Claiborne Swanson Frank

When you think of Ferragamo one of the first things that comes to mind is the Vara. Even if you don't know its name you know what it looks like--it's that mid-heeled sensible looking shoe with a stiff grosgrain bow at the top. Everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Margaret Thatcher has worn them. Your grandmother might have worn them, too, and if you were lucky, you stole them from her. They're the ultimate in granny chic (hell, I think they're just plain chic--even though I hate that word) and they turn 35 this year. To celebrate, Ferragamo has launched an innovative new online project called L'Icona. The most compelling part of this project is that for the first time ever, Ferragamo is letting shoppers customize their own Varas.