Ferragamo boots for King of Bhutan

| Mon, 11/17/2008 - 04:10

The new King of Bhutan attended his coronation wearing a pair of traditional Bhutanese boots designed by Salvatore Ferragamo, the Italian fashion house said Friday.

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, 28, became the world's youngest ruling monarch when he was crowned king of the tiny Himalayan country last week in a lavish ceremony at a 17th-century white-walled palace overlooking the Thimphu valley.

Ferragamo decorated the king's boots with coloured silk and representations of dragons, Bhutan's symbol of power and nobility.

The fashion house, which celebrated its 80th birthday this year, was started by Salvatore Ferragamo, the man who became shoe-maker to the stars in 1920s Hollywood.

Ferragamo creations have graced the feet of royals from Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Japan and the United Kingdom as well as screen idols such as Audrey Hepburn and Sofia Loren.

One of Salvatore Ferragamo's most famous achievements was to invent the 'wedge' sandal, a creation which was lapped up by Hollywood actresses and aspiring starlets.

He also made the glittering ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in The Wizard of Oz and the crocodile-trim stilettos worn by Marilyn Monroe in the movie Some Like It Hot.

Topic: Fashion