New Salvatore Ferragamo Exhibition Italy In Hollywood unveils Italian influence on cinema
Titled “Italy In Hollywood,” the new exhibition hosted by Museo Salvatore Ferragamo pays tribute to the influence of Italians in cinema. Curators Giuliana Muscio and Stefania Ricci explore the years from 1915 to 1927 when the brand’s namesake founder headed to California, delving into his relationship with Hollywood and its stars.
“I seem to glimpse a parallel between the film industry and my activity”, writes Ferragamo in his autobiography, the starting point for a historical reconstruction of his life. “When the majors overcame the early phase and began expanding and growing, my shop followed right behind them”. And it was due to this move to Hollywood that saw the designer become the shoemaker to the stars, amassing celebrity clients like Joan Crawford, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Pola Negri.
Another main focus of the show will be the phenomenon of Italian migration to California, the various occupations of Italians living in that area, as well as the perception of the Italian community throughout the West Coast. From names and personalities both well-known and less well-known, a large section of the exhibition is devoted to figures like actor Rudolph Valentino, opera tenor Enrico Caruso, director Giovanni Pastrone and producer Frank Capra to name a few. The project will pay tribute to the many Italian immigrants, who just like Ferragamo, played a big role in the creation of Hollywood.
