Holiday 2017 - Luxurious Classics And Colorful Novelties On Every List!

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO FLAGSHIP - NYC - THE LARGEST IN THE WORLD - GIFT WRAPPED FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON - Round of applause for the incredible visual team at Ferragamo - they truly make magic happen!! Ho Ho HOW can it be December?  While 2017 has felt like one LONG roller coaster in so many ways, now that it's December - I'm asking - Where did the year go?  Well, if clients are feeling the same way, we have SO many options for her to wear while she ponders the flying calendar over holiday cocktails while spreading Christmas cheer! As usual, the Ferragamo Visual team went above and beyond creating a Holiday Spectacular.  This year, they have gift wrapped the largest Ferragamo Btq. in the world - and Electrified it!! The scale of this bow is so large I had to include two shots to show the "around the corner" effect.  These shots were taken after 10pm and shoppers were still looking in the windows and enjoying the incredible 5th Avenue display. 

CREATIVE NEWS - Before we dive into what's happening in the stores - there was another big announcement last month regarding Paul Andrew.  This talented designer become the Creative Director for Womenswear.  An expansion of Paul's role from Shoe Director, he now adds RTW and Accessories to his team.  Congratulations to Paul!  I know we are all excited to see his first runway collection!  The move means Fulvio Rigoni has left the company, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.   Additionally, it has been announced the runway show in February will include BOTH Women's and Men's runway collections!   The announcement means Ferragamo joins Gucci, Etro, Jil Sander, and other Milan Collections combining the two shows for the upcoming market.  Stay tuned.

Take-away trends for for the year : Expect the Unexpected.  From Designers, from shoppers, and from Governments!  SMALL VARA BOW RAINBOW BAG IN RED - $1,390.00 AND PERFECT FOR SANTA SHOPPING!It's often said that Fashion is the first of the creative arts to express a mood or the feel of a population in the global political scene.   It could be that the "anything goes" approach to fashion this year is amplifying the mood of voters and shoppers.   Luxury classics have never been more popular - at the same time there is a fever for luxurious novelties.. HUH?  With the overwhelming success of Gucci over the last two years..  shoppers are facing an onslaught of "MORE is MORE" as so many collections try to play catch up by throwing everything but the kitchen sink on a garment, handbag, or shoe.   #DontBelieveTheHype   While Gucci is booming, when I'm checking in with sales associates in stores I visit, they tell me it's still the classics that sell all day long. GIVENCHY SILK CHIFFON BLOUSE - $2,695.00 - As seen in ELLE MAGAZINE The novelty gets shoppers in the door - but not every woman feels comfortable with a 3D art collage on her chest.  (If there is an ultra-luxe "ugly sweater" party happening, I have a few suggestions for shoppers).

So, as the holiday rush gets into full swing, let's remember: Salvatore Ferragamo helps women look their best and feel confident with what she is wearing -head to toe.  She wears Ferragamo, it does not wear her.  Nothing is sexier, more successful, and more beautiful than confidence - shining in Italian craftsmanship. LOUIS VUITTON CHAIN/ LEATHER STRAP FLORAL CALFSKIN BAG - $4,400.00 & BALENCIAGA FLORAL BOOTIE - $995.00

FANTASTIC FLORALS - Floral prints have never been more saturated or in full bloom. FERRAGAMO SMALL VARA BOW RAINBOW BAG IN FLORAL PRINTED PYTHON - $2,200.00 so chic back to any solid color.. or if she dares- combined with another print? FLOWER HEEL BALLET FLAT - $650.00

VALENTINO SILK CHIFFON SHEER DRESS - $8,600.00 - RED SILK PANTY $1,020.00 SALVATORE FERRAGAMO RED SUEDE PUMPS WITH BLACK TRIM - NAUGHTY AND NICE AT THE SAME TIME - SO SANTA CAN GIVE THESE TO ALL THE LADIES. - As seen in ELLE MAGAZINE

CARDINAL RED - ITALIAN ICON and HOLIDAY Home RUN! 

