It’s been nearly 50 years since the death Marilyn Monroe and she still remains an icon, the quintessential American sex symbol, and one of the greatest stars of all time. Sure, Marilyn’s sultry poses and perfect red pout were part of what made her so sexy. But we can’t forget about her shoes. It was after World War II that the stiletto took hold. Soldiers who spent years abroad dreaming of high-heeled pinups, one historian wrote, came home to wives whose wartime work required more sensible shoes. As women returned to domestic life, higher heels became all the rage and the stiletto was born.
Marilyn may have sung that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but it would seem that Ferragamo shoes were actually her best friend. She only ever wore Ferragamo shoes and earned him the moniker “Shoemaker to the Stars” after becoming one of his first clients in Hollywood.
A handwritten receipt for Marilyn Monroe
In a tribute to Marilyn on this 50th anniversary of her death, the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo has opened an exhibit simply titled Marilyn. The exhibit has hundreds of photographs of Marilyn throughout her life, a collection of dresses and costumes including the infamous white dress the blew up over a NYC subway grate in the film The Seven Year Itch, and a video montage of her films. And oh, the shoes, the shoes! More than 30 pairs of Marilyn’s shoes, all Ferragamo of course, are on display. Stilettos in every color! I spent a little extra time ogling the red Swarovski crystal encrusted shoes exclusively made for Marilyn to wear in the film Let’s Make Love.
And if, like me, you can’t get enough of Marilyn, stay at the Gallery Hotel Art where the famous original black and white portraits are on display while on loan from the Getty Gallery in London until September 15. While the exhibit at the Gallery Hotel Art is on a smaller scale than that of the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, I enjoyed looking at the portraits in the lobby and breakfast room during my stay. And since the hotel is owned by the Ferragamo group, guests are regularly treated to a free visit to the museum and an exclusive discount at the Ferragamo flagship store above the museum.
The Marilyn exhibit is on display at the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum in Florence until January 28, 2013. Entrance fee €5.
Thank you to the Gallery Hotel Art for hosting me during my stay in Florence. As Marilyn so famously said “There’s so much to smile about.” As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
Jennifer Dombrowski
Jennifer Dombrowski is a location independent globe trotter and bases herself in Prata di Pordenone, Italy. She works as a social media and innovation strategist in higher education and is a regular contributor on johnnyjet.com. Her website, jdombstravels.com, is the 2012 Destinology Travel Bloggy Best Newcomer award winner. Google+
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We’re Jennifer and Tim and We love adventure and we love wine, so we often try to combine the two! By day, you’ll find us out on some crazy adventure like snorkeling in Iceland in winter, but by night, we’re creatures of comfort. We both work full time, so we bring you practical tips for how anyone can fit travel into their busy lives – just like us! So far, we've visited 43 countries, lived in the United States and Italy, and Tim has lived in Korea. And we do it all while both holding down full time jobs. 
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Rob Clements
August 5, 2012 at 2:26 am (UTC 2) Link to this comment
I checked out the link of the Galery Hotel Art and thought the rooms were very cool and unique. Good write up, sounds like the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum has a unique part of history covered, would like to visit some day.
[Reply]
Jennifer Dombrowski Reply:
August 6th, 2012 at 2:01 pm
Thanks, Rob! The Gallery Hotel Art was very chic. I especially liked the color scheme throughout the entire hotel. It just felt very relaxing amongst all the hustle and bustle of Florence.
[Reply]
Our Favorite Accommodations Around the World - Jdomb's Travels
February 1, 2013 at 3:01 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
[...] has free WiFi, and features the exclusive bath amenity line Tuscan Soul by Salvatore Ferragamo. Contemporary artwork is featured throughout the hotel lobby, restaurant, library, and in the 74 rooms. [...]