Which actress inspired Salvatore Ferragamo’s 1938 rainbow sandal?

Judy Garland inspired Salvatore Ferragamo’s 1938 rainbow sandal. Ferragamo created the colorful wedge for the American actress, who was famous for playing Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.

The shoe used layers of differently colored suede to create a rainbow effect. Its wedge construction also reflected Ferragamo’s interest in combining visual novelty with the structural and comfort demands of footwear design.

The sandal is sometimes confused with other celebrity shoes associated with Ferragamo, or with the red slippers worn by Garland as Dorothy. The rainbow wedge was a separate design created for Garland and is notable for its multicolored construction.

Ferragamo’s work was shaped by both Hollywood and technical experimentation. He studied anatomy and sought ways to support the foot, while his celebrity clients gave his designs exceptional visibility. The 1938 sandal therefore represents both a personal commission and a broader link between Italian craftsmanship, American cinema, and modern luxury footwear.