There is an undeniable intention when women design for fellow women. No tricks, gimmicks, or bells and whistles required—just their needs translated into designs that can endure through every season, style shift, and stage in life. That sense of simplicity can be seen in one of Ferragamo’s iconic designs: the Vara.

Designed in 1978, the Vara shoe was the product of the creative mind of Fiamma Ferragamo, the eldest daughter of Wanda and Salvatore Ferragamo. The shoe features a rounded toe and a low block heel silhouette. As a finishing touch, a grosgrain bow was added on top, like a gift to the modern woman.

It seemed like an interesting idea, and the shoe was handed to a pattern maker with instructions to recreate the bow using the same leather as the upper. The message, however, was misunderstood, and the bow remained in grosgrain. It eventually became one of the Italian luxury brand’s most cherished emblems.

“When it came out, there was the need for a style that was both casual and elegant,” Fiamma recalled in an interview. “The designers worked on a shape that had already been tested for several seasons, known for its comfort, with a low heel and rounded toe.”

Not only did the pair answer women’s need for shoes that are comfortable and refined, they also symbolize the emancipation of active women who shape their lives with passion and boldness, recognizing what they wear as an extension of their personality.

Now, the iconic bow can be seen across a variety of the maison’s products, from handbags and hair accessories to knitwear and fragrances. But for many fashion savants, the shoes are still the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to this beloved emblem.

Today, 48 years since the Vara was launched, Ferragamo once again puts the spotlight on its hallmark design through an elegant installation. Located at Greenbelt 4 in Makati City, the Vara installation features modern iterations of the beloved shoe. The design has taken on new silhouettes and colors, but the bow—and what the shoes stand for—remains the same: a symbol of style, versatility, and modern femininity.

The installation presents Vara pairs from Ferragamo’s Spring-Summer 2026 offerings. It includes the Vara 55, an elegant block-heeled pump; the curved-heeled Rima slingbacks; and the glossy Vanilla, which comes in a striking shade of pink. These pieces reflect the evolving spirit of Vara, created with today’s confident and multifaceted woman in mind.

Scan the QR code to get a glimpse of the installation.