Gianfranco Ferre's Fame Soaring

You know how artists and painters are often more famous after their death rather than while they were alive? I think that's what is about to happen to the late Gianfranco Ferre-- a celebrated designer during his lifetime, no doubt, but even more famous now. The former Dior style director has some terrific fall 2007 collections out, and his beautiful designs are sure to garner intense media attention now more than ever, although not undeservedly. So it is no surprise that at the final Gianfranco Ferre fashion show yesterday, showcasing his final spring-summer 08 mens collection, the audience was very teary. The collection featured everything ranging from sportswear to formalwear, t-shirts, embroidered jellabas, and swimwear, and of course, Ferre's signature piece--white shirts. At the end of the show, the audience rose to their feet and applauded for 10 minutes, many of them weeping and very emotional over the loss of the such a great man and great designer. Also at the end of the show, a line of boys dressed like angels came out wearing white shirts, in homage to Ferre.

"My collection for men for spring-summer summons up discovery, development, research," Ferre wrote in a statement before his death. The owners of the Ferre brand have not yet decided on a successor.

Photo: Reuters.