FERRAGAMOS GO FOR MONROE’S SHOES
NEW YORK — When the first items in Marilyn Monroe’s extensive wardrobe go under the hammer tonight at Christie’s Rockefeller Center, Massimo Ferragamo and his mother, Wanda, intend to be among the bidders.
Although Ferragamo was not yet born when Monroe came to see his father, he’s well aware of her place in the family history. Of all the Monroe belongings to be auctioned, there are 60 pairs of shoes, 20 of which are Ferragamo stiletto heels, a Monroe signature look.
While Ferragamo hopes to buy back all the shoes for the Ferragamo museum in Florence, one pair is especially important because of its intricate workmanship: Lot #2 is a pair of red satin and rhine-
stone stiletto pumps. Christie’s estimate for the red shoes is $4,000 to $6,000.
In honor of the late star, Ferragamo plans to launch a limited edition reproduction of the pump, along with a matching handbag, which will be available at retail in December. Roughly 500 pairs of the shoe and 100 bags will be made.
Prices are still uncertain, but a Ferra-gamo spokeswoman said the shoes are expected to retail for about $1,250. An estimate on the bag is not yet available.