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The Italian fashion designer Salvatore Ferragamo

The Florentine brand Ferragamo is recognised not only in Italy, but all over the world. And whether it’s the cork soled wedge sandal, the famous Ferragamo bagor the family’s wine producing estate in Arezzo, the name Ferragamo is always synonymous with quality and true style.

Back in the early 20th century, the Italian Salvatore Ferragamo started a shoe business in California. During his time on American soil he managed to earn himself the name ‘shoemaker to the stars’, due to the fact that he was supplying celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe with some seriously stylish footwear. Yet his career really kicked off when he returned to Italy and opened his first shoe shop in Florence in 1927.

Ferragamo’s shoes were, and still remain, at the heart of his empire and the first patent in fashion went to his innovative cork soled wedges. However, the brand has branched out into a whole host of other areas, selling clothes, watches, and eyewear. The Ferragamo bag is coveted by fashion lovers everywhere, with many itching to get their hands on a stylish model. With a variety of classic styles, colours and patterns, you’re simply spoilt for choice when choosing a piece of Ferragamo ‘arm candy’!

More recently, this Florentine name has branched out even further. The beautiful Palazzo Spini Feroni in Florence is where you can find Ferragamo’s flagship store, and the building is actually owned by the family, after Salvatore himself decided to purchase it! It’s now also home to a museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of this famous designer. It holds over 10,000 shoe models, and you can see films, press cuttings and all sorts of other interesting Ferragamo designs.

The Ferragamo empire also extends to wine production. Salvatore Ferragamo’s grandson is the president of the family’s estate, which is located in the hills of Arezzo. Since the early 90s, he has established the well-known Il Borro wines. Although you won’t find the Ferragamo name stamped all over the bottles, you can rest assured that this wine is of the highest quality, just like all the other Ferragamo products.

So why not pick up a piece of Ferragamo for yourself? With our Salvatore Ferragamo outlets tour, you will be privately driven through the glorious Tuscan countryside, before reaching a selection of outlets, such as The Mall. At these outlets you can browse collections by Ferragamo, as well as other famous Italian designers, all at a 30-50% discount! What better way to spend your morning than with a spot of Italian retail therapy!

Tags: Florence fashion, Florence museums, Shopping in Florence