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What Was in Marilyn Monroe's Closet? The Heels That Changed Everything
FASHION / 2024-12-05
In the fashion world, Salvatore Ferragamo is nothing short of a dream weaver. His journey began in a humble farm family in southern Italy but left an irreplaceable mark on global fashion. If a pair of shoes can change a person’s fate, Salvatore Ferragamo did exactly that. His designs not only transformed the steps of countless stars but also redefined comfort, style, and even the very definition of "luxury."
From Italy to Hollywood: The Shoemaker's American Dream
Born in 1898 in Bonito, Italy,Salvatore Ferragamo grew up in a large family with 14 siblings. He was the 11th child, and while others were playing in the fields, Ferragamo was already fascinated by shoemaking. At just 9 years old, he crafted a pair of white leather shoes for his sister to wear to church. The shoes were such a hit that Salvatore Ferragamo’s parents began to recognize his natural talent.
At 16, Salvatore Ferragamo packed his bags and sailed across the ocean with big dreams of America. He landed in Boston, where he and his brothers opened a shoe repair shop. But fixing shoes wasn’t enough to satisfy his passion for the art of footwear. Soon after, he moved to Hollywood, the budding movie capital, where dreams and opportunities were born every day.
In 1923,Salvatore Ferragamo opened his first studio, the Hollywood Boot Shop, on Hollywood Boulevard. He began designing custom shoes for movie stars and film studios, even collaborating with American film companies to create exquisite boots for westerns. His craftsmanship quickly earned him the title of the go-to shoemaker for Tinseltown.
From Anatomy to Comfort: The Foundation of Footwear Innovation
Salvatore Ferragamo’s attention to beauty wasn’t limited to the aesthetic. He also sought to revolutionize comfort in his shoes. He noticed that while his designs were loved, many customers complained of foot pain. Determined to find a solution, he enrolled in night classes at the University of Southern California to study anatomy, chemistry, and engineering to understand the biomechanics of the human foot.
He discovered that the body’s weight falls on the arch of the foot, and shoes needed to distribute this pressure evenly. Salvatore Ferragamo’s innovation led to the creation of supportive, stylish shoes, earning him multiple patents and the nickname “The Shoemaker of Dreams.”
Walking with Legends: From Marilyn Monroe to Audrey Hepburn
Salvatore Ferragamo’s designs became a Hollywood staple, with numerous starlets favoring his shoes to pursue their dreams onscreen. From Marilyn Monroe to Audrey Hepburn, and even the Duchess of Windsor,Salvatore Ferragamo’s shoes have been part of some of the most iconic looks in film history.
Marilyn Monroe was one of Ferragamo’s biggest fans. To ensure the perfect fit, Ferragamo even designed a custom half-wood, half-steel heel, which he patented. Monroe once famously said, “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” One of her most iconic looks—red jeweled heels—was designed by Ferragamo. When the shoes were auctioned in 1999, they sold for a stunning $48,300, cementing their place as a symbol of Salvatore Ferragamo’s legacy.
Wanda Ferragamo: The Supermom Who Balanced Family and Business
In the 1950s, Salvatore Ferragamo returned to Italy, settling in Florence and expanding his brand into a full-fledged fashion empire. However, in 1958, after his first fashion show,Salvatore Ferragamo tragically passed away. The reins of the brand were handed over to his wife, Wanda Miletti Ferragamo.
Wanda was a true supermom, raising six children while steadily growing the business. Under her leadership, Ferragamo expanded from a footwear brand into a luxury powerhouse with haute couture, accessories, and fragrances. Internally, she was hailed as a “model of balancing work and family,” and her leadership helped ensure Ferragamo’s enduring success.
Iconic Collections: From the Vara Shoe to the Studio Bag
Vara Shoes: Timeless Simplicity
In 1978,Salvatore Ferragamo’s late daughter, Fiamma Ferragamo, designed the now-famous Vara shoe. Known for its rounded toe, satin bow, and comfortable 3 cm heel, the Vara embodies simplicity and elegance. Since its debut, the shoe has become a worldwide sensation, a must-have in every woman’s closet. The brand also introduced custom services, allowing customers to select shoe colors, metallic plates, and even personalized symbols.
Varina: For the Modern Woman
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Vara, Ferragamo launched the Varina ballet flats—a lighter, more casual take on the classic. These shoes were a hit with younger women, including A-listers like Anne Hathaway and Jessica Alba, who were frequently seen wearing them on the streets.
Studio Bag: A Nod to the Dream's Beginning
The Studio Bag collection was inspired by Ferragamo’s first Hollywood workshop. Its design, reminiscent of a craftsman’s tool bag, emphasizes practicality and versatility. Each bag is adorned with the signature Gancini buckle, inspired by the gates of the Florence headquarters, a nod to the brand’s rich history and attention to detail.
Salvatore Ferragamo’s legacy is a beautiful symphony of dreams, hard work, and creativity. He didn’t just create breathtaking shoes—he also proved that with unwavering determination, even the smallest dream can become a pair of shoes that changes the world.