A perfectionist who as a child crafted a pair of white shoes for his sister’s first holy communion because his parents couldn’t afford new footwear, Salvatore Ferragamo was ambitious from his earliest days. The young Italian shoemaker established in the years that followed what would one day become a fashion empire — the highly profitable multinational family-owned and -operated luxury brand today counts more than 600 stores in 96 countries around the world, and vintage Ferragamo shoes, handbags and other clothing and accessories are objects of desire for fashion lovers everywhere.
Salvatore Ferragamo sought an education in the art of shoemaking when he was eleven — he apprenticed with a local shoemaker and spent a short time in nearby Naples learning what he could at a shoe factory. He opened his first shop with a handful of workers the following year, and in 1914 — when he was still a teenager — Ferragamo emigrated to America, just as his siblings had before him, seeking new opportunities for work and to learn in the footwear trade.
After securing a job at the Plant Shoe Factory in Boston, Massachusetts, Ferragamo was uninspired by machine-made footwear. He moved across the country to Santa Barbara, California. Owing to a connection he made with a then-actor cousin, Ferragamo found work with the American Film Manufacturing Company. He made women’s shoes and provided durable cowboy boots for a film crew’s costuming department. Ferragamo’s reputation in the world of Hollywood cinema soon broadened, and he established a storefront in Mission Canyon where he made shoes by hand for the likes of actresses Gloria Swanson, Greta Garbo and Dolores del Río.
By the 1920s, film directors commissioned Ferragamo to produce shoes for a range of movies — the list of films eventually included The Ten Commandments, The Covered Wagon and The Thief of Baghdad. When he felt comfortable enough with the English language, Ferragamo also enrolled in anatomy courses at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles in order to better understand motion and the demands that we place on our footwear.
By the late 1920s, Ferragamo sought to expand production of his shoes and returned to Italy. He hired scores of apprentices to work in a factory in Florence, where Ferragamo carefully melded the principles of handcraftsmanship with all that he learned about America’s shoe factories. He filed patents — hundreds over the years — on the steel shank arch and many other unique aspects of his shoe design, and when economic and political influences during the 1930s forced Ferragamo to substitute pressed cork for steel to support the arch, the wedge heel was born. Other creative materials he integrated into his forward-looking creations were hemp, felt, nylon fishing line, fish skin and cellophane twisted with silk.
In the late 1940s, the brand’s first storefront opened in Manhattan, and today Salvatore Ferragamo is known worldwide and is synonymous with a wealth of iconic footwear such as Viva ballet flats, Vara Bow pumps, Gancini loafers and lots more. Ferragamo’s son, Ferruccio, was appointed CEO in 1984. Under his leadership, Ferruccio diversified and expanded the fashion business further, getting into sunglasses, fragrance, watches and made-to-measure men’s shoes. Ferruccio was succeeded by his brother, Leonardo Ferragamo, and British designer Maximilian Davis is now creative director of the brand.
Find vintage Ferragamo shoes, clothing and other items on 1stDibs.
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway one shoulder red ombre tulle dress M
By Ferragamo, Maximilian
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway one shoulder red ombre tulle dress M Reference: TGAS/F00533 Brand: Ferragamo Designer: Maximilian Davis Collection: Spring Summer 2023 - Runway...
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway metallic silver lame wrapped dress IT40 S
By Ferragamo, Maximilian
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway metallic silver lame wrapped dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS/F00548 Brand: Ferragamo Designer: Maximilian Davis Collection: Fall Winter 2023 - Run...
S/S 1999 Salvatore Ferragamo Runway Ad Multicolor Sheer Silk Floral Top
By Ferragamo, Salvatore Ferragamo
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Salvatore Ferragamo’s Spring/Summer 1999 collection, this sheer silk blouse debuted on the runway and was captured in the season's ad campaign. Featuring a painterly floral and ...
SALVATORE FERRAGAMO c.2000’s Men’s Dark Brown 3 Button Leather Sport Coat Jacket
By Ferragamo
Located in Thiensville, WI
SALVATORE FERRAGAMO c.2000’s Men’s Dark Brown 3 Button Leather Sport Coat Jacket Circa: 2000’s Label(s): Ferragamo Style: Blazer jacket Color(s): D...
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway orange sunset silk halter dress IT38 XS
By Maximilian, Ferragamo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway orange sunset silk halter dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/F00529 Brand: Ferragamo Designer: Maximilian Davis Collection: Spring Summer 2023 - Run...
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway metallic silver lame wrapped dress IT42 M
By Maximilian, Ferragamo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway metallic silver lame wrapped dress IT42 M Reference: TGAS/F00547 Brand: Ferragamo Designer: Maximilian Davis Collection: Fall Winter 2023 - Run...
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway red animalier print crepe draped dress S
By Maximilian, Ferragamo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway red animalier print crepe draped dress S Reference: TGAS/F00549 Brand: Ferragamo Designer: Maximilian Davis Collection: Spring Summer 2023 - Ru...
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway Bridal white hood crepe mini dress IT40 S
By Maximilian, Ferragamo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway Bridal white hood crepe mini dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS/F00544 Brand: Ferragamo Designer: Maximilian Davis Collection: Spring Summer 2023 - R...
1990s Salvatore Ferragamo Size 7 Saddle Camel Leather Vintage Oxford 90s Booties
By Ferragamo, Salvatore Ferragamo
Located in San Diego, CA
Insanely chic late 1990s SALVATORE FERRAGAMO saddle camel colored leather high heel lace up oxford booties! The perfect color that matches anything, and is great all year. Can easily...
Salvatore Ferragamo Paris Embellished Moto Boots Leather in Black
By Ferragamo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Salvatore Ferragamo Paris Embellished Moto Boots Leather in Black. Fits true to size, order your normal size. Round toe, Pull on, Ombré crystal-embellished details, Gancini detail a...
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway yellow asymmetric ruched dress IT38 XS
By Ferragamo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway yellow asymmetric ruched dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/F00540 Brand: Ferragamo Designer: Maximilian Davis Model: P00846660 Collection: Fall Win...
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis Mandarin orange satin kimono gown dress IT40 S
By Maximilian, Ferragamo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis Mandarin orange satin kimono gown dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS/F00534 Brand: Ferragamo Designer: Maximilian Davis Collection: 2024 As seen on: Campaign ima...
Ferragamo Ivory Silk One Button Blouse Larger Size
By Ferragamo
Located in New Hope, PA
This ivory silk blouse from Ferragamo has a single button closure on the left side of the collar. I am assuming that it is meant to be belted or tucked in. The long sleeves have th...
Black Salvatore Ferragamo Virgin Wool Bead-Trimmed Blazer
By Ferragamo
Located in New York, NY
Black virgin wool bead-trimmed blazer by Salvatore Ferragamo. Notched lapel. Three pockets. Button closures at front. 32" bust, 16" shoulder width, 24.5" sleeve length, 27" length.&n...
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis Mandarin orange satin kimono gown dress IT38 XS
By Maximilian, Ferragamo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis Mandarin orange satin kimono gown dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/F00535 Brand: Ferragamo Designer: Maximilian Davis Collection: 2024 As seen on: Campaign im...
Salvatore Ferragamo Black Cocktail Suit Dress 1990s
By Ferragamo
Located in Brindisi, Bt
Salvatore Ferragamo vintage 90s woman dress. Suit consisting of dress long with vest. Dress with gold-colored button closure, without sleeves. 100% viscose. Color black. Made in Ital...
Salvatore Ferragamo Theodore Combat Boots Leather in Black
By Ferragamo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Salvatore Ferragamo Theodore Combat Boots Leather in Black. Additional information: Material: Leather, Rubber outsoles Color: Black Size: 4.5 US Country: Italy Condition: Brand new ...
Ferragamo Black Leather Ballet Flats with Velvet Trim - 7AA
By Ferragamo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Ferragamo Black Leather Ballet Flats with Velvet Trim - 7AA. These beautiful flats are in excellent condition with minor wear to the leather and some wear on the sole. The shoes feat...
Salvatore Ferragamo Ivory Leather Driving Mule - Size 6.5
By Ferragamo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Ferragamo Ivory Leather Driving Mule Shoe Size 6.5. This shoe is made of soft calfskin leather with a slightly rounded toe, decorated with a Gancini buckl...
Ferragamo "Parrot & Floral" Multi-color Stretch Jeans
By Ferragamo
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully wicked Ferragamo "Parrot & Floral" print stretch jeans are size 6/Italy. The waist measures 27", waistband is 1 1/2" in width, inn...
Altuzarra Women's Black Lace Dress with Front and Back Opening
By Ferragamo
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Very chic dress by Altuzarra Lace Black color Opening on front and back Total length cm 115 (45.2 inches) Worldwide express shipping included in the price !
