Salvatore Ferragamo was an Italian shoe designer born in Bonito, near Avellino, Italy, in 1894. His most famous invention was the "Cage Heel".

Salvatore made his first pairs of shoes for his sisters to wear at their confirmation, and decided this was what he wanted to do.

Salvatore studied shoe making in Naples, Italy for one year, then opened a store from his patents home.

In 1914, Salvatore moved to Boston to work at one of his brothers boot factory.

Salvatore convinced his brothers to move to California. Salvatore found success in Hollywood, where he opened a shoe repair business, and also produced made to measure shoes. The shoes became prized items to celebrities, and then Salvatore designed shoes for the cinema for a long time.

Although his shoes were pleasing to the eye, they were painful to wear, so Salvatore decided to study anatomy at the University of Southern California.

In 1927, Salvatore moved to Florence Italy, and began making shoes for the wealthiest, and powerful women, such as Eva Peron, Marilyn Monroe, and Maharani of Cooch Behar.

In 1933, Salvatore filed for bankruptcy, and in 1950, he expanded his operation to around 700 expert artisans that produced 350 pairs of handmade shoes per day. Salvatore's designs were the main inspiration of many other shoe designers.

Salvatore passed away in 1960, at the age of 62. His wife, children, grandchildren, and other relatives currently own, and run his company which has expanded further. It is now an International company, and they also produce purses, eyewear, silk accessories, watches, perfume, and clothing.

Salvatore's eldest daughter, Fiamma inherited her father's talent, and in 1978, she invented the "Vara pumps". She passed away in 1998.

In 1995, a museum opened in Palazzo Spini Feroni dedicated to Salvatore's life, and work. The palazzo was purchased by Salvatore in the 1930's.

In Florance Italy, there is a foundation for young talents that offers a curriculum specifically developed based upon the values imparted by the Salvatore Ferragamo.

For more information please visit:

http://www.ferragamo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategories_31150_35551


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