Ballet flats may seem like a simple wardrobe staple, but at the esteemed Italian house of Ferragamo, revamping a classic is anything but ordinary. These shoes have left their mark on some of history’s most iconic women—Eva Perón rallied the crowds in hers, Marilyn Monroe mastered her signature walk in a pair, and Audrey Hepburn navigated the cobblestone streets of Rome with their delicate support. Even Wallis Simpson, known for her sharp aesthetic, embraced their refined elegance.
For nearly a century, Ferragamo has been synonymous with high-fashion footwear, gracing the feet of Hollywood royalty and European aristocracy alike. From Katharine Hepburn’s sturdy flats to Grace Kelly‘s princess-like heels, Greta Garbo’s towering stilettos to Sophia Loren’s glamorous kitten heels, the brand’s designs have become enduring symbols of style. Today, these legendary shoes are displayed under the grand arches of the Ferragamo Museum, housed in the medieval depths of the Gothic Palazzo Spini Feroni in Florence.
The Legacy of Salvatore Ferragamo
The story of Ferragamo begins with Salvatore himself—born in Bonito, near Naples, as the eleventh of fourteen children. His journey to Hollywood during MGM’s golden era transformed his shoemaking craft into a global symbol of luxury. The Palazzo Spini Feroni, above the museum, stands as a testament to his success: vaulted ceilings adorned with elaborate frescoes, marble columns spiraling skyward, and even a chapel where, in the 1950s, artisans meticulously crafted shoes in front of a gilded altar.
Fast forward to today, and Ferragamo’s production has evolved dramatically. Nestled in an industrial hub near Florence airport, the brand’s vast manufacturing complex contrasts with its historic roots. This state-of-the-art facility is where Ferragamo’s iconic ballet flats, beloved by Audrey Hepburn, are still meticulously crafted. Under the creative direction of Maximilian Davis, the timeless 1954 design has been given a fresh energy, ensuring its relevance in the modern era. Despite contemporary innovations—including angular heels—these ballet flats remain a bestseller.
Crafting the Perfect Ballet Flat
Inside the factory, Ferragamo’s signature red walkways glide above the bustling workrooms. The region’s legacy of fine leather craftsmanship plays a crucial role in production. Italy’s finest leathers hail from Santa Croce Sull’Arno, near Florence, where artisans source hides known for their exceptional quality. The cutting process, a blend of digital precision and human expertise, begins with laser beams marking the optimal placement on the leather to minimize waste. Each cut is then meticulously executed by hand, often by artisans with decades of experience.
Salvatore Ferragamo’s anatomical studies in America shaped his commitment to both style and comfort. His obsession with perfecting the foot’s natural form is evident in every shoe. The wooden lasts, unique to Ferragamo, are carved from hornbeam blocks, each one sculpted with precision to match digital blueprints. The next stage is a tactile dance—artisans stretch, smooth, and mold the leather over the lasts, much like a skilled pasta maker kneading dough. Steam and heated vents relax the material, ensuring the ideal shape and fit.
Attention to detail is paramount. The insole is riveted by hand, and smoothing machines eliminate any imperfections. In a final step, artisans apply a special adhesive, activated under glowing red lamps, to bond the sole to the upper. This painstaking process ensures every pair meets the house’s exacting standards.
The Art of Simplicity
Ferragamo’s elegante section is dedicated to the brand’s most refined designs, including these legendary ballet flats. Contrary to what one might assume, simpler designs demand the highest level of craftsmanship—there’s no room for error. Even a one-millimeter discrepancy can disrupt the shoe’s flawless silhouette.
To work on these ballet flats, artisans require at least seven to nine years of experience. Their expertise ensures that the upper is flawlessly wrapped around the last, with the precision of a couturier draping fabric. The finishing touches—bows, embellishments, and the stamped Ferragamo emblem—are applied by hand, a final flourish of artistry before the shoes reach their devoted clientele.
Under Maximilian Davis’s vision, Ferragamo’s heritage is evolving. The team can now produce a prototype in just two days, though balancing contemporary innovation with traditional craftsmanship remains a delicate dance. As Davis himself notes, “Every product takes time and expertise. Sometimes things don’t work out, but the beauty of creating lies in trial and error. There’s almost 100 years of craft behind every pair, and over 15,000 designs in our archives. Every shoe tells a story.”
Audrey Hepburn’s beloved ballet flats are no exception. Their legacy, woven into the fabric of fashion history, continues to captivate generation after generation. And with each meticulously crafted pair, Ferragamo ensures that their story is far from over.
