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.
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 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/F00531 Brand: Ferragamo Designer: Maximilian Davis Collection: Spring Summer 2023 - Runway...
1990s Salvatore Ferragamo Size 7 Saddle Camel Leather Vintage Oxford 90s Booties
By Salvatore Ferragamo, 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...
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway Bridal white hood crepe mini dress IT42 M
By Ferragamo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway Bridal white hood crepe mini dress IT42 M Reference: TGAS/F00543 Brand: Ferragamo Designer: Maximilian Davis Collection: Spring Summer 2023 - R...
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 Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway red animalier print crepe draped dress S
By Ferragamo, Maximilian
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 one shoulder red ombre mini dress M
By Maximilian, Ferragamo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway embellished one shoulder flame red ombre silk tulle mini dress M Reference: TGAS/F00532 Brand: Ferragamo Designer: Maximilian Davis Collection:...
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...
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway orange sunset silk halter dress IT38 XS
By Ferragamo, Maximilian
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 Mandarin orange satin kimono gown dress IT38 XS
By Ferragamo, Maximilian
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...
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...
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...
Vintage Ferragamo Stripe Skirt
By Salvatore Ferragamo, 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...
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 ...
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...
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 "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...
Salvatore Ferragamo Vara Bow Peep-Toe Pumps in Black Patent Leather
By Ferragamo
Located in Houston, TX
Elevate your look with the Salvatore Ferragamo Vara Bow Peep-Toe Pumps - a sophisticated choice for the modern woman. The glossy black patent leather exudes confidence and style, whi...
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 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.
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...
Salvatore Ferragamo Gancini Reversible Bit Loafers in Black Leather
By Ferragamo
Located in Houston, TX
Salvatore Ferragamo is renowned for using the highest quality materials and implementing expert craftsmanship techniques to fashion timeless wardrobe staples for the modern gentleman...
Ferragamo Cap Toe Ballerinas in Brown Suede
By Ferragamo
Located in Houston, TX
Step into timeless style with the Ferragamo Cap Toe Ballerinas in Brown Suede. Featuring a classic round toe and a black patent cap toe, these flats offer a chic contrast of textures...
$700Sale Price|21% Off
Salvatore Ferragomo Vintage Fuchsia + Yellow Colorblock Blouse + Blazer Jacket
By Salvatore Ferragamo, 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 Ferragamo, Salvatore 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...
Salvatore Ferragamo Mid Heel Ankle Boots in Black Suede
By Ferragamo
Located in Houston, TX
Classy, sturdy, and stylish, these boots from Salvatore Ferragamo are all you require to show your luxe fashion taste! They are designed using black suede with patent leather strips ...
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 Maximilian Davis black gold Gancini halter knee dress L
By Ferragamo, Maximilian
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...
Gianni Versace New Dress with Hardware
By Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Water Mill, NY
In muted shades of grey a fine jersey dress from Gianni Versace Couture. It has one shoulder with a silver metal triangle joining the front and back. ...
Moschino Photo Print Velvet Dress
By Moschino, Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous velvet dress by Moschino in an elaborate print of words and photos in beige, brown, and black. The print is amazingly detailed with photo prints...
Rochas Sequin Embellished Midi Dress
By Rochas
Located in London, GB
Rochas Sequin Embellished Midi Dress Purple dress fully embellished with sequins with all-over floral design in gold, silver and red. Featuring deep V-neck, wrap silhouette with a ...
Adele Simpson 1980s Size 4 Yellow White Silk Chiffon Polka Dot Vintage 80s Dress
By Adele Simpson
Located in San Diego, CA
Flirty 1980s ADELE SIMPSON yellow and white silk chiffon polka dot dress ! Features a boned ruched bodice, with a slightly dropped waist. Multiple layers of chiffon on the skirt. Ful...
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 38
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Era Lotus Slides * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977 His Final Collection for YSL 2004...
1900s Antique White Battenburg Tape Lace Bridal Dress Jacket
Located in London, GB
This exquisite 1900 - 1910s white battenburg or princess tape lace dress jacket is of exceptional quality and craftsmanship and is increasingly scare in this condition. The entire pi...
Emilio Pucci Tribal Beaded Bustier Dress may see on Alessandra Ambrosio US 6
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Emilio Pucci Tribal Beaded Embellished Bustier Dress with Draped Skirt US size - 6 Seen worn by Gigi Hadid, and Alessandra Ambrosio. From Emilio Pucci’s celebrated S/S 2014 runwa...
Givenchy Tisci Orange Jersey Leather Cut-Out Maxi Dress, 2014
By Givenchy
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Under the direction of Ricardo Tisci, the S2014 Givenchy collection showcased a style that differs from the usual aesthetic. The garments featured highly draped silhouettes and vario...
F/W 1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Ruched Silk 4.5" Heeled Boots Ad Campaign 38C
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a rare pair of ruched silk high-heeled boots designed by Tom Ford for Gucci's Fall/Winter 1999 collection. According to Ford, this collection was me...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Ruffle Hem Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous silk dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior in brightly colored flowers on a navy and burgundy background. The spaghetti strap bodice is semi fitted and adorned on one ...
New Vera Wang Lavender Label Silk Peter Pan Dress Sz 6
By Vera Wang
Located in Conroe, TX
Vera Wang Lavender Label Brand New with Tags * Size: 6 * Ivory Silk Dress with Sheer Black Underlay * Zigzag Stitching & Pleated Details * Sleeveless * Rounded Peter Pan collar * Si...
$995Sale Price|31% Off
Size: 40
New Tom Ford for YSL Yves Saint Laurent Nadja Rosette Gold Heels Sz 40
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford For YSL Heels Brand New * Nadja Rosette Heels to match the Famous Nadja Bags! This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collectio...
Salvatore Ferragamo Open Toe Mid Heel Pumps in Black Leather
By Ferragamo
Located in Houston, TX
The right pair of shoes does not only make a woman look fabulous, but also gives her confidence. These Salvatore Ferragamo pumps made from black leather carry elegance and wonder in ...
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 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...
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 2023 Runway yellow asymmetric ruched dress IT38 XS
By Ferragamo, Maximilian
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 Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway one shoulder red ombre tulle dress M
By Maximilian, Ferragamo
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 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 Salvatore Ferragamo, 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...