Salvatore Ferragamo for Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A.1938
Salvatore Ferragamo, synonymous with luxury and elegance, left an indelible mark on the fashion world. Born in 1898 to a family of landowners, Ferragamo’s humble beginnings did not deter him from pursuing his passion for shoemaking. From a small workshop with six employees to becoming the go-to designer for Hollywood stars, Ferragamo’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. This article delves into the life and achievements of Salvatore Ferragamo, highlighting his innovative designs, creative use of materials, and enduring influence in the fashion industry.
The Early Years
From a young age, Salvatore Ferragamo displayed remarkable talent and passion for shoemaking. Apprenticing locally in Benito and Naples, he honed his skills and expertise in the craft. By 14, Ferragamo had already established his workshop, employing a team of six dedicated craftsmen. However, his desire to witness modern factory shoe production prompted him to journey to shape his future.
Venturing to the United States
In 1923, Salvatore Ferragamo made a life-changing decision to emigrate to the United States. He intended to explore the modern techniques employed in mass-produced shoe manufacturing. However, he was left disenchanted by the inferior quality of the shoes produced through these methods. Fuelled by his commitment to excellence, Ferragamo opened his shop, focusing on custom-made shoes that combined superior craftsmanship with impeccable style.
Hollywood and the Stars
Ferragamo’s dedication to his craft soon caught the attention of the American Film Company, which entrusted him with creating footwear for historical and costume dramas. This opportunity catapulted Ferragamo’s reputation, and he swiftly became a favourite among leading Hollywood stars such as Mary Pickford, Pola Negri, and Gloria Swanson. Establishing his shop in Hollywood, Ferragamo forged strong connections with the film industry, designing shoes for movie productions and the glamorous stars who adorned them.
Innovation and Exotic Materials
Salvatore Ferragamo’s distinguishing characteristic was his ability to create original and daring shoe designs. He fearlessly experimented with materials such as pythons, lizards, and ostrich skins, crafting footwear that exuded opulence and allure. However, Ferragamo’s artistry was not solely focused on aesthetics; his shoes were also renowned for their comfort and technical brilliance. Each pair was a testament to his engineering prowess and meticulous attention to detail.
Post War Creativity
Returning to Italy in 1927, Salvatore Ferragamo continued to push the boundaries of shoe design. In the early 1930s, he introduced the wedge shoe, utilizing cork as the primary material. This innovation resonated particularly well with the American market and contributed to his ever-growing popularity. The scarcity of leather during the Second World War compelled Ferragamo to explore alternative materials, such as raffia, which he skillfully popularized and incorporated into his designs.
The Invisible Shoe and Lasting Legacy
Salvatore Ferragamo’s fame reached new heights in the post-war era thanks to his revolutionary “invisible shoe.” This sandal, featuring an upper made of transparent nylon, became an iconic and highly sought-after fashion accessory. Its sleek and modern design perfectly complemented Christian Dior’s New Look garments, solidifying Ferragamo’s influence in fashion. Ferragamo’s career progressed, his designs became more conservative, yet continued to captivate esteemed clients such as the Duchess of Windsor and the timeless Audrey Hepburn.
Sources
Dormer, P. (1991, September 12). The Illustrated Dictionary of Twentieth Century Designers.
