Some creations are born by chance and end up defining an era. The Vara bow, conceived almost accidentally by Fiamma Ferragamo, is one of them — a spontaneous idea from the atelier that became a lasting emblem of elegance and timeless femininity.

In 1978, Fiamma, the eldest daughter of Salvatore Ferragamo, designed the Vara shoe for a new generation of active, sophisticated women. With its low heel, rounded toe, and effortless comfort, the Vara redefined luxury — practical, refined, and quietly modern.

Decades later, that same spirit continues in The Vara Bow Project, a celebration of individuality through four women who embody its legacy: Bianca Balti, Fiamma Paternò Castello di San Giuliano, Paloma Elsesser, and Hyeri Lee. Four styles, four interpretations of freedom.

The campaign —featuring a cameo by Giovanna Gentile Ferragamo, Fiamma’s sister— captures each woman’s unique way of wearing Vara: from the classic pump to the 95 mm sandal. More than an accessory, it’s an attitude. The Vara bow doesn’t decorate; it declares. It represents authenticity, joy, and movement.

Its story began, fittingly, with a happy mistake. The bow was meant to be crafted in leather, but a misunderstanding left it in grosgrain — a detail that, crowned with a small metal plaque, soon became Ferragamo’s signature. From shoes to bags and jewelry, the bow evolved into a symbol of craftsmanship and character.

Each fold of the Vara bow carries the Maison’s essence: artistry, balance, and an unwavering dialogue between tradition and progress — a tribute to the women who continue to inspire its vision.