How Salvatore Ferragamo Single-handedly changed the industry // Sustainable Fashion at its Finest

Yesterday, my class and I had the opportunity to visit Museo Salvatore Ferragamo and I will say it is not what I expected. I had no prior knowledge of how he changed the industry with the use of sustainable, natural materials and of his legacy to this day. The presentation of the pieces was outstanding and the guide really took time to explain the history and significance of each individual piece.

A portion of the first exhibit of the museum, made almost entirely from plastic straws

The atmosphere in the museum was quiet and dim but that allowed the pieces to stand out and really catch your eye. While some pieces were made using something as simple as organic cotton, many pieces were made out of materials I would never think of such as apple skin. Although the garments are sustainably made, they are extremely high fashion and of the highest quality.

Couture

I would highly recommend touring the museum with a professional guide, otherwise you may miss out on some backstories and history behind the garments and art. During the tour, I was able to touch many of the fabrics used to create the garments and they were all extremely unique. Ferragamo’s use of sustainable fabrics and practices sets them apart from any other company in the industry and I am now a full supporter of the brand, even though I likely will never be able to afford it.

This was an incredible experience and I highly recommend that you visit the museum if you are spending time in Firenze and have any interests in sustainability, fashion, art, or all three.

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