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Shoemaker of Dreams: the Autobiography of Salvatore Ferragamo
Signed and inscribed by Slavatore Ferragamo on the free endpaper. 1968 reprint.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1985
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 17, 2025
initial thoughts: if shoe making didn’t work out for him, he could’ve been a writer.
i havent read that many fashion autobiographies yet but this has become a favorite. wonderful writing. makes me want to buy a ferragamo shoe. good marketing, haha. highly recc listening to the audiobook ferragamo has on their spotify. his life story is extremely rich. a story that crosses overseas, a world war, and leaves us on a hopeful note of art vs machine. also, i now know the difference between a bad and good foot. i am now afraid of my arch collapsing. so thanks? salvatore?
i havent read that many fashion autobiographies yet but this has become a favorite. wonderful writing. makes me want to buy a ferragamo shoe. good marketing, haha. highly recc listening to the audiobook ferragamo has on their spotify. his life story is extremely rich. a story that crosses overseas, a world war, and leaves us on a hopeful note of art vs machine. also, i now know the difference between a bad and good foot. i am now afraid of my arch collapsing. so thanks? salvatore?
January 30, 2023
(placeholder for movie, directed by luca guadagnino)
July 7, 2024
Obstinacy in the face of every adversity. The adventurous life of an Italian Genius that made the world dream.
April 7, 2024
"Shoemaker of Dreams" offers an intimate and illuminating look into the life and career of Salvatore Ferragamo, a pioneering figure in the world of fashion. From humble beginnings in a small Italian village to becoming one of the most celebrated shoemakers of the 20th century, Ferragamo's journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
In this autobiography, Ferragamo takes readers on a captivating odyssey through his life, recounting the trials, triumphs, and creative inspirations that shaped his illustrious career. With a keen eye for detail and a storyteller's flair, he vividly describes the evolution of his craft, from his early days as an apprentice to his rise to prominence as a designer favoured by Hollywood's elite.
One of the book's highlights is Ferragamo's candid portrayal of the fashion industry during the early to mid-20th century. He offers fascinating insights into the cultural, social, and economic forces that influenced the world of haute couture, providing readers with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a bygone era.
Moreover, "Shoemaker of Dreams" is not merely a chronicle of Ferragamo's professional accomplishments but also a testament to his unyielding passion for innovation and excellence. He reveals the meticulous craftsmanship and creative ingenuity that went into each pair of shoes, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Beyond his work, Ferragamo also shares personal anecdotes and reflections on his family, friendships, and travels, adding depth and dimension to his narrative. Through his words, readers come to appreciate the man behind the brand, whose entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership left an indelible mark on the world of fashion.
Richly illustrated with photographs and sketches from Ferragamo's personal archives, "Shoemaker of Dreams" offers a visual feast for fashion enthusiasts and historians alike. The book's elegant design and lavish production values complement Ferragamo's storytelling, making it a true collector's item for aficionados of Italian style and craftsmanship.
In sum, "Shoemaker of Dreams" is a captivating memoir that celebrates the life and legacy of Salvatore Ferragamo, a true visionary whose passion for shoemaking transformed the world of fashion. Equal parts inspiring and informative, it is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of art, commerce, and creativity.
In this autobiography, Ferragamo takes readers on a captivating odyssey through his life, recounting the trials, triumphs, and creative inspirations that shaped his illustrious career. With a keen eye for detail and a storyteller's flair, he vividly describes the evolution of his craft, from his early days as an apprentice to his rise to prominence as a designer favoured by Hollywood's elite.
One of the book's highlights is Ferragamo's candid portrayal of the fashion industry during the early to mid-20th century. He offers fascinating insights into the cultural, social, and economic forces that influenced the world of haute couture, providing readers with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a bygone era.
Moreover, "Shoemaker of Dreams" is not merely a chronicle of Ferragamo's professional accomplishments but also a testament to his unyielding passion for innovation and excellence. He reveals the meticulous craftsmanship and creative ingenuity that went into each pair of shoes, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Beyond his work, Ferragamo also shares personal anecdotes and reflections on his family, friendships, and travels, adding depth and dimension to his narrative. Through his words, readers come to appreciate the man behind the brand, whose entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership left an indelible mark on the world of fashion.
Richly illustrated with photographs and sketches from Ferragamo's personal archives, "Shoemaker of Dreams" offers a visual feast for fashion enthusiasts and historians alike. The book's elegant design and lavish production values complement Ferragamo's storytelling, making it a true collector's item for aficionados of Italian style and craftsmanship.
In sum, "Shoemaker of Dreams" is a captivating memoir that celebrates the life and legacy of Salvatore Ferragamo, a true visionary whose passion for shoemaking transformed the world of fashion. Equal parts inspiring and informative, it is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of art, commerce, and creativity.
September 25, 2011
What a find at the library -- penned in the 1950s, a passionate story of a man's love for shoes, from a small village in Italy to the booming movie industry of Santa Barbara. Ferragamo was no ordinary shoemaker, designing and patenting a splint for himself after a leg injury, and curing another's leg using techniques only now being rediscovered as neuroplasticity. Sadly, the book drags to a close, with unnecessary name dropping in the final chapters.
September 25, 2010
Good story.
March 31, 2012
A must for all lovers of Italian shoes.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews