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.

He was however extremely passionate about his eyewear line and was quoted saying “Among all the various accessories, there’s no doubt the eyeglasses are the most closely related to our physiognomy and help to define and to characterise it in a decisive manner. This everyday object has high emotional potential and exists in direct harmony with our personality, our being and our individuality.” This is exactly how Gianfranco Ferré sunglasses were perceived.