'Italian' is the synonym of 'fashionable', “'exquisite' and 'elegant'. In this respect, the products by Salvatore Ferragamo are absolutely Italian. In 2008 this company with the headquarters in Florence, celebrated its 80th anniversary.
The company was founded by Salvatore Ferragamo, who before that had already been a recognizable figure in fashion – to be precise, in shoe-making. Salvatore Ferragamo started his career in California, where he created a great deal of new techniques and models, including wedge heel, sock-shoe, metal-reinforced stiletto heels, gloved arch shoe and even 18-carat gold sandal! The designer used to work with many celebrities and Hollywood film stars, such as Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren and Greta Garbo, and even Andy Warhol and Lady Diana.
Ferragamo’s collaboration with the celebrities did not stop after his moving to his motherland – Italy. Though the company went bankrupt during the days of Great Depression, and the real depression came to the company in 1960, when its founder died. Today Ferragamo family owns the company, and only three members of the family, according to the company’s charter, are allowed to participate in the business directly. Taking into consideration, that today the family consists of Salvatore’s widow Wanda, their 5 children and 23 grandchildren, there is no surprise, that the struggle within the company for the places in it is really tense.
Today Salvatore Ferragamo produces not only shoes (speaking about them, 10,000 pairs are produced annually), but also clothes, bags, perfumes and eyewear. The company’s turnover amounts to €47.1million.
