One of the most celebrated and influential designers of the past century, Salvatore Ferragomo not only crafted exquisite, revolutionary shoes, he also pioneered the use of natural, recycled, innovative materials at a time when sustainability had yet to become a global concern.
Beginning to perform research into the use of materials such as hemp and fish skin in the 1920s, Salvatore also explored the ways in which luxurious products could be reborn following their original lifecycle, incorporating pressed discarded silk into his shoes as soles, and embracing the use of truly natural sustainable materials, such as straw, raffia and wool, in many of his creations.
Honoring Salvatore’s legacy, the Ferragomo brand has continued to experiment with environmentally-friendly materials and techniques in the present day, and are now both paying homage to their founder’s pioneering spirit and sharing an artistic and cultural perspective on the vital issue of sustainability through
Sustainable Thinking – an exhibition held at Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Florence until March 8th 2020.