'Our style is never extreme'

When fashion houses team up with property developers, it's often either magic or mayhem. But with Salvatore Ferragamo's reputation for sharp, classic designs, its collaboration with Trident International Holdings is one that promises success.

Famed for dressing stars like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Judy Garland, Ferragamo will add a touch of classic elegance and timeless sophistication to the interiors of the world's tallest residential towers - Pentominium penthouses in Dubai Marina, the motif being the Hollywood glamour of the '50s and '60s, conceptualised through naturally exquisite materials like veneers, skins, leather and fabrics that borrow heavily from Ferragamo's luxury product designs.

In the 80 years since its founding, Ferragamo has expanded the business to include clothing, jewellery, leather goods and perfume.

In 1960, when the brand's founder Salvatore Ferragamo died, he left behind a house full of children and a young enthusiastic wife. "When my father died, my mother was only 38 years old," explains Salvatore's son and chairman, Ferruccio Ferragamo.

Living the dream

"She was over 20 years younger and it was a very brave step for her. But she took over the company with the desire to realise my father's dreams." Wanda Ferragamo set about expanding the company from its origins as a shoe designer, to include a wide array of accessories and garments.

"My father used to make wooden models of people's feet," says Ferruccio.

"That way, when they needed a new pair of shoes, he already had the mould ready]. He created more than 500 designs and had a big celebrity following."

The global powerhouse has had a long presence in the movies, with all-time classics like Dorothy's iconic red shoes in The Wizard Of Oz as well as creations for Madonna in Evita, Drew Barrymore in Ever After, Mel Gibson in The Million Dollar Hotel and Nicole Kidman in Baz Luhrmann's Australia. Current fans of the brand include stars like Sarah Jessica Parker, Eva Mendes and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Salvatore Ferragamo has returned somewhat to its roots with the appointment of Claudia Schiffer as the current Ferragamo model.

Natural elegance

"Claudia Schiffer is the ideal Ferragamo woman. She's modelling for us now but we also used her in a show 15 years ago," he said.

"My father designed for Audrey Hepburn," says Ferruccio. "She is probably a quintessential Ferragamo woman. She has a natural elegance that sums up the brand's philosophy."

That famous brand philosophy is a regular hit on the catwalk. Picture those iconic sea leopard skin shoes of the '50s, the sculpted heels of the '60s and the modern celeb favourite - the Ferragamo bag.

"Our style is never extreme," says Ferruccio. "We are classically stylish without being extreme or extravagant and we design for women who appreciate these elements.

"Our designs are all about quality, comfort and garments that are a pleasure to own," he says.

So why the leap onto the property market?

"It's a brand extension. Doing something in this field isn't so far from fashion." And a sure hit with fashionistas in Dubai, will be the huge Ferragamo-styled walk-in wardrobes.

"The speed and beauty of things in Dubai is great. I've been in Dubai three or four times and every time I've seen a completely new town.

"We are transferring what we believe is the Ferragamo point of view [to the interior design of The Pentominium]. My sister Fulvia has been appointed to do this. She is looking after the creative team. We are focusing on quality and innovative design.

"Our penthouses will come in various different versions. We will bring attention to detail and a very luxury-orientated label."
Did you know?

Some highlights of the Salvatore Ferragamo penthouses:

Overlooking the Palm island, the Sky Lounge is dubbed "The perfect place to seal a deal".

The Pentominium business centre is accessorised by Tiffany & Co. and will cater to business needs at any hour of the day or night.

The Davidoff-inspired cigar lounge is a swanky place to enjoy after work socialising.

Banquet Room for high-profile events of every calibre.

Residents have access to a special weekend retreat on The World.

A fleet of Rolls- Royces are on hand to cater to your every travelling need.

Stressful day at work? Sail away on any one of the fleet of Azimut yachts avilable.

And the cost of all this?

Penthouse prices start at a cool $5.3 million (Dh19.4 million).