History of Salvatore Ferragamo

After recently learning a little about the history for Ferragamo in class we visited the Headquarters and learned a lot more about the rich background of the Italian company. Salvatore Ferragamo joined his brother in Boston in 1914 working in a large shoe shop. While he believed the shoes were of fine quality he felt they left a lot to be desired. So in 1923 he moved to California where the birth of cinema was beginning. He started to design shoes for the movies and soon the actresses were wearing his shoes off set because they were so beautiful. The movie business offered him the ability to experiment and make all different types of shoes from the cowboy boots to the roman sandals.  He was known as the shoemaker to the starts and opened the Hollywood Boot Shop.

Due to high demand in 1927 he returned to Italy and grouped 60 craftsmen’s, creating a human assembly line. He was very avant-garde and created new styles such as the patchwork shoe. Despite his success Ferragamo found himself bankrupt in 1933. He decided to regroup and purchased the headquarters that are still used today in 1938.  Although Italy was under fascist rule and had sanctions from Mussolini this propelled Ferragamo to thrive. He had to be more original and resourceful then ever. This lead to the famous shoe made out of metal chocolate wrappings. He also experimented with new materials such as raffia and cork.

By 1947 he was recognized for all of his hard work by winning the “Neiman Marcus Award”, fashion’s oscar, with the invisible sandal. This surreal design saw the passage from the war years into a new and thriving decade. One year later the first Ferragamo New York store opened on Park Avenue. In 1949 Ferragamo expanded from shoes and the first bag was created. In 1965 full production began on handbags and ready to wear under the supervision of Giovanna Gentile Ferragamo. Soon this maison had turned into an international company. In 1995 the Museum opened and the success of the brand continues today with presence in 90+ countries and 593 doors.

By: Marisa Silber

Time Travelers

A few days ago with class we visited Palazzo Vecchio. The Palazzo was built between the 13th and 14th centuries. The interior is absolutely stunning with many gorgeous ceiling and frescoes. The Salone dei Cinquecento decorated by Michelangelo and Leonardo. Throughout you can feel the grandeur representing Florence. 

We then traveled back in time to meet Elenora of Toledo. She wore a red silk velvet dress as she had an important political event to attend after and was supposed to convey the wealth of Florence. Underneath she wore a few layers of undergarments, most notably a corset which she requested to be very tight. She had her hair up in a bun covered with a net to show that she was no longer a virgin. She wore what appeared to be extremely tall flat high heels yet we were informed they were quite short for the time. During this time the fashions of different countries start to distinguish themselves more. Italy style followed the Spanish yet there was a great use of color. Florence became one of the main centers for production of high style after the marriage of Casimo I to Eleonora.

Eleonora’s style was perfectly in line with her rule. She had a strong political consciousness that was capable and firm. Together with her husband she introduced court apparel and protocol. She personally examined many prestigious and luxurous items to show her power.

During our meeting Eleonora commented how no one in our group was married and how we were dressed like men. It was very interesting to compare and contrast the differences from now to Renaissance times. I think some of us were a bit intimidated by the Duchess yet overall everyone had a wonderful trip back in time and great learning experience.
By: Marisa Silber

Carnivale 2012: "la vita è un teatro tutti in maschera"

In November, when we went to Venice, I was fascinated by the stories of the masks and clothes of the Venetians in their prime. The mystery, seduction, and risk was all represented by costume! Luckily, I was able to return to Venice yesterday and experience first hand the opening ceremony of Carnivale. Right in front of the Doge's palace, there was a small ceremony including a wine fountain, opera singers, songs of Venice, and original Venetian costume. I felt brought back to a masquerade ball! Carnivale began as a way to "say goodbye to meat" a celebration to fill yourself with life before lent when many things must be done only in small quantities. Although we were not able to see Carnivale in full swing, we did get to see the various masks and costumes worn in traditional ways:

(Photo Credit : Daisy O)

The Bauta mask, one of the most famous Venetian masks, was most classically worn white. This whole costume was worn, with the lace veil underneath, so that no matter what age, sex, or social level you were, you would be completely anonymous. The "beak" structure is like this for the ability to eat and drink while wearing it.


I think that what draws most people to the Venetian masks and costume is the pure extravagance. It is fun to forget your true identity and simply indulge a little too much. This is truly how the Venetians lived at a certain point in time. Now, there are every type of mask from $5-$1,000. There is no limit, and the idea is loved by all. It is a fascinating tradition that is defined by costume, and I hope that it continues to live on.

 (Photo Credit : Jacklyn Londono)

People in original costume during Carnivale 2012.






by Gabriella Bonatesta