The house partners with The Criterion Collection for a 4K screening of Some Like It Hot, accompanied by an exhibition of Marilyn Monroe’s original Ferragamo shoes
Ferragamo is celebrating its longstanding relationship with Hollywood through a special evening presented in collaboration with The Criterion Collection at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles. The event brings together a screening of Criterion’s 4K restoration of Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe, an exhibition of archival footwear from Museo Ferragamo in Florence, and a conversation exploring the enduring relationship between fashion and cinema. The program revisits a defining chapter in the house’s history, connecting Salvatore Ferragamo’s early Hollywood career with the cinematic legacy of one of his most celebrated clients.
The Egyptian Theatre provides a particularly meaningful setting for the occasion. Located on Hollywood Boulevard, the historic venue stands directly across from the former site of the Hollywood Boot Shop, which Salvatore Ferragamo opened in 1923. It was here that the Italian shoemaker established his reputation as the “Shoemaker to the Stars,” creating footwear for Hollywood productions and the personal wardrobes of leading actors. His relationships with the film industry continued after his return to Italy, establishing a connection between the house and Hollywood that remains central to Ferragamo’s identity.
Among Ferragamo’s most recognizable clients was Marilyn Monroe, whose distinctive style became closely associated with the designer’s footwear. Although the two never met, Monroe visited Ferragamo’s Park Avenue boutique after relocating to New York, ordering shoes crafted in Florence and shipped to the United States. His stiletto-heeled pumps became an important element of her personal wardrobe, complementing the posture and unmistakable walk that helped define her screen persona. The relationship illustrates how fashion and footwear contributed to the construction of Hollywood’s most enduring visual identities.
For the occasion, three pairs of Monroe’s original Ferragamo shoes will be displayed in the Egyptian Theatre’s foyer, alongside her wooden shoe last and an original purchase order from the Park Avenue boutique. On loan from Museo Ferragamo, the archival objects offer a rare glimpse into the actress’s personal style and the craftsmanship behind her footwear. Their presentation also highlights the museum’s role in preserving the material history of the house and its relationships with influential cultural figures.
Following the screening, author Sam Wasson will moderate a discussion featuring Simran Bhalla, curatorial assistant and contributor to the Academy Museum’s exhibition Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon; Martina Ferragamo, actress and granddaughter of Salvatore and Wanda Ferragamo; and filmmaker and writer Simone Coppo. The conversation will examine the relationship between costume and character, paying particular attention to the work of Some Like It Hot costume designer Orry-Kelly. Participants will also consider the film’s lasting cultural influence and Monroe’s relationship with Ferragamo, exploring how clothing and accessories help shape the identities audiences recognize on screen.
The collaboration with Criterion brings together two organizations with a shared interest in preserving and interpreting cultural history. Founded in 1984, The Criterion Collection has established itself through the restoration and presentation of significant works of classic and contemporary cinema, accompanied by editorial features that provide historical and artistic context. Its approach to film preservation finds a parallel in the work of Museo Ferragamo, which maintains and interprets the archives of the Italian house and its founder.
Nearly a century after Salvatore Ferragamo returned to Italy, the event brings his creations back to the Hollywood neighborhood where his international reputation first took shape. By combining archival fashion, film restoration, and contemporary cultural discussion, Ferragamo highlights the lasting exchange between cinema and design. The evening offers a reminder that the house’s relationship with Hollywood extends beyond celebrity dressing, reflecting a shared history in which craftsmanship, costume, and personal style have helped create some of cinema’s most memorable images.