More on Fashion Designers
-
Frida Kahlo and the Tehuana Traditional Dress
Mexican painter Frida Kahlo’s choice to wear the Tehuana dress, a traditional attire from the Tehuantepec Isthmus, served as a multifaceted symbol. This garment encapsulated her cultural heritage, political ideology, individuality, femininity, and a means to signal her presence in the male-dominated art world.Read More →
-
Julie Wimmer: A Portrait of Multifaceted Design Excellence
Julie Wimmer is a renowned, multilingual interior designer with over 15 years of experience. Her repertoire, informed by her global outlook, includes architectural drafting, fashion, and jewelry design, and journalism. Read More →
-
The Evolution and Impact of Colour Blocking in Design
Colour blocking, a practice rooted in early 20th-century modernist art, involves using contrasting or complementary colours to create dynamic visual effects. It’s heavily applied in fashion and interior design, offering a fresh approach to personal style and vibrant spaces. Despite differing opinions on its origins and future, colour blocking remains a transformative and timeless element…
-
Vahan Khachatryan: Bridging East and West -Fashion Design
Armenian-born fashion designer Vahan Khachatryan uses his multicultural education and exposure to create a blend of Italian baroque and French rococo with Eastern geometric clarity. His collections, like ‘The Treasures of Armenia’, use fashion as a form of cultural diplomacy, bringing Armenian history and traditions to international audiences. His design philosophy, deeply rooted in Eastern…
-
Frida Kahlo and the Tehuana Traditional Dress
Frida Kahlo’s adoption of the Tehuana dress, traditional Mexican attire, was more than a fashion choice; it reflected her cultural roots, political views, and personal aspirations. This dress served as a symbol of female strength and independence, and aided in distinguishing Kahlo as an autonomous artist in a male-dominated sphere.Read More →
-
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual: Innovation and Craftsmanship
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual, introduced in 1926, is a hallmark of design innovation in horology. Its technological advancements, high-quality material usage, and enduring appeal make it more than a luxury item- it’s a true marvel in decorative and applied arts.Read More →
-
The Timeless Elegance of Flat Caps in Design
Discover the timeless elegance of flat caps in design. Explore their historical evolution, materials, patterns, and iconic appearances in movies. Embrace classic style with a modern twist.Read More →
-
Adolfo: Crafting Elegance in American Fashion Design
Adolfo F. Sardiña, known simply as Adolfo, carved a niche in the fashion world with his timeless, elegant designs. Born in Cuba and naturalized in the U.S., he won prestigious awards like the Coty and Neiman Marcus. Notably, his creations graced future First Lady Nancy Reagan, embodying dignified, enduring style.Read More →
-
The Evolution of Men’s Fashion in the Early 1990s
Discover the evolution of men’s fashion in the early 1990s as we delve into trends that prioritized comfort and style. From the rise of breathable fabrics like linen and cotton to the trend of oversized sportswear, the ’90s offered a refreshing blend of practicality and fashion. Read More →
-
Georgina von Etzdorf: A British Design Icon
Georgina von Etzdorf is a British designer known for her exclusive prints in various media, specializing in textile, fashion, furniture, and product design. Her career took off in the 1980s, from printing designs in her parents’ garage to establishing a shop in London’s prestigious Burlington Arcade. Von Etzdorf’s training in traditional craft techniques and her…
-
Salvatore Ferragamo: The Journey of a Legendary Shoemaker
Discover the remarkable story of Salvatore Ferragamo, the visionary shoemaker who rose from humble beginnings to become an icon in the fashion industry. This article explores Ferragamo’s early years, his ventures in the United States and Hollywood, and his innovative designs using exotic materials. From his post-war creativity to the enduring legacy of his “invisible…
-
Yohji Yamamoto (b.1943) Japanese Fashion Designer
Yohji Yamamoto fashion is exemplified by ease and wearability. READ MORE about this innovative radically different Japanese Designer.Read More →
-
Paul Poiret (1879 – 1944) – King of Fashion
In the early decades of the 20th century, Paul Poiret was a crucial figure in the French fashion industry, notably by adding a deep oriental flavour and rich colours to contemporary clothing. Read More →
-
Fashion Design from 1900 to 1920 – Focus on Freedom
Fashion Design from 1900 to 1920 – Focus on Freedom. Newfound political independence came newfound fashion freedom. READ MORERead More →
-
French Art Deco Fashions: In Pochoir Prints from the 1920s (Schiffer Design Books)
French pochoir prints from Art Deco era showcase women’s fashion designs, influenced by famous designers like Charles Worth and Jean Patou, showcasing their artistry and creativity.Read More →
-
Akira Isogawa (b.1964) Australian Fashion Designer
Akira Isogawa, an Australian contemporary fashion designer, is known for his elegant simplicity, traditional Japanese techniques, and luxurious fabrics. He collaborates with high-profile brands and celebrities, and has international recognition. Australian fashion designer Akira Isogawa focuses on women’s fashion and has won awards for his designs. He is passionate about animal protection and has been…
