Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo made shoes for Hollywood stars before opening in Florence; the wedge heel and the cork sole.

Salvatore Ferragamo emigrated to the United States and made shoes for the Hollywood studios. He studied anatomy so that his shoes would fit better and returned to Italy in 1927, opening a workshop in Florence.

In the 1930s he experimented with cork, raffia and cellophane when leather was rationed, and the wedge heel and the Rainbow platform sandal became famous. The house is run by the family and is based in the Palazzo Spini Feroni in Florence.

Shoes with Ferragamo on the sole and a model number inside.

The Vara bow of 1978 on women's shoes.

The bow on the Vara pump and the name on the sole.

• Fashion and accessories