Fashion Statement

Salvatore Ferragamo

The grandson of legendary fashion designer Salvatore Ferragamo and manager and vintner of Il Borro, a villa estate and vineyard in Tuscany owned by his father, Ferruccio Ferragamo.

Seen at: Naples Winter Wine Festival auction, where his "Tuscany Reserved" lot was auctioned for $300,000 to Dave and Robin Biggers.

What are you wearing? It’s all Ferragamo; the spring 2006 collection.

How do you choose your clothes? I get to see the collections with the buyers as soon as they come out. For me, it’s important I don’t go for the fashionable or trendy items. I look for something that is elegant, comfortable and [of] good quality in the fabric. That’s more my style.

How did your grandfather define style? My grandfather was an artist. He started making shoes for all the Hollywood movie stars, [including] Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe. He really concentrated on making shoes that were elegant and creative. He looked at the design of the shoe without jeopardizing the quality in the fit. You want to have both; and I would agree with my grandfather.

You were just in New York viewing the new fall collection, right? Yes, but I saw it in Florence before [it was shown in] New York. It’s very nice. It’s [made up of] wonderful fabrics, great, comfortable, elegant style; it’s another great collection.

Is your winemaking philosophy much like your fashion philosophy? I think wine speaks of the soil from where it comes from, of the area of the world. Producers need to concentrate on that—speak of that part of the world through the wines.