Born in 1898 in Bonito, Italy, and the eleventh child in a family of fourteen, Salvatore Ferragamo emigrated to America in 1914 and became "shoemaker to the stars" in Hollywood during the twenties. After designing shoes for Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, and even crafting Judy Garland's iconic red heels for The Wizard of Oz, he returned to Italy and founded his own house in 1927.

The brand, which is still family-owned and -operated boasts more than 500 stores worldwide.