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The Rise and Fall of FERRAGAMO

The Rise and Fall of FERRAGAMO In 1956, Salvatore Ferragamo crafted the world’s most expensive shoe—a dazzling 18-carat gold sandal. It was the peak of Ferragamo’s reign as a shoe-making genius who revolutionized fashion with innovations like the iconic wedge and "invisible" sandal. Yet behind the glamour and gold, challenges loomed, threatening his empire. This is the untold story of how Ferragamo conquered the fashion world, only to face struggles that nearly brought it all crashing down. At nine years old, Salvatore made his first pair of shoes. Not for someone famous or a paying customer—he made them for himself. He crafted high heels, something so intricate and delicate, for his sisters to wear at their confirmation. Ferragamo opened a small shop in Santa Barbara, offering repair services and custom-made shoes. His craftsmanship quickly caught the attention of Hollywood. The golden age of cinema was in full swing, and Ferragamo found himself designing shoes for some of the biggest stars in the world. In fact, he became known as “The Shoemaker to the Stars.” Celebrities and film producers would come to him, looking for shoes that could not only dazzle on screen but also be wearable and comfortable. One of his most famous designs, “The Rainbow,” was created in 1938 for actress Judy Garland. It was a platform sandal, bold and beautiful, with layers of cork wrapped in suede and gold kidskin straps. The design was a tribute to Garland’s iconic song “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz. Salvatore Ferragamo was already making waves in the world of fashion, but his mind was always spinning with new ideas. Faced with material shortages during Italy’s economic sanctions, Ferragamo got creative. Steel was hard to come by, so he turned to cork—a lightweight yet sturdy material—and transformed it into the iconic wedge Shoe. The wedge, with its cushioned footbed and stable base, was an immediate hit. Vogue even dedicated a two-page spread to the wedge in 1938, celebrating it as the perfect shoe for every occasion. Ferragamo infused the wedge with luxury, using satin, gold accents, and intricate embroidery to elevate evening shoes to a whole new level. One of his masterpieces featured midnight blue satin with floral embroidery and shimmering gold leather touches. These were pieces of art. And then, in walked Marilyn Monroe. Though they never met in person, Monroe adored Ferragamo’s heels—specifically, the ones he designed for her films. She began buying from Ferragamo’s store on Park Avenue in New York in 1954 and continued ordering directly from him for years. She was 5'3", but on-screen, she became a towering presence, thanks to Ferragamo’s craftsmanship. Ferragamo invented a unique heel specifically for Monroe—half wood, half steel—so she could walk gracefully in four-inch stilettos, whether she was dressed in a bombshell gown or casual Capri pants. One of his most famous patents was the 18-Carat Gold Sandal, patent number 23, which became a symbol of Ferragamo’s luxury and craftsmanship. To celebrate this legacy, Ferragamo has released a replica of its famous gold sandal, available for purchase on Farfetch and Baltini. These bejeweled 105mm sandals, crafted from calf leather and goatskin, feature gold-tone highlights, a braided strap, and a buckle-fastening ankle strap. Wanda Ferragamo, Salvatore’s widow, a housewife and mother to six children, took the reins after his passing. Yet she quickly proved to be a formidable leader. Wanda guided the company with a blend of shrewd business sense and respect for her husband’s artistic vision. In 1985, the first major retrospective of Ferragamo’s work was held, which eventually led to the creation of the Ferragamo Archive. This was followed in 1995 by the opening of the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo in Florence. The museum became a tribute to Salvatore’s genius, preserving his personal records and showcasing his iconic designs as works of art. Present-day Ferragamo continues to reflect the brilliance of its founder. The Ferragamo Foundation was established in 2013 with a mission to nurture young fashion designers, helping them develop their craft in the spirit of Salvatore’s dedication to innovation and excellence. Today, the Ferragamo family still owns and operates the company. And even now, 100 years after he first opened his store on Hollywood Boulevard, his designs continue to captivate, proving that true artistry never fades.