In a dazzling homage to a century of elegance and innovation, Ferragamo proudly unveils the retrospective exhibition, Salvatore Ferragamo 1898-1960, at the Museo Ferragamo in Florence, marking the 100th anniversary of the iconic brand’s first store in Hollywood.
This unique exhibition celebrates the life and visionary spirit of Salvatore Ferragamo, whose unparalleled tradition of creativity and modernity continues to inspire the House.
From the opening of the Hollywood store in 1923, Ferragamo’s reputation soared, earning him the moniker ‘Shoemaker to the Stars’ after designing shoes for cinematic masterpieces like Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments.
The exhibition, a visual journey through pivotal moments in Ferragamo’s life, showcases his evolution from a craftsman to a visionary entrepreneur. Ferragamo’s foray into cinema, theater, and ballet shoes diversified his production, solidifying his status as a global fashion protagonist.
The retrospective project also revisits the first exhibition on Salvatore Ferragamo in 1985 at Palazzo Strozzi. This trailblazing exhibition, hosted in prestigious locations worldwide, set the stage for a new perspective on fashion as a cultural message imbued with values and meanings.
Spanning from Ferragamo’s birth in 1898 to his passing in 1960, the exhibition not only highlights the aesthetic value of his creations but also underscores his entrepreneurial and innovative prowess. Ferragamo’s passion for color, anatomical knowledge, craftsmanship, and diverse inspirations from art and culture are unveiled as key elements that shaped his remarkable life and work.
The Ferragamo Archive, born from the 1985 exhibition, preserves the company’s journey and in 1995 gave rise to the Ferragamo Museum, “Museo Ferragamo” located in Florence, Italy. This dedicated space ensures the legacy of the founder and the brand through various mediums, fostering conversations that bridge the past and the present.
Today’s project represents a synthesis of Ferragamo’s contribution to post-war craftsmanship and the Made in Italy identity. It emphasizes the fusion of decorative tradition, artisanal excellence, functionality, and technological innovation that defines Italian design.
Exploring Salvatore Ferragamo’s personal library provides insights into his innate ability to perceive societal advancements. The museum’s purpose, deeply rooted in maintaining a dynamic dialogue with its audience, is evident in the project’s multifaceted approach, intertwining objects, documents, thoughts, and inspirations.
Salvatore Ferragamo 1898-1960 transcends the traditional notion of an exhibition; it is a captivating coil of memory, a profound exploration of the museum’s role, and a celebration of curatorial practices. This retrospective not only honors Ferragamo’s legacy but also invites audiences to reflect on the intricate interplay of fashion, history, and the ever-evolving dialogue between past and present.
SALVATORE FERRAGAMO 1898-1960: TICKETS
The Salvatore Ferragamo 1898-1960 exhibition will be open from October 27, 2023, to November 4, 2024, at the Museo Ferragamo in Firenze.
