Italian designer, Gianfranco Ferré (15 August 1944 – 17 June 2007), was known as "the architect of fashion" for his background and his original attitude toward fashion design. Initially trained as an architect, he turned to fashion in 1970 and succeeded in launching his first signature prescription designer sunglasses collection in 1978. Ferré, with his relaxed and practical style, was extremely critical of trends and fashion gimmicks.