Sole Sister Sunday: Marilyn's Shoes

Marilyn Monroe is one of the most recognizable popular culture ICONS of Film, Sexuality and Style. Although outwardly beautiful based on what I have read it it sad to think of the internal struggles she faced with fame, loneliness and self esteem issues. What a real trip it would have been to walk a mile in her shoes a size 7AA (US) 38-39 (Euro)

The luxury design house of Salvatore Ferragmo is honoring Marilyn with an exhibit in their museum in Florence, Italy from June 20-Jan 28, 2013. 

On display are film clips, photos, international magazine covers, Monroe's original writings and 30 pairs of shoes and more than 50 outfits she wore on the set of her most popular movies, such as "Niagara", "Some Like It Hot" and "The Asphalt Jungle" as well as in her personal life.

She rocked a pair of Ferragamo steel reinforced stilettos in the film "Some Like It Hot" (1959). an estimated 30-40 pairs of shoes were created for Marilyn in the 1950's. She ordered her shoes via the Park Avenue store of Ferragamo's Shoe Salon in New York and was a loyal customer until the end of her life. 

The company has re-issued  replicas created from the last half of the 1950's  in a range of colours and a big price tag of about $1,750 a far cry for the $44.95 she paid in the 1960's

It was an amazing experience to visit Palm Springs tribute to Marilyn and her iconic scene in "The Seven Year Itch" . The dress was created by costume designer William Travilla. I can't seem to locate who created the shoes. Anyone know?

Me & Marilyn - Palm Springs, CA

She left behind a legacy and an impression on people that has lasted over 50 years and shows no signs of slowing down. 

To me she will ALWAYS represent what a Glamorous Hollywood STAR should be.

My & My Step-Daughters feet on Marilyn's Star in Palm Springs, CA

and she sure left some BIG shoes to fill for all that have came after her.

XO

Grab a pair of Vintage Ferragamo's for yourself at 1960's prices!!

 Ferragamo Sling Back - 9

Ferragamo's w Front Bow 7.5 AA

Patriotic Pairings for Spring/Summer

Patriotic pairings are a trendy choice for Spring / Summer 2011 ~ for us residing in the USA/U.K. embrace your RED, WHITE & BLUES with a little nautical twist and glam gold accents. To be Canadian CHIC, get rid of your blues and rock your red & white!! xo

*Trends are suggestions and not to be taken literally really. They are intended to be interpreted by you and your own unique and personal style. The color pallet can serve as inspiration. For example one of the colors is white - nothing is as chic as an all white ensemble with great accessories for Spring/Summer*

I got this fabulous R/W/B striped Vintage coat yesterday and it was instinctual that I immediately LOVED it for this season.

I then cruised by my p.o. box to pick up my mail and was greeted with the latest issue of Harpers Bazaar to find the following reinforcement (Click on images to ENLARGE):





CHIC confections from Evolution Vintage (SHOP: http://www.evolution-vintage.com/ )

SHOP: http://www.evolution-vintage.com/

No matter what flag you live under you can ROCK YOUR VERSION of the above or perish the thought all together, wear what YOU want for S/S 2011 and let your Fashion Forecaster Freak Flag FLY HIGH!! I will personally be waving BOTH flags this season.

Ferragamo Fabulous

*Spring/Summer 2010 AD* (VERY Vintage inspired .. reminds me of the 1955 Alfred Hitchcock’s film “To Catch a Thief")




SHOES ... the first thing that comes to mind when I hear the name Ferragamo, right after I stop salivating at the thought of one of his luxury, hand crafted pieces slipping onto my anti-Cinderella foot. Imagine my very own foot mould - WHAT? *DREAMY*




Salvatore Ferragamo (June 5, 1898 - August 7, 1960) was a 20th century shoe designer from Italy who supplied Hollywood's beautiful people and select clients with unique and hand crafted shoes. He became a favourite of actors and actresses like Mary Pickford, Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow, Joan Crawford, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn and Rodolfo Valentino, who fell in love with those shoes made by hand and smoothly embracing their feet, created with the most extravagant materials, oriental silk, feathers, brocade.


Joan Crawford in Ferragamo Hollywood store - 1928


Sophia Loren


Sophia Loren ~ 1950's


Audrey Hepburn



He soon expanded his brand to encompass all things fabulous: Footwear, handbags, scarves, ties, men's and women's ready to wear, bijoux (French for:something delicate, elegant, or highly prized) , watches, fragrances and eye wear.

His career really started in California where he designed specifically for Hollywood productions in the 1920's. Although it must be mentioned that he designed and crafted his first par of shoes at the age of 9 for his sisters confirmation and never looked back. What were you doing at age 9? not making shoes .. sneaking into your older sisters room to read her Vogue mags and tear out the Versace ad's so you could marvel at them maybe, but hand crafting wearable confirmation footwear?? umm no.

Flash Forward: Salvatore Ferragamo Italia S.p.A., founded in 1927, is one of the most prestigious and internationally known luxury brands, with more than 450 stores in over 55 countries!!!


Recently (Feb 09) the company has attempted to become more Eco-Fabulous by introducing a line of bags that are said to have been developed to underscore Ferragamo’s core values and its focus on global conservation. The bags are crafted with an innovative tanning technique that results in metal-free colored leathers without pollutants and that they are dyed using tannins derived from tree barks, a process certified by the German Institute SG — Mark guaranteeing that no environmentally harmful substances have been used based on 10 strict parameters.The soft bags also reportedly have a natural texture and sheen, are lined in handwoven hem, and are completely biodegradable and water resistant.






The house of Ferragamo has a rich history and a HUGE celebrity following.


Demi, Eva & Hilary all <3 The Ferragamo clutch


Celeb Stylist (and the woman who has my DREAM job!) Rachel Zoe 2009


SJP with a Ferragamo feather clutch

((There are literally Thousands of celebs wearing Ferragamo clothing & accessories, on and off the red carpet .. I could not possible post them all))


Take a piece of fashion history home. Evolution Vintage is currently featuring 3 pairs of Ferragamo footwear (shop: www.evolution-vintage.com):











Planning to visit Italy?? Go to the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum in Florence (opened to the public since 1995). The museum was created/opened in an effort to illustrate Ferragamo's artistic qualities and the important role he played in the history of shoe design and international fashion. Besides photographs, patents, sketches, books, magazines and wooden lasts of various famous feet, the museum boasts a collection of draws 10,000 models designed by Ferragamo from the end of the 1920's until 1960, the year of his death.




The exhibits are constantly changing based on seasons and themes. It also promotes and hosts exhibitions and events linked to art and culture. The current show (according to their web site) is "Creativity in Color"













(http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/Ferragamo_museum.html). This fashionable feast for the eyes have been added to my personal "Life to do List".

Can you imagine these creations & designs in the 1940's? 2 words: Genius & Visionary:


Patent 19736, 1941:
Layered platform sole and connection between heel and sole.
(image courtesy museo Salvatore Ferragamo)


Sandal 1940 (I want to meet the woman who ROCKED these in the 40's) Made from covered Cork.

The invisible shoe:

in 1947, ferragamo designed a continuous thread upper
consisting of a transparent nylon thread-like element, which gave rise
to the invisible sandal, a classic in today's footwear.



Ferragamo Fabulous ~ Good for the sole.



SHOP: www.ferragamo.com