From classic loafers to elegant ballet flats, these timeless shoes complete any look.
Beautiful footwear provides the finishing touch to any outfit, and no one has injected style into the genre quite like Salvatore Ferragamo. Born in 1898 in Irpinia, Italy, the shoe designer combined Italian craftsmanship with a distinctive eye for innovation. What began as the production of cowboy boots and sandals for Hollywood films soon blossomed into iconic creations such as the Rainbow sandal for Judgy Garland in 1938 (a suede wedge design incorporating seven vivid colors and a gold upper panel) or patenting a steel-enforced stiletto heel for devoted client, Marilyn Monroe.
Salvatore Ferragamo’s background in anatomy, chemical engineering, and mathematics infused his footwear with a technical expertise that resulted in superbly crafted and delightfully comfortable designs. Filing over 400 patents between 1929 and 1960—including the invisible upper, shell sole, heel cage, and metal sole— Salvatore Ferragamo is also credited with the invention of the cork wedge.
The legacy of his timeless designs prevails to this day, taking on countless forms, colorways, and fabrics since their inception. As the innovator once stated: “There is no limit to beauty, nor the degree of saturation for the creative imagination; just as the variety of materials that a shoemaker can use to decorate his models is infinite so that every woman fits like a princess and every princess like a fairytale queen.”
In honor of this multifaceted vision, we’ve rounded up the essential footwear from Salvatore Ferragamo with classically demure and strikingly bold styles that will suit any well-heeled modern woman.
Ballet Flats
It should come as no surprise that Audrey Hepburn in Salvatore Ferragamo ballet flats is one of our biggest style inspirations. The house’s iconic grosgrain bow and metal plate detail first began with the Vara heel, created in 1978. Since then, over a million pairs have been sold worldwide. The Varina flat (Vara’s new sister) upholds these attributes with a lower heel and a rounded profile. This season’s incarnation features a romantic scarlet and crimson foulard print that’s guaranteed to bring a burst of color to any ensemble. Those who prefer a classic take can delight in its jet-black counterpart. Pair either shoe with your favorite cigarette jean for a sleek everyday look, or opt for an A-line dress to mirror the design’s ultra-feminine heritage.
When you want to look sharp, the pointed-toe Viva ballet flat will be your go-to. Whether in hot pink or metallic silver, these attention-grabbing shoes deserve their time in the spotlight, so team them with an all-black, form-fitting ensemble for maximum effect.
Loafers
“Elegance and comfort are not incompatible and those who say otherwise simply don’t know what they are talking about,” said Salvatore Ferragamo. There is perhaps no better manifestation of this mantra than in the brand’s line of loafers, which offer ease of wear alongside refined elegance.
If you love a buckle, spring for the Gancini loafer, which features a double-hook inspired by the symbol that adorns the sidewalls of the Palazzo Ferragamo in Florence. The versatile black, white, and sand colorway makes for easy wardrobe compatibility, while the pink-tinged version takes a more feminine approach. Dress these loafers down with frayed denim shorts and a white button-up or pair with a single-breasted pantsuit to accentuate the design’s unsiex elements.
For those who like their footwear with a side of whimsy, the Viva loafer’s maxi bow adds a playful element to the enduring silhouette. Offset the juicy candy apple style with a floral print for some springtime sass, or pair the classic black iteration with leather pants and a vintage band T-shirt for a grungy edge.
Pumps
Marilyn Monroe famously wore Salvatore Ferragamo pumps in the 1959 film, Some Like It Hot, and to this day, there is no better way to channel your inner silver-screen goddess than with a pair of well-crafted heels. Whether you want to remain more practical with the low block heel of the Vara Bow Pump Shoe, or dare to go high with the Double Bow Pump Shoe and Ankle Strap Pump Shoe, these styles will put an extra drop of sensuality in your step. We’d style the patent hot pink Vara with a knife-pleated pale rose skirt and white sweatshirt for a feminine look. For a fail-safe day-to-night ensemble, try the black and beige quilted alternative with a blazer and a classic LBD. Highlight the gold metal detail on the cashew-colored Double Bow Pump Shoe by pairing it with a metallic dress in the same gilded color. When you want to showcase your legs, style the suede Ankle Strap Pump Shoe with a tweed mini skirt and cashmere turtleneck.
Sneakers
While Salvatore Ferragamo himself may have missed the athleisure boom, we have no doubt that a trailblazer of his type would celebrate the infiltration of the sneaker into nearly every corner of our wardrobe. Trends may come and go, but the tennis shoe has stood the test of time, and Ferragamo offers a variety to satisfy all style preferences. Enjoy a high-shine, statement-making shoe? The Vara Bow Sneaker is your best option. Are you a logo lover? Look no further than the Gancini printed canvas model. Do you want to be environmentally-conscious of your fashion buys while not compromising on style? The Low Cut Sneaker, available in a pink and hot pink, are made from organic and pre-consumer recycled cotton, with details made from recycled and recyclable materials. With Salvatore Ferragamo’s signature style and uncompromising quality, you really can have it all.
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Photo Courtesy Of Salvatore Ferragamo
Carla Seipp 
