28 February 2025
The story of Salvatore Ferragamo, the master of footwear and symbol of Made in Italy elegance.
When it comes to luxury, craftsmanship and innovation in fashion, the name of Salvatore Ferragamo stands out among the icons of Made in Italy. Considered the “shoemaker to the stars,” he revolutionized the world of shoes and high fashion, creating a timeless style that still defines Italian elegance today.
Let's retrace his story, from humble beginnings to international success, and discover how Ferragamo redefined the concept of luxury and refinement.
From the origins to the American dream
Born in 1898 in Bonito, a small town in the province of Avellino, Salvatore Ferragamo demonstrated an extraordinary talent for creating footwear from a young age. At just nine years old, he made his first pair of shoes, showing a skill that would take him far.
In the 1920s, he moved to the United States, where he worked for the Hollywood film industry. Here, he earned the nickname “shoemaker to the stars”, creating custom models for cinema icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Greta Garbo. His shoes were not only beautiful, but incredibly comfortable, thanks to the study of the anatomy of the foot and innovative design techniques.
The return to Italy and the birth of an empire
After his success in the USA, Ferragamo returned to Italy and opened his maison in Florence, a city renowned for its art and craftsmanship. Here he began to experiment with innovative materials such as cork, rattan and raffia, giving life to iconic creations such as the cork wedge and the invisible sandal, which earned him prestigious international awards.
His ability to mix traditional craftsmanship and innovation marked the beginning of a golden age for the brand, which became synonymous with luxury and exclusivity.
Ferragamo's innovation: the design that made history
Ferragamo was not just a designer, but a true innovator. Among his most famous creations are:
- The cork wedge (1938): Invented to counteract the scarcity of materials during the war, it is become a style icon.
- The Invisible Sandal (1947): Created with transparent nylon threads, it won the prestigious Neiman Marcus Award, considered the "Oscar Award of fashion".
- The stiletto heel for Marilyn Monroe: The stiletto heel model that the diva made famous in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes".
The legacy of the Ferragamo brand today
After Salvatore's death in 1960, the maison was led by the family, who transformed the brand into a global empire. Today Ferragamo is no longer not only synonymous with footwear, but also with luxury clothing, accessories and perfumes, keeping intact the essence of Italian craftsmanship and style.
With collections that continue to conquer international catwalks and flagship stores in fashion capitals, Ferragamo remains a point of reference for those seeking timeless elegance and sartorial innovation.
From the atelier in Florence to the red carpets in Hollywood, the genius of Salvatore Ferragamo continues to live in every creation of the brand, testifying to the value of true Made in Italy.
