Watch Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams

Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams is a heartfelt biographical movie, released in 2020, that pays tribute to the legendary Italian shoemaker Salvatore Ferragamo. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film portrays the life journey of Salvatore - from his impoverished childhood in Bonito, Southern Italy, to his rise to fame as one of the most iconic designers of the 20th century.

The movie features a stellar cast of actors, with Salvatore being played by himself, Michael Stuhlbarg as Maurice Stein, and Manolo Blahnik as himself. The narration of the movie is a mix of archival footage, interviews, and recreated scenes that take us through the life of Salvatore.

The movie starts with the early years of Salvatore, who was born into a poor family of thirteen siblings in the small town of Bonito. Salvatore developed a passion for shoemaking at a young age and started working as an apprentice to a cobbler when he was just nine years old. However, Salvatore had bigger dreams and was determined to pursue his passion further.

As a teenager, Salvatore left his hometown and traveled to Naples, where he worked as an apprentice for a few years. He later migrated to the United States, where he settled in Santa Barbara, California in 1914. Salvatore worked in a shoe factory in Santa Barbara, which gave him an opportunity to learn about the latest technology and styles in shoemaking.

The movie beautifully captures Salvatore's struggle as an immigrant in the US and his entrepreneurial spirit. Salvatore left Santa Barbara and moved to Hollywood, where he started designing shoes for the movie stars. He gained popularity and his shoes soon became a hit among the Hollywood elite.

One of the most interesting parts of the movie is when Salvatore describes his design process, which involves taking inspiration from nature, architecture, and artworks. Salvatore was known for his modern and innovative designs, and his shoes quickly became a sensation in the world of fashion.

The movie also reflects on Salvatore's personal life, including his marriage to his wife Wanda Ferragamo and their six children. Salvatore was a deeply religious man, and his faith played a significant role in his life.

As the movie progresses, we witness the evolution of Salvatore's brand and his expansion into the global market. The movie showcases Salvatore's journey to achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a shoemaker for the stars of Hollywood and how he eventually carved his name as one of the most iconic luxury shoe designers in the world.

The finale of the movie celebrates Salvatore's legacy, which is visible in the countless designs and styles that continue to inspire the fashion industry even today. The movie ends with a tribute to Salvatore's passion for shoemaking, and how his designs continue to influence the world of fashion more than 60 years after his death.

Overall, Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams is an intimate and inspiring story of a man who overcame immense odds to pursue his passion and make his mark in the world of fashion. With breathtaking visuals, an engaging storyline, and a talented cast, the movie is a must-watch for fashion enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates the power of perseverance and passion.

Salvatore: Shoemaker of Dreams is a 2023 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 67.