History of Salvatore Ferragamo

 Salvatore Ferragamo was an Italian immigrant who came to Boston and eventually California, where he opened the Hollywood Boot Shop in 1923. His shop made shoes for celebrities such as Joan Crawford, Gloria Swanson and major movies like The Ten Commandments. In 1927, Ferragamo returned to Italy to open a second shoe shop. Though he filed for bankruptcy in 1933, Ferragamo was once again financially successful by 1938 when he purchased the Palazzo Spini Feroni, which now houses the flagship store and museum.

 The post World War II period was a successful one for Ferragamo. The company expanded to 700 craftsmen making up to 350 handmade shoes per day. In 1960, Salvatore died and the company was taken over by his wife Wanda, who added perfume, watches, ready-to-wear-clothing, handbags, and other accessories to the Ferragamo brand.

 Ferragamo is known for its use of various materials and forward-thinking designs, such as the wedge heel, the invisible sandal, and the metal-reinforced stiletto made famous by Marilyn Monroe. In addition, the company is famous for its patent ballet pump and its use of patchwork as a signature design.

 While Salvatore began by making shoes for famous actresses, the modern Ferragamo company continues in the tradition of servicing famous women, including Princess Diana, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn and Greta Garbo. In fact, the company made handbags for Margaret Thatcher as well as the coronation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck.