Salvatore Ferragamo is best known for being the shoe maker to the stars. He made his first shoes at age 9, when he designed shoes for his sister's confirmation. His exciting career began in California in the 1920s creating designs for film productions; his best-known pieces are Dorothy's ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz. Ferragamo soon grew to create handmade designs for top stars, like Rita Hayworth, Sofia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, Ava Gardner and Katherine Hepburn, among many more.

Ferragamo's designs were both elegant and artsy, inspiring numerous footwear designers for years to come. He combined innovative materials and style for unique constructions; he was the first to design the invisible sandal, now a staple in today's footwear industry.

He passed in 1960, but his signature company lives on. They have since expanded to include ready-to-wear clothing, handbags, neckwear, belts, watches, perfumes, sunglasses and more.