The fashion world and all of Italy lose a wonderful woman: Wanda Ferragamo, president of the group owned by her husband Salvatore, who died today in her villa in Florence at the age of almost 97.
A woman and entrepreneur of exceptional energy and intelligence, Wanda Ferragamo – who was born in Bonito, in the province of Avellino but was now Florentine by adoption – took over the reins of the company founded by her husband when she was widowed at just 39 years old. Salvatore Ferragamo, the shoemaker of movie stars, was already a legend in Hollywood when he disappeared. At the time Wanda knew nothing about entrepreneurship but she learned quickly, raised six children, kept the family together and literally transformed the company which from the sole footwear market has become a leading player in ready-to-wear and total look.
Under Wanda's leadership, Ferragamo has not only grown enormously (today it has 4 employees and 630 points of sale worldwide), but has internationalized (after Italy, China is its most important market) and has landed in Bag. Despite his advanced age, Wanda was the true soul of Ferragamo until recently. “I see everything, I control everything, it takes me five minutes to understand everything about the company” she used to say.
A woman of great intelligence, humanity and personality, Wanda Ferragamo leaves a void that is difficult to fill in the family, in the company, in the world of fashion and in the best of Italy. It is no coincidence that regret is unanimous.