Ferragamo Graphic Pattern Silk Jumpsuit
By Ferragamo
Located in New York, NY
Ferragamo, brown and cream, abstract print, wide leg, sleeveless, jumpsuit, having a V neckline and an attached wide sash.
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway yellow asymmetric ruched dress IT40 S
By Maximilian, Ferragamo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway yellow asymmetric ruched dress IT40 S Reference: TGAS/F00551 Brand: Ferragamo Designer: Maximilian Davis Model: P00846660 Collection: Fall Wint...
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis black gold Gancini halter knee dress L
By Maximilian, Ferragamo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis black gold Gancini halter knee dress L Reference: TGAS/F00530 Brand: Ferragamo Designer: Maximilian Davis Collection: Runway Material: Viscose, Blend Color...
$700Sale Price|21% Off
Salvatore Ferragomo Vintage Fuchsia + Yellow Colorblock Blouse + Blazer Jacket
By Ferragamo, Salvatore Ferragamo
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage SALVATORE FERRAGOMO fuchsia pink, purple and pale yellow silk tunic blouse and fitted cropped blazer jacket! Tunic features an avant garde flare, with an attached scarf....
Ferragamo Silk Blouse with Polka Dot Bow Design
By Salvatore Ferragamo, Ferragamo
Located in New Hope, PA
A cheerful multi color polka dot bow design is front and center on this ecru silk blouse from Salvatore Ferragamo. There is a button and loop closure at the center back and a single...
Vintage Ferragamo Stripe Skirt
By Ferragamo, Salvatore Ferragamo
Located in London, GB
A fun stripe skirt by Ferragamo. The skirt has multi colour horizontal stripes on a vanilla colour background. It has a pocket on either side and a brown waistband that ties at one s...
Salvatore Ferragamo Florrie Booties Leather in Black
By Ferragamo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted of smooth supple leather, these round-toe booties flaunts a chic cylindrical heel. Additional information: Material: Calf leather upper Round toe Side zip Leather sole Color...
1970's Ferragamo Ribbed & Cable Burgundy Knit Cardigan
By Ferragamo
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Chic 1970's burgundy wool ribbed and cable knit fitted cardigan with silver and gold plated Ferragamo logo buttons down the front. In excellent condition, no signs of wear. Fits like...
Lilli Ann 1950s Wool Jacket
By Lilli Ann
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great black wool jacket by Lilli Ann. The large collar has ties and is top stitched in a diamond pattern with prong set rhinestones at the points. It is double breasted with self ...
Vintage 1940s Linen Print Day Dress
Located in London, GB
A pretty vintage day dress from the 1940s. The dress has a white background, with crimson, blue , brown and yellow flowers. It has a decorative bow...
Emilio Pucci S/S 2012 Runway Unworn Embellished Sheer Lace Cutout Mini Dress
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Naples, FL
Emilio Pucci S/S 2012 Runway Unworn Embellished Sheer Lace Cutout Gold Mini Dress Look 31 from the Spring 2012 Collection by Peter Dundas. Size: IT 40 Condition: Unworn with addi...
1920S Yellow Silk Chiffon & Silver Lamé Lace Flapper Cocktail Dress
Located in New York, NY
1920S Yellow Silk Chiffon & Silver Lamé Lace Flapper Cocktail Dress
S/S 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Backless Rhinestone Ruched Silver Silk Strap Dress
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful silver silk ruched Gucci dress, designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 2004 collection, this form-fitting dress features a Grecian-like neckline, keyhole...
$697
Size: 40 (It) on tag / fit S/M
Cotton chemise dress with stripes pattern ANGLOMANIA by VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
By ANGLOMANIA by VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Short sleeve cotton chemise dress with stripes pattern. Fabric composition: 76% cotton, 20% nylon, 4% elastane. Branded button and buttonhole on the middle front. Gather under the bu...
Chanel Vintage Embellished Evening Gown Spring/Summer 1990 Size 38FR
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Chanel/Karl Lagerfeld Vintage Archive Embellished Logo Evening Gown Spring/Summer 1990 Size 38FR
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
Size: IT40
S/S 2004 Gucci by Tom Ford Runway Black Pleated Satin Purple Stripe Jacket
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black pleated silk Gucci jacket, designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 2004 collection, this jacket debuted on the season's runway as part of look 17 modeled by T...
$1,150
Size: Medium - Large
Beautiful 1970s Silver Metallic Lurex Rhinestone Buttons Sleeveless Maxi Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage 70s silver metallic lurex sleeveless maxi dress / gown with rhinestone buttons! Features a soft silver metallic lurex that is both elega...
