Ferragamo
Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A. (Ferragamo family) · Italy
Ferragamo, formerly Salvatore Ferragamo, is a Florentine luxury house founded in 1927 by shoemaker Salvatore Ferragamo. Listed on the Italian stock exchange and around 65 per cent owned by the Ferragamo family, it is best known for footwear and leather goods such as the Vara pump.
| Founded | 1927, Florence |
|---|---|
| Founder | Salvatore Ferragamo |
| Owner | Ferragamo family (about 65 per cent), listed on Borsa Italiana |
| Headquarters | Palazzo Spini Feroni, Florence |
| Executive chairman | Leonardo Ferragamo |
| Segment | Luxury footwear and leather goods |
| Website | ferragamo.com |
What is Ferragamo?
Ferragamo is an Italian luxury company headquartered in Palazzo Spini Feroni in Florence, which also houses its flagship store and the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum. Its business spans footwear, leather goods, ready-to-wear, accessories, silk, and eyewear, watches and fragrance through licences.
History
Salvatore Ferragamo founded his company in Florence in 1927 after making his name designing shoes for Hollywood. He bought Palazzo Spini Feroni in 1938, and his innovations included the wedge heel. After his death in 1960 the business was developed by his family, and it listed on Borsa Italiana in 2011. In 2022 the brand was renamed Ferragamo with a new logo, and Maximilian Davis was appointed creative director.
Products and positioning
Ferragamo is positioned in the luxury segment with a strong emphasis on footwear and leather goods, which made up more than 86 per cent of revenue in 2021. Signature designs include the Vara pump with its grosgrain bow, the Gancini hardware and the Salvatore bag.
- Women's and men's footwear
- Leather goods and handbags
- Ready-to-wear and silk accessories
- Eyewear, watches and fragrance under licence
Business model and distribution
The company sells through a network of mono-brand stores, which numbered 447 in 2022, as well as e-commerce, wholesale and travel retail. Marco Gobbetti, chief executive from 2022, left in March 2025, and executive chairman Leonardo Ferragamo took on interim executive responsibilities. The group reported a net loss of €68 million for 2024, and its 2025 results reflected weaker wholesale and European demand.
Why it matters
Ferragamo is one of the oldest family-controlled listed luxury groups in Italy and a reference for Florentine craftsmanship. Its efforts to modernise its image while relying on heritage footwear show the challenge of reviving a historic brand in a market dominated by large conglomerates.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Ferragamo?
Ferragamo is a listed company on the Italian stock exchange, with the Ferragamo family holding about 65 per cent. Leonardo Ferragamo, son of the founder, is executive chairman.
Is Ferragamo a luxury brand?
Yes. Ferragamo is a Florentine luxury house founded in 1927, known above all for women's and men's shoes and leather goods. Its headquarters, flagship and museum are in Palazzo Spini Feroni in Florence.