Salvatore Ferragamo, known as the shoemaker for the stars, moved from Italy to the US in 1914. He studied the human anatomy which allowed him to make shoes that were very comfortable. He started by entering the shoe industry by opening the Shoe Boot Shop in Hollywood in 1923, working with famous stars such as Gloria Swanson.
Salvatore Ferragamo moved back to Florence in 1927, where he opened a shoe shop. The Ferragamo industry prospered after World War II, expanding and producing over 350 pairs of shoes a day.
Salvatore Ferragamo died in 1960, leaving his widow, Wanda Ferragamo, running and expanding his business. The Ferragamos are the majority owners of the brand.
In 2006, the family announced floating 48% of the company shares in the stock market. Since 2006, Michele Norsa has served as manager and director of the Salvatore Ferragamo company.
The company is known for its innovative approach in both design and materials. They have unique shoe designs such as the shell sole, the invisible sandals, the metal heels, etc. Salvatore Ferragamo S.P.A is also known for the ‘Gancini’ decoration, the ‘Vara’ patent ballet pump, the Salvatore bag and the use of patchwork.
Salvatore Ferragamo has been a popular name in the celebrity world since he started his career. Celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn, Diana, Princess of Wales, and Sophia Loren have all rocked the Ferragamo brand. They were also behind the Margaret Thatcher famous handbags.
As of 2018, Salvatore Ferragamo S.P.A owned 672 sales points both in the US and around the world.
In recent decades, Ferragamo started producing its ready-to-wear line that feature butter soft leather garments made of the best quality leather on the market.
Ferrucio Ferragamo is the current chairman of the company.