In the 19th century, rue de Paradis in Paris, François Pinet was the most fashionable shoemaker. Son of a provincial shoemaker, he arrived in Paris in 1855 and established his reputation among haute couture clients with his Pinet heel. A real success, its embroidered ankle boots, recognized for their sophistication, are worn by women from all over the world.
Meanwhile in Italy, the young Salvatore Ferragamo, exports his artisanal shoe making for women to the United States. Eleventh out of fourteen children and from a modest family, his determination will make him successful.
At only 14, he opened his own workshop in Italy, then moved to California where he became an accessories manufacturer and created shoes for the cinema. Her handmade shoes are acclaimed by stars such as Maryline Monroe.
To maintain the quality of his creations, he finally returned to Italy in the 1930s. 10 years later, he was invited as a designer by François Pinet for whom he produced this famous wedge derby, provided with a heel that would give more later the brand's famous flower heel.
