Ferragamo Celebrates the Vara Bow

It is an expression of pure originality, captured in the Vara bow. Born almost by chance from an idea by Fiamma Ferragamo, it has become, over time, one of Maison’s most cherished emblems.

It’s a celebration of what makes every woman unique: each with her own stride, her own story, her own identity and femininity. It’s the timeless versatility of a code that, then as now, has always moved with the times. First, in 1978, when Fiamma, Salvatore's eldest daughter, designed the Vara shoe for a new generation of emancipated, on-the-go women who demanded both comfort and sophistication. And now, in our fast-paced present, where women shape their lives with passion and boldness, seeing what they wear as an extension of their personality.

This is the narrative at the heart of the new Vara Bow project, brought to life by a cast of special women who embody a heritage that has always captured the spirit of modernity, across diverse generations and lifestyles. Bianca Balti, Fiamma Paternò Castello di San Giuliano, Paloma Elsesser, and Hyeri Lee star in a series of intimate portraits, sharing their stories and their unique, spontaneous take on wearing the Vara bow - from the classic pump and the Mary Jane to the 55mm slingback and 95mm sandal.

The visuals - which also feature a cameo from Fiamma's sister, Giovanna Gentile Ferragamo - celebrate not just the Vara design, but the attitude it represents. In every form, that bow has always stood for freedom, authenticity, and the joy of moving through the world with elegance and determination. It’s an icon that, like the women who choose it, constantly evolves and renews itself without ever losing its essence.

Four women, with different backgrounds and personalities, show how the Vara bow fits into their lives, their style and context, wherever they are, from Milan to New York to Seoul.

Bianca Balti, a classic Italian beauty who built an international career, radiates extraordinary strength and resilience, on the runway as in life, always with a smile.

Fiamma Paternò Castello di San Giuliano, a member of the fourth generation of Ferragamo and niece of the very Fiamma who invented the Vara, weaves a continuous dialogue between heritage and the future, between the prestige of her family's history and the aesthetic of a young woman with a passion for art.

Paloma Elsesser, a runway icon and activist for inclusivity, embraces her individuality through a language of authenticity, revealing an inspired and conscious sense of style that she uses as a genuine form of expression and self-affirmation.

Hyeri Lee, one of South Korea’s most prominent young actresses, who debuted as a member of the group Girl’s Day - exudes a vibrant and dynamic energy, channeling a fresh,

At the time of Vara’s creation, the designers began working with a last that had been tested and renowned for several seasons for its comfort, featuring a low heel and a rounded toe. A small oval decoration and an improvised bow, made from a scrap of grosgrain ribbon found in the atelier, were added to the prototype. The idea seemed good, and it was decided to give the shoe to the model-maker, asking him to craft the bow from the same leather as the upper. In reality, the message was misunderstood, and the bow remained in grosgrain.

By chance, in 1978, that ornamental detail remained in its prototype version, crowned with a metal plaque engraved with the logo. It soon became a signature element, appearing not just on shoes but on jewelry, bags, belts, and small leather goods.

To this day, every fold of that bow holds the Maison’s emotional resonance and artisanal excellence: the mastery, creativity, and talent that for generations have defined Ferragamo and the women who inspire its vision—perfectly poised between tradition and progress, dedication and connection, elegance and empowerment.

ABOUT SALVATORE FERRAGAMO S.P.A.

Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A. Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A. is the parent Company of the Salvatore Ferragamo Group, one of the world’s leaders in the luxury industry and whose origins date back to 1927. The Group is active in the creation, production and sale of shoes, leather goods, apparel, silk products, and other accessories for men and women. The Group’s product offer also includes eyewear and watches, manufactured by licensees. The uniqueness and exclusivity of our creations, along with the perfect blend of style, creativity, and innovation enriched by the quality and superior craftsmanship of the ‘Made in Italy’ tradition, have always been the hallmarks of the Group’s products. With approximately 3,750 employees and a network of 639 mono-brand stores as of 30 June 2021, the Ferragamo Group operates in Italy and worldwide through companies that allow it to be a leader in the European, American, and Asian markets.

In the Philippines, Ferragamo is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., and is located at Greenbelt 4, Rustan’s Shangri-La, and Rustan’s Makati. You can also shop Salvatore Ferragamo online at Trunc.ph and Rustans.com. Visit ssilife.com.ph or follow @ssilifeph on Instagram for more information.

About SSI Group, Inc.:

The SSI Group is the Philippines’ largest specialty retailer, with an established brand portfolio that includes some of the world’s most recognized international brands. We lead the country’s specialty retail market through the size and breadth of our brand portfolio and store network, with 94 brands and 593 stores. With our growing e-commerce presence, we are also the Philippine specialty retailer with the most diverse and extensive e-commerce offering. Our unique brand portfolio covers a wide range of specialty and lifestyle concepts, spanning the luxury, casual, and fast fashion, beauty, footwear, home, and restaurant categories. Established in the 1980s, SSI has been at the forefront of the Philippine retail industry for more than 30 years. Throughout this time, we have sought to inspire and enhance the lifestyle values of our customers and to cater to the evolving tastes and aspirations of Filipino consumers. In response to the evolution of the retail industry, the company introduced "The Specialist," an At Home concierge service dedicated to serving its valued customers with their shopping needs. Customers may get in touch with SSI’s Customer Service team through any of the following channels to inquire about a particular brand or product:

SSI GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM Email: customerservice@ssigroup.com.ph Telephone Number: 8-830-5000 Mobile Number: (0917) 552 9359 Facebook: facebook.com/SSILifePH Instagram: @ssilifeph Viber Community: bit.ly/SSILifePH #TheSpecialistBySSI