Sign in - Join Free - Inquiry BasketHelp -
Home > No More Same Shoe Syndrome
 News centre
    News centre
    China Footwear News
    International Footwear News
    Trade Fairs
    Shoes secret
 
 No More Same Shoe Syndrome

 

                  No More Same Shoe Syndrome

 

                              Salvatore Ferragamo made-to-order sample

 
Salvatore Ferragamo made-to-order sample

MANILA, Philippines — Think Italian fashion and images of finely crafted leather and luxe wear are sure to pop into mind. Florence-based Salvatore Ferragamo, which recently unveiled a sparkling new boutique at Greenbelt 4, would like to add another adjective to the mix: custom-made.

 

“We call [the project] Red Carpet because we have a very strong association with movie stars in the history of our company. Eventually we decided that, our customers are special, they have many red carpet events to go to, so we should give them the opportunity [to customize]” explains Paul Cadman, Asia Pacific chief executive officer for the Italian label.

 

With four styles and 23 shades of satin to choose from, ladies can safely avoid same-shoe syndrome, or alternatively, get all the style-shade permutations they desire. After one’s preferences and measurements are taken, she can claim her special pair of heels after six weeks—the time is only because the shoes, like all Ferragamo products, are made in Italy.

 

High society was first in line for Red Carpet treatment at the Greenbelt store launch, among them fashionistas Solenn Heusaff and Sam Pinto. Abroad, the brand’s profile has certainly been helped by star power, most notably Lady Gaga in head-to-toe houndstooth from Ferragamo’s Fall/Winter 2011 line in August. The shoes, in particular, have been seen recently on A-listers Angelina Jolie, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Lopez.

 

But it’s as much about a blend of nostalgia and novelty, too: the brand celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2008 in Shanghai, no doubt a nod to Asia Pacific now being the company’s most profitable region.

 

Currently, the Greenbelt outlet carries only shoes and accessories. So, any chance for the garments, or even the Tramezza made-to-order shoe service for men, to make their way here? “We want to focus on our core categories, which has been very much appreciated, but we really do hope that we can bring ready-to-wear back to Manila,” Cadman says.