It’s no secret that we’re in the era of the ballet flat. But then again, haven’t we always been? The dainty little shoe has been around in some form since at least the 16th century, beloved for both its graceful lines and easy wearability. Not to mention, versatility: In the last fifty years alone we’ve seen every incarnation, from cap-toed to ribbon-tied.
When searching for the quintessential ballerina flat, it helps to go straight to the source—and ballet flats are synonymous with Ferragamo, of course. The brand’s founder, Salvatore Ferragamo, first designed them in 1954 for none other than Audrey Hepburn, who was also a ballet dancer herself. And while those ballet flats are still offered by the brand today, it wasn’t just Hepburn that Ferragamo created ballet flats for; the iconic designer’s other golden era Hollywood clients included Agnes de Mille, Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, Ingrid Bergman, and more. The legacy continued in 1978, when Fiamo Ferragamo, daughter of Salvatore, created the bow-buckled Vara flat. Today, the entire collection of Ferragamo ballerinas continues to redefine the meaning of “classic”—especially this season, with new details like a V-neck silhouette, foldable heels, modern fabrics, and ruffle-pointed toe tips. Whatever your style and wherever you’re headed, there is sure to be a Ferragamo ballet flat for you.
Who better to express this truth than Francesca Hayward? After all, the principal dancer could rightly be considered a ballet shoe connoisseur, too. In this exclusive video for Ferragamo created in partnership with Vogue, Hayward takes us through a day in her shoes—pointe and otherwise. From sauté to sidewalk; from relevé to reveling, we watch as Hayward moves through the bustling city, favorite Ferragamo ballet flats in tow. A bicolor pair in cream and black with a grosgrain elastic strap prove an easy match for slouchy white denim and a top-handled Hug bag in black calfskin leather after barre work; a minimalist pink pair with lizard-print bows make a good showing for crosswalk cross-stepping in a striped linen shirt dress; a cool denim version with raffia bows go for a spin in a twirly slip dress inset with satin and a mini Hug bag in light caramel. As if choreographed in perfect alignment, form follows function; balance and symmetry merge.
Not that one must be a professional dancer à la Hayward to make the ballet flat look effortless. And that is precisely the beauty of Ferragamo’s enduring designs—like a good dance, the perfect ballet flat has the ability to transfix, transcend, and transform.