-
Claude Montana (b.1949) French Fashion Designer
Montana’s career in fashion began almost accidentally; he moved to London in the early 1970s “to escape studying,” having no plans and no work visa. Raising money by selling rhinestone-studded papier mache jewellery, he met a Vogue editor by happenstance and had his work featured in the magazine. Read More →
-
French Deco Fashion Coloring Book
French Deco Fashion is a colouring book featuring genuine Art Deco fashion designs inspired by George Barbier’s colour plates from Gazette de bon ton. It is printed single-sided and has generous margins, making it easy to cut out pages for sharing or tracing.Read More →
-
The Little Book of Burberry – The Story of the Iconic Fashion House
Burberry is renowned for its coveted designs, which balance tradition and innovation. This book reveals the story behind the brand and includes photographs from its humble beginnings in 1856 to current designs. Read More →
-
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac (b. 1949) French fashion designer
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac (b. 1949) was a French fashion designer born in Casablanca. He studied law at Faculté de Droit, Limoges and founded the Ko ready-to-wear fashion firm in 1968. He was recognised for his avant-garde designs for women’s clothing featuring unconventional materials. Read More →
-
Coco Chanel: A Classic of the 20th Century
From gold buttons to comfortable tailored trousers and comfortable cardigan sweaters, there is no more significant influence on clothes than Coco Chanel.Read More →
-
Paul Iribe (1883 – 1935) French Designer and Illustrator
Paul Iribe was a influential French designer and illustrator contributing significantly to the Art Deco movement, especially in fashion and advertising. He produced significant work in furniture, fashion illustration, theatrical design and jewelry, and spent time in Hollywood as a theatrical designer. Read More →
-
Van Cleef & Arpels illustration
This book presents the legendary jewellery and precious objects of Van Cleef & Arpels and how they relate to time, nature and love. Time is a fundamental element for both creativity and craftsmanship, and is interpreted through eight values inspired by Italo Calvino’s Lezioni Americane. Nature is an ever-present source of inspiration and tribute, and…
-
Jean-Paul Gaultier (b.1952) French Fashion Designer
Before launching his label in 1976, Gaultier worked for Cardin, Jacques Esteirel, and Patou. From the onset, Gaultier was dubbed the ‘enfant terrible de Paris’.Read More →
-
Cecil Beaton (1904 – 1980) British interior designer
The house he occupied until 1945 at Ashcombe, Wiltshire, near friend Edith Olivier was decorated with limited funds using exaggerated baroque furniture. The walls of the ‘Circus Bedroom’ were painted by visiting artist friends, including Rex Whistler and Oliver Messel, in a kind of Surrealistic overstatement.Read More →
-
Michael Roberts, Fashion Editor, Has Died at 75
Michael Roberts, the writer, editor, stylist, and photographer best known for his influential tenures as the fashion and style director of Vanity Fair magazine and the fashion editor of the New Yorker, has died at the age of 75. His work shaped the course of fashion through words, images, and illustrations, and he was appointed…
-
2023 – Fashion Week in the News – London | Milan
London Fashion Week began with an ending to Vivienne Westwood’s legacy, with a memorial service attended by fashionable dignitaries. READ MORERead More →
-
RIP – Issey Miyake, the Japanese fashion designer, dies 84.
Issey Miyake died on August 5, 2022, in a Tokyo hospital of liver cancer. He founded the Miyake Design Studio in 1970.Read More →
-
Pierre Balmain (1914 – 1982) French fashion designer
Pierre Balmain (1914 – 1982) was a French fashion designer and the influential postwar fashion house Balmain founder. He described the art of dressmaking as “the architecture of movement,” and he was known for his sophistication and elegance. LEARN MORERead More →
-
Judith Leiber (1921 – 2018) American designer of handbags
Judith Leiber (1921 – 2018) was a prolific designer whose fanciful minaudières had accessorised royalties, first ladies, and film stars, and entered the collections of art the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While her couture handbags—carried by celebrities such as Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor, Claudette Colbert, Björk, and Barbara Walters—are widely regarded as works of art,…
-
Krizia an Italian Fashion Design Firm
Krizia is an Italian fashion design company based in Milan. Their clothes often have fruit-themed prints on them to give them a fantasy feel. The company was started in 1954 by its designer, Mariucca Mandelli, and her husband Aldo Pinto.Read More →
-
Armi Ratia (1912 – 1979) co-founder Marimekko
Ammi Maria Ratia (1912 – 1979) was the co-founder of Marimekko Oy (‘Mary’s frock’) Clothing was created to free women from 1950s’ tight, body-shaping dresses and move them into fresh, free-flowing dresses, skirts, trousers, and shirts.Read More →
-
Zandra Rhodes (b.1940), British fashion and textile designer
Zandra Rhodes studied lithography and printing at Medway College before going on to the Royal College of Art to study textiles, graduating in 1964 during the height of the pop movement. She made a paper wedding dress that cost less than two shillings, motivated by this trend and the work of painter Roy Lichtenstein in…
-
Princess Catherine Doll is she back?
