The Salvatore Ferragamo Designer Heritage
Turning over a Ferragamo shoe and seeing the words “Made in Italy” is not only a mark of quality but represents an exquisite legacy of its own. When Salvatore Ferragamo returned to Italy after spending time in Los Angeles, he wished to close the distance between his designs and the highly skilled Italian artisans who would later craft them. By moving his operations to Florence, Ferragamo became one of the leading designers to pave the way for “Made in Italy” to take prominence in the world of luxury fashion.
The Salvatore Ferragamo Heritage Today
Since establishing Florence as his base in 1927, the family has lived in the historic city ever since, taking its beauty and culture as an essential part of the Ferragamo identity. The best artists are those that understand the roots and history of their practice, to then innovate and bring this knowledge forward with the times. As Leonardo Ferragamo (Chairman of Salvatore Ferragamo) notes, heritage is a foundation “for a bridge to build towards a future.”
It is fundamental to carrying on a legacy and making sure nothing is left to the sands of time. For the Ferragamo family, they need not tread far, as the house’s history has been impeccably archived and started by Salvatore himself.
Salvatore Ferragamo’s Legacy
Ferragamo left an extensive collection of his work after his death in 1960, which included patterns, samples, and even bespoke wooden lasts made for his most famous clients. Much like owning a piece of art, having such an archive is to become a steward of a piece of history to keep for future eyes. Similar to a much guarded recipe passed down through generations, there is a reverence towards the heritage of the house. It is a distinct privilege to be able to immerse yourself within a designer’s oeuvre to be able to reference and draw inspiration from years of work.
As Leonardo Ferragamo remarks, “I think you can really transfer [it] in the proper way the style, the identity, the values. Those soft elements that are key in a luxury company to identify what is so important; the identity that is interpreted in so many different ways but is constant and is a driving force in what we do.” This careful conservation of the past becomes a form of celebration, while also benefiting artisans who can now witness how technique has evolved.
A permanent museum of the archive has been established at the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo which features rotating exhibitions that square the house’s designs within the context of the world at large. This veneration for the past only strengthens the house’s commitment to creating better possibilities for the generations to come. Inspired by Salvatore Ferragamo’s practice of sourcing alternative materials during times of ration, the organization has become an example of a leading luxury brand taking on sustainability as an integral factor in how they operate.
Conservation by Salvatore Ferragamo
Exploring new and efficient ways to reduce their carbon footprint, while actively looking to protect the environment and community around the organization. “The world is changing much more than we imagine,” says Leonardo. The best tribute to one’s lineage is fostering a world that will continue to carry on your legacy.
Family being a cornerstone of the brand, makes these moves natural and intuitive. During unpredictable times, those who are most prepared are the ones who have learned from the past and are able to flourish. Heritage is knowing where you come from, and using it as a map to where you’re meant to be.
“There is no limit to beauty, no saturation point in design, no end to the material.” Salvatore Ferragamo Leonardo’s father
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