The cherry on top of the sundae, a delicate bow subtly adorns this ballet flat with a small square heel that gives off a deliciously old-fashioned charm. This is the Vara, an iconic shoe from Ferragamo. From Margaret Thatcher to Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, all have succumbed to the timeless beauty of this cult classic ballet flat. The Vara was born in 1978 under the new creative director for the label, Fiamma Di San Giuliani Ferragamo, daughter of the famed Salvatore. Fiamma knew her clientele well, and knew that they were searching for a chic and elegant shoe that was also practical and comfortable. A 3 centimeter heel to maintain a distinguished and feminine allure in any circumstance and voila: women were finally able to walk in peace without having to worry about their feet hurting.
For its 35th birthday, Ferragamo is launching the “Icona” project to discover or rediscover the Var. 21 it-girls like Camilla Belle, Lily Aldridge, and Olivia Palermo collaborated with the brand to showcase, each in their own way, the famed ballerina flat. Photographer Claiborne Swanson Franka immortalized these 21 iconic women each wearing their customized pair of flats. A privilege reserved for these international stars? Nope. The brand is offering the opportunity to personalize the Vara and the Varina (a flat version of the Vara) on its site dedicated to the event. Plain or printed, dashing or modest, each and every one can choose their cuts and colors and add their initials. The emblem of the Ferragamo empire today symbolizes a contemporary elegance fully consistent with the tumult of urban life. Salvatore, nicknamed the “Shoemaker to the stars”, taught his daughter one of his fundamental principles: comfort first, fashion after. Mission accomplished.
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