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...
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...
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 !
S/S 1999 Salvatore Ferragamo Runway Ad Multicolor Sheer Silk Floral Top
By Salvatore Ferragamo, 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 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 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 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...
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 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...
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 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...
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...
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis Mandarin orange satin kimono gown dress IT40 S
By Ferragamo, Maximilian
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 yellow asymmetric ruched dress IT40 S
By Ferragamo, Maximilian
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 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...
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway metallic silver lame wrapped dress IT42 M
By Ferragamo, Maximilian
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...
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 ...
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...
$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 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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
$1,454Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 37
New Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Snakeskin Pump Heels Sz 37
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Brand New From Gucci's 90th anniversary Fall Runway show, Frida Giannini cited her influence was Anjelica Huston $1815 * Python Heels * Rare Ad Runway Heels * Size: 37 * Yel...
$335Sale Price|55% Off
Size: MARKED Size: 41 fits a U.S. Size
New Edmundo Castillo Metallic Leather Espadrille Mule Heels Sz 40
By Edmundo Castillo
Located in Conroe, TX
Rare Edmundo Castillo Brand New * MARKED Size: 41 fits a U.S. Size 10 These Run a Half Size Small * Braided Rope Espadrille insole * Metallic Gold Toe * Wooden Base * 1" Front Platf...
ALAIA black raffia EMBELLISHED FLAT ANKLE STRAP Sandals Shoes 38
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Alaïa ankle-strap flats in black raffia with tan leather lining embellished with rose-gold metal studs and round turquoise stones. Have been worn once and are in excel...
BOTTEGA VENETA black leather BIKER Boots Shoes 36
By Bottega Veneta
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Bottega Veneta mid-calf biker boots in smooth black leather featuring gunmetal buckles. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. Measurements Imprinted Size 36...
New With Box Gucci Tom Ford Suede Horsebit Pump Heels Sz 10
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford for Gucci Brand New * Stunning Horsebit Heels * U.S. Size: 10 * Brown Suede Heels * Gold Horsebit Hardware * Suede Ankle Ties * Leather Footbed * 4" Heel * With Box and Dus...
F/W 1999 Gucci by Tom Ford Ruched Silk 4.5" Heeled Boots Ad Campaign Size 38C
By Tom Ford for Gucci, 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...
$1,238Sale Price|44% Off
Size: 40
Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels 2004 Pumps Sz 40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Worn Twice. Only signs of Use is to the Sole, the Uppers are Perfect * Tom Ford Lotus Runway Ad Heels * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977... Own a Piece of Fashion History His Final Collection for YSL 2004...
New Lerario Beatriz NYC Cocktail Dress Sz 6
By LERARIO BEATRIZ
Located in Conroe, TX
Lerario Beatriz NYC Cocktail Dress Brand New with Tags Coated Basket Weave Sleeveless Dress Three Way Ties around the neck, crisscross neck or bow-tied at ...
Paco Rabanne top Summer 2001
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - Silvery metallic mesh top with straps made of transparent bakelite and silvery metal. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 34FR/36FR. 2001 Spring-Summer Coll...
Gucci Alligator and Leather Boots Rare Fall Winter 2005 Sz 8
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Worn Twice Uppers are Perfect 2005 Runway Show * Gucci * U.S. Size: 8 * Soft Brown Leather * Alligator Uppers * Gold Buckle * 4.25" Heel * Gold Leather Lining * With Gucci Boot Dust ...
New With Box Gucci Runway Leather Horsebit Heels Sz 10
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Horsebit Heels Brand New * Stunning Strappy Classic Gucci * Size U.S. 10 * 4" Heel * "Gucci" on Buckles * Gold Horsebit Detail at Heel back * Adjustable Straps * Gorgeous Burnt...
New Celine Patent Leather Brown Platform Heels Sz 39
By Celine
Located in Conroe, TX
Celine Platform Heels Brand New * Stunning in Brown Patent Leather * Contrast Stitching Throughout * Size: 39 * Gunmetal Hardware reads Celine * Leathe...
FERRAGAMO Maximilian Davis 2023 Runway Bridal white hood crepe mini dress IT40 S
By Ferragamo, Maximilian
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 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 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...
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.