Born in Legnano, Italy, he received a degree in architecture in 1969 at the Politecnico di Milano university.

He started his own company Baila in 1974 and launched his signature collection for women in 1978. His first men's collection appeared in 1982, followed in 1986 by his first couture collection in Rome. Ferré became Stylistic Director of Christian Dior in Paris in 1989, when he was chosen by owner Bernard Arnault to replace Marc Bohan. In 1996, it was announced that Ferré would end his engagement with Dior with the Spring 1997 collection for the label. His own label is more relaxed and practical than Dior, with functional pockets and no big hats. Sophisticated white shirts have became the symbol of his personal signature in fashion design. Ferré appeared to be extremely critical of trends and fashion gimmicks.

Ferre has received the highly acclaimed Italian fashion award 'L'Occhio d'Oro' several times.