Long evening dress in flowers printed chiffon Anne Valone Circa 1970's
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long evening dress in flowers printed chiffon close in the middle back with fabric buttons and buttonhole .Orange acétate lining close with zip in the middle back. Biais. SIZE M
Vintage Gloria Sachs Black Jacket with Fur Trim Collar
By Gloria Sachs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage Gloria Sachs black jacket exudes timeless sophistication and luxurious style. Expertly tailored, it features a classic silhouette that flatters the figure while offering...
1999 Jean Paul Gaultier gown
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Austin, TX
1999 Jean Paul Gaultier gown pleating drop waist condition: Excellent 36" bust, 35" waist, 34" hips, 80" length sz M/ US 8 / IT44
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway yellow asymmetric ruched dress IT38 XS
By Maximilian, Ferragamo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway yellow asymmetric ruched dress IT38 XS Reference: TGAS/F00541 Brand: Ferragamo Designer: Maximilian Davis Model: P00846660 Collection: Fall Win...
Ferragamo Leopard Print Pony Hair Siwar Pumps
By Ferragamo
Located in London, GB
Ferragamo Leopard Print Pony Hair Siwar Pumps Leopard print heels crafted from pony calf hair. Featuring a pointed toe with a bow detail and a spool heel. Leather lining, and sole...
S/S 1998 Salvatore Ferragamo Printed Silk Scarf Patchwork Runway Dress
By Ferragamo, Salvatore Ferragamo
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Salvatore Ferragamo’s Spring/Summer 1998 collection, this sleeveless dress is constructed from a patchwork of printed silk scarves featuring florals, felines, and mythological m...
Sold
Size: IT42, US8, F40, D38
Early 2000s Ferragamo Pink Floral Print Tan Leather Strap Cocktail Dress
By Ferragamo
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the early 2000s, this Ferragamo cocktail dress features a painterly pink floral print on a soft fabric base with tan leather straps. Approximate measurements: Size - IT42, US8,...
Salvatore Ferragamo Imogen Suede Ankle Boots
By Ferragamo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Supple suede ankle boots feature a side zip with tab. Additional information: Material: Leather Suede upper Pointed toe Zip closure Leather lining Leather sole Color: Black Size: 6....
Salvatore Ferragamo Ghila Ankle Boots Suede in Brown
By Ferragamo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Supple suede ankle boots feature a side zip with tab and a vara chain for flair. Additional information: Material: Suede upper, Almond toe, Zip closure, Leather lining, Leather sole...
Salvatore Ferragamo Ombre Knit Silk Sleeveless Fringe Maxi Dress New W /Tags
By Ferragamo, Salvatore Ferragamo
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Entering the world of fashion as a shoemaker Italian born designer, Salvatore Ferragamo captivated the world with his fashion-forward footwear, and detail-oriented aesthetic. Followi...
Salvatore Ferragamo Cotton Jungle Print Vintage 90s
By Ferragamo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Salvatore Ferragamo cotton jungle print jeans vintage 1990s. Bright print in yellows, greens, blues, corals & greens, of leopards, indigenous people, tropical flowers & parrots. The fabric is soft with a bit of stretch. High rise waist, sits at the natural waist, belt loops and a silver Ferragamo logo button close above the metal fly...
Salvatore Ferragamo Printed Blouse
By Ferragamo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The ultimate springtime blouse. This Salvatore Ferragamo blouse is made from a sheer 100% silk chiffon fabric ensuring incredible comfort and style. This blouse has long sleeves that feature a mother of pearl button detailing. Cut in a slouchy fit with a v neck and high low fit, this printed blouse...
Ferragamo Leather Trench
By Ferragamo
Located in New York, NY
Ferragamo, chocolate brown, classic style, double breasted, leather trench, having epaulettes, and an embossed horizontal, stripe detail, giving texture...
Ferragamo Black Denim Coat with Topstitching Detail
By Ferragamo
Located in New York, NY
Ferragamo, black, denim coat, having a side closure w/ tie, shawl collar, , yellow /gold topstitching detail, slash side pockets, and tab snap closures.
Ferragamo Silky Taupe Knit Stretch Bandeau Top Large
By Ferragamo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Ferragamo silky taupe knit stretch bandeau top Large. Silky stretch rayon/spandex knit pull on top in taupe. In excellent wearable condition. All o...