The Princess Catherine Doll has been dressed and accessorised by seven British fashion and design leaders. Kate’s engagement ring is made from sterling silver, plated with rose gold, and it is set with 24 brilliant-hardened diamonds. Catherine Middleton loves the Eaton Clutch Bag, and she has been seen with it many times. It is made…
-
Jaeger 🏴 clothes are not just fashion but function & lifestyle
During the twentieth century, a movement arose that advocated for clothing to be worn as part of a sensible, healthy lifestyle rather than only for fashion. These concepts sprang from the work of nineteenth-century fashion reformers, in the same way, that English writer Edward Carpenter popularised the open-toed leather sandal for men. Read More →
-
Hattie Carnegie (1886 – 1956) American Clothing Designer, Jeweller
Her family settled in the USA when she was in her teens and took the Carnegie name. In 1909, with a friend, she opened a tiny dress and hat shop, New York, known as Carnegie—Ladies’ Hatter.Read More →
-
Jean Patou (1880 – 1936) 🎩 Fashion Designer
One of Patou’s most famous customers was the French tennis champion Suzanne Lenglen, whom he dressed both on and off the court. This lean and active young woman epitomised the 1920s “new woman.” She created a furore in 1921 when she wore Patou’s knee-length pleated skirt, which revealed much of her legs when she ran.…
-
Geoffrey Beene (1927-2004) an American Fashion Designer
Geoffrey Beene (1927 – 2004) was an American fashion designer; born Haynesville, Louisiana. He was a premed student at Tulane University when he found himself sketching gowns when he became bored during his lectures. Along with Bill Blass, he was regarded as the Godfather of American sportswear. Read More →
-
Calvin Klein (b.1942) American fashion designer
Klein’s excellent, modest tailoring and beautiful sportswear lines, as well as his casual separates created in the finest linens, silks, and cashmere, had earned him a name by the mid-1970sRead More →
-
Trendy sisal flooring inspires
Trendy sisal floorings inspire low-maintenance imitations. Sisal carpeting was the poor man’s wall-to-walll covering in 40s and 50s.Read More →
-
Caroline Broadhead ( b.1951 ) British Jewellery Designer
She used coloured ivory in her early work. In 1977, she started producing necklaces with bound thread. In 1978, she designed a wood- or silver-framed bracelet with tufts of nylon through which the hand could be squeezed; she was a leader in the new jewellery movement that began in 1968, and she used plastic, cloth,…
-
Pierre Imans – Dutch mannequin designer & manufacturer
Before 1900, Imans was active in a mannequin factory in Paris. By the 1920s, his establishment was located at 10 rue de Crussol. He became known for his faultlessly finished imitation human skin in wax; in 1922, he developed ‘carnesine’ or ‘carnisine’ to simulate skin; developed a secret formula that was mainly plaster with gelatin;…
-
Mainbocher (1890 – 1976) – Simplicity without Boredom
When designing his 1945 spring collection, Mainbocher – the noted French designer who worked in New York after the fall of Paris in WWII. Declared that he had attempted more than ever to make clothes “that would embody the right amount of novelty, were stimulating for today,Read More →
-
Emilio Pucci (1914 – 1992) Italian fashion designer
A leading figure in Italian fashion in the 1950s and 1960s, Pucci studied for a year at the University of Milan. In 1935 he travelled to the United States where he also studied, returning to the University of FlorenceRead More →
-
270 Metres of Lace in Grace Kelly’s wedding gown
The formal wedding gown was made of 278 metres of the finest materials, and at the time was described as the most lavish ever worn by a bride.Read More →
-
Big Jacket Memes Are Coming To An Instagram Near You
jacket. Sabbat’s coats were resized to be comically ginormous by the mysterious account: a fleece piece was transformed into a woolly mammoth–like topper, a standard slicked blue puffer became the size of a parked car in the background, and a tailored coat with Quasimodo-style shoulders shrunk Sabbat’s handsome face to a tiny pinhead.Read More →
-
The most beautiful wedding dresses of 2021
Although the pandemic changed the habits regarding the number of guests at weddings and decorations, the richness of brides’ stylingRead More →
-
Naeem Khan Indian American Fashion Designer
Naeem Khan is an Indian-American fashion designer who has dressed First Lady Michelle Obama, Queen Noor of Jordan, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in his ornate and intricately detailed gowns.Read More →
-
Spell on You by Louis Vuitton – Design Elegance
The most thrilling of all games is passionate love. Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud was inspired to create a romantic, naughty fragrance that becomes one with the skin by the incredible tension oscillating between sensuality and complicity. Read More →