RELICS the ferragamos

FROM THE COLLECTION OF CHARLES TRIPLETT

Charles Triplett, longtime member and friend of The Judy Garland Experience, has consented to periodically share special items from his collection in a journal here on The Experience. His extensive collection includes vintage materials of all kinds -- most notably costumes and accessories from Judy's M-G-M films, wardrobe from her CBS-TV series, and her personal couture.. Charles is a careful preservationist, and does not publicly exhibit these items out of concern for their care and longevity. In this series we will have an unprecedented view into many of the rare and wonderful things he has collected.



Journal Entry #1: The Ferragamos

As I have said to my good and great friend, Tom Larro, many times - oh, how I wish I could go back to November of 1978 to attend the infamous JUDY GARLAND MEMORABILIA AND ART AUCTION. It made headlines even in my local small town North Carolina paper but at 18 with no money it was way out of my range. I did get the auction catalog which sold at the time for $25.



I was very intrigued with the wardrobe and shoes. There were a dozen couture items, several from THE JUDY GARLAND SHOW, and personal couture as well. There were nearly two dozen pair of Salvatore Ferragamo shoes. Even at that early age I knew that these shoes were made by the famous Italian shoe maker who had done custom made shoes for Jackie Kennedy, the Duchess of Windsor and Marilyn Monroe. These shoes were all custom made for each client and Judy had two dozen in a rainbow of colors. They were all listed as size 6 and half but were more like a US five and custom made to Miss Garland's very slim foot. All were pumps with a four inch spike heel.



Several years later in the mid 1980s I saw an ad in HOLLYWOOD STUDIO MAGAZINE advertising a pair of black pumps from the auction. I immediately wrote to the lady, Alice Garza, only to receive a note back saying they were sold.



Nearly 25 years later a pair of beautiful black silk-covered Ferragamos with ornament came up on the auction block. They were from the 1978 auction and had the original auction receipt, item # 113G. The bidding was furious, but I was able to win them. I had no idea until I received them that they were in fact the pair that were offered nearly 25 years before by the lady in HOLLYWOOD STUDIO MAGAZINE. Her name was on the receipt.



Judy's Ferragamos are one of the favorite items in my collection. I know of only three other pair in fans' hands and sometimes wonder where all those others are.

Until next time,
Charles