My memory of Wanda Miletti Ferragamo, wife of Salvatore Ferragamo and honorary president of Salvatore Ferragamo Spa, disappeared on Friday 19 October in her villa in Fiesole, was born from a personal relationship of great sympathy, respect and admiration for a woman who succeeded, not only to preserve the memory and work of her husband who was a genius (because Salvatore Ferragamo really was, just think of all the inventions he patented: from the orthopedic cylinder to botanical grafts), but above all the ability to consolidate the Ferragamo name around the world as a true brand Italian, synonymous with quality, style and innovation.
He never bragged about it. She has always placed herself as the custodian of her husband's work, but the truth is that she has been the most worthy prosecuter. In 1960, widowed at 39 with six children and a demanding inheritance to manage, Mrs. Wanda preferred bravely embark on the impervious world of entrepreneurship rather than sell and betray the memory of the spouse. And she was right. Her foresight in times when it was unusual for a woman to be in charge of a company proved to be extraordinary.
Despite the successes, recognitions, honors, Mrs. Wanda has always remained down to earth, continuing to be in her office on the first floor of Palazzo Spini-Feroni in Florence every morning punctually at 10, like a diligent and conscientious admiral to control every detail of his naval armada. “One look is enough for me and I immediately understand people and situations: what works and what doesn't work” she loved to repeat with an imperceptible touch of pride and that bright light in her lively and attentive eyes.
E in that office I will always remember it, among his very tidy papers, photographs, showcases with his collections, letters to sign, a new perfume to test…
”Whenever you are in Florence, come and see me, I will be pleased.” she told me after first meeting her several years ago. I often went to visit her and every time it was a fun and constructive meeting - Mrs. Wanda's advice is a precious treasure - the Irpinia spirit made of enterprise, wisdom and courage, even after years and years in the Florentine environment had remained unchanged .
She wasn't a woman of the past (she was so for her gentle manners, education and grace), she was a woman projected into the future, enterprising, curious, interested in changes in society with optimism and pragmatism. An inspiring conversationalist, she knew how to listen and be heard but always with courtesy and humility.
During an interview for my docu-film on Florence in the 50s and 60s, Mrs. Wanda told the singular story of a tile she had bought in a flea market to give to her husband Salvatore.
The tile bore the inscription: “Do no harm that is a sin, do no good that is wasted”. That tile stands out on a shelf of the piece of furniture in front of Mrs. Ferragamo's desk, but there are some hand-made corrections that change the message: "Don't hurt, it's a sin, do well also if it is wasted."
Humility is the quality that belongs to the great, the real ones. And Wanda Ferragamo has shown that she is great as a woman, wife, mother and entrepreneur. If Salvatore Ferragamo is the example of how much passion feeds talent made multifaceted by curiosity and study, Wanda Ferragamo is the example of how much tenacity, discipline and heart are essential to consolidate it over time.
