DALLAS, Nov 21, 2004/ FW/ --- Dubbed as the “Frank Lloyd Wright” of fashion, Gianfranco Ferré has continued to break new grounds season after season, his work a constant example of creativity and innovation.

And like the old philosophical adage, “The whole is more than the sum of its parts,” Ferré in his quest for perfection has reconstructed and deconstructed the existing norms of tailoring, while modernizing, improving and adding his own interpretation of what is considered beautiful.

Take his Spring 2005 collection for example. Shown in Milan last September, it was a statement of for the urban woman sure of her place in society and confident of her stature and femininity.

Yet, it is more than that. Using the concept of traditional crochet and embroidery, Gianfranco Ferré added laser cutting into the mix, while reinventing the epaulet and drop shoulders at the same time.

Speaking of embroidery, how about putting on leather as polka dots that turned into graphical designs to emphasize the pockets. The “traditional” became “unconventional” and a new statement for the modern woman.

Remember the “fishnet” craze of the 1960s and 1970s, with fishnet worn as stockings, a shirt or a swimsuit cover? Gianfranco Ferré revisited it too, this time adding leather, macramé and laser cuts.

It’s starting to sound heady, yet the Legnamo, Italy-born designer pulled it off! Everything gelled; everything made sense! Nothing was out of place.

Even the inclusion of animal prints in an evening gown, and over-layering the lapels of a collar became head turners under his masterful hands.

Gianfranco Ferré

Gianfranco Ferré

Gianfranco Ferré

Gianfranco Ferré