Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design: A three-year programme blending design thinking, experimentation, sustainability, and in-depth industry experience. Students embrace fashion’s multifaceted essence and learn to introduce sustainable practices in the dynamic world of fashion.
• 2-Year Master of Arts in Fashion: Design, Art & Technology: A two-year programme exploring the intersection of fashion, art, and technology, encouraging students to experiment with new fashion languages, materials, and business models.
• Master in Fashion Design: Advanced courses in design, pattern-making, and conceptual development. Students work with fashion brands on practical projects, developing an innovative, consistent collection from research to realisation.
• Master in Fashion Styling & Visual Merchandising: Focus on marketing fashion brands through image storytelling and visual merchandising strategies for displays.
• Master in Fashion Management: Focus on strategy, marketing, and brand development within the fashion sector.
• Semester Courses in Fashion Design and Fashion Styling & Visual Merchandising: Short-term immersive programmes combining fashion studies with intensive studio practice.

All programmes combine technical expertise with creative exploration, project-based learning, and workshops with leading fashion and luxury companies. Students gain the skills and versatility to pursue a wide range of career paths, becoming fashion designers, launching their own brands, or collaborating with cutting-edge companies in creative and business roles.

Ferré and Domus Academy share a design language built on discipline, structure, cultural depth, and innovation. His legacy continues in the school’s design labs and in every emerging designer.

Domus Academy champions Italian design culture, integrating concept and craft while preparing creative leaders for the evolving fashion world. In Ferré’s spirit, the school shapes not only what fashion is but what it can become.