Ferragamo
Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A., founded in 1927, serves as the parent entity of the prestigious Salvatore Ferragamo Group, a distinguished name in the luxury sector with roots deep in the glamour and craftsmanship of the early 20th century. This group has maintained a staunch reputation as a producer and purveyor of high-quality footwear, leather goods, apparel, silk products, and an array of accessories, including eyewear, fragrances, and watches.
Salvatore Ferragamo began his illustrious journey in the 1920s, with his Hollywood boot shop becoming a haven for illustrious names like Dolores Del Rio, Gloria Swanson, Bette Davis, and many more, each seeking the unparalleled craftsmanship of Ferragamo’s creations. His establishment was a nexus where style icons like Joan Crawford and Rudolph Valentino would converge, the former to dance in Ferragamo’s impeccably constructed heels and the latter to savor a homely spaghetti dinner after extensive film shoots.
When Ferragamo brought his enterprise to Florence, Italy, in 1927, his esteemed reputation preceded him. The quality of Ferragamo’s creations was renowned, each piece bearing the proud label of “Handmade in Italy”, representing the apex of Italian craftsmanship. His relentless innovation was spurred by both necessity and meticulous attention to his clientele’s needs, leading to the invention of the iconic platform heel.
The scarcity of materials during the wartime didn’t stifle Ferragamo’s inventive spirit. He ingeniously created footwear utilizing unconventional materials such as cork, raffia, hemp, and even fish skin, setting trends that were embraced globally. His dedication to perfect fit and innovative design attracted even the enigmatic Greta Garbo and the iconic Marilyn Monroe, both adorning creations customized to their unique styles and preferences.
Salvatore Ferragamo’s passing in 1960 marked the end of an era, but his legacy was ardently carried forward by his wife, Wanda Ferragamo, and their six children. They worked passionately to expand the Ferragamo empire, diversifying into various luxury categories including clothing, handbags, silk scarves, ties, and fragrances.
Today, the Salvatore Ferragamo Group stands as a global leader in luxury, embodying a harmonious blend of style, creativity, and innovation, all enriched by the exemplary craftsmanship synonymous with ‘Made in Italy’. The group, boasting approximately 3800 employees and 389 directly operated stores as of 31 December 2022, has a robust presence in the global market, with entities operating across Europe, America, and Asia.
Each creation of the Ferragamo brand is a testament to unparalleled quality, superior craftsmanship, and timeless elegance, reflecting the vibrant history and innovative spirit of its founder. It continues to be a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, celebrating the distinctive style and inventive spirit that Salvatore Ferragamo ingrained in the very fabric of the brand.