It's a Christmas cliche - but nothing beats it.  A shot of RED anything this time of year, just makes you happy.  Mixed with black for true #SantaStyle - or way more modern with pale shades of pink.. a RED pump, handbag, or of course dress - will lead the way like Rudolph on a foggy Christmas Eve!  The Ferragamo Red Suede Pump had a page to herself in the sexy shoot in ELLE Magazine in November.  The shoot was dreamy.  This red pump with a full volume pink pant would be SO chic.  This photo shoot showcased really beautiful pieces. Please take note of the price points of the Valentino Dress and Blouse.  Gorgeous craftsmanship at a premium.   Ferragamo black puff jacket worn over KENZO jacket, with MARC JACOBS Pants, DIOR Hat, shoes are CROCS by Christopher Kane - as seen in the WSJ Magazine

It's a WRAP - or a PUFF.. or a COCOON?  - In opposition to the all the lovely sheer pieces in stores, designers have also offered more down, more quilted, and more puff jackets than we have seen in years.RICK OWENS "ENSEMBLE" - ???Some go to the extreme, and Ferragamo hit it right down the middle -on trend - but wearable.  Of course!   I'm sharing one extreme vision of "Puffers" by LA designer (based in Paris) Rick Owens. 

Silver / Gold / Black - has been,SHE CAN'T GO WRONG IN ANY BLACK / GOLD / SILVER SHOE & BAG COMBINATION. HERE THE F WEDGE WITH GACIO FLAP - BOTH WITH GOLD HARDWARE and will be a winning choice for holiday SLEEVELESS ROUNDNECK DRESS WITH SILVER JACQUARD FLOWER DETAIL (KNIT SKIRT) - THE PERFECT BASE TO ADD LAYERS THIS WINTERfestivities around the world any and every year. RICK OWENS CREATION...This might be a political statement as I think this look was originally featured in that animated short series-"SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK" - the "How a Bill Becomes a Law" episode. - #VETO.   Worn in combination, these colors are dynamic and modern in every formula.  GANCINI STRAPPY SANDALS WITH FLOWER HEEL -$975.00- ANY HEIGHT WILL DO! A very simple ensemble of all black just pops with Gancini Strappy Sandals and a chain strap gancio flap handbag!  MEDIUM GANCIO FLAP BAG WITH MIXED MATERIAL - STUNNING WITH GOLD CHAIN These are AMAZING day-to-evening assets to take a client to any evening occasion. *Any trip to Europe - MUST HAVE*

STTTTREEEETCH Through The Season-FERRAGAMO STRETCH BOOTS AND SNEAKERS The evolution of stretch fabrics has been one of the most exciting trends to watch, as the high tech items from sports accessories have truly changed luxury goods.  Ferragamo offers two shoes to tickle that fancy - the high tech heel - or the ultra-luxe sneaker.   Whichever style is HER style- one of these will make her holiday bright! 

LEGEND TO LEGEND- Azzedine Alaia & Salvatore Ferragamo -Madonna posted this outake from a shot by STEVEN MEISEL from the 90's. Alaia created the pieces for the poster. Madonna gave her condolences to her dear friend. Azzedine Alaia is one of the most accomplished and celebrated Couture Fashion Designers of the 20th century.FRENCH COUTIER AZZEDINE ALAIA (A-LIE-A)  His body hugging silhouettes made him a magnet for models, actresses, pop stars, and luxury shoppers around the world. AZZEDINE ALAIA COUTURE RUNWAY - JULY 2017- FEATURING THE SALVATORE FERRAGAMO (CREATIONS) "INDIANA" THIGH HIGH LEOPARD BOOTS. Sadly, he died on November 18th in Paris, where he lived.  He was an individualist that refused to conform to "norms".  He ridiculed the fashion industry for the exhausting collection cycle and in fact, refused to follow it.  He was a true Couturier, and would schedule shows independent of any industry schedule.   Randomly at times, or skipping a season - as he saw fit.  FERRAGAMO CREATIONS "INDIANA" BOOT - RECREATED FOR AZZEDINE ALAIA RUNWAY Buyers would visit the atelier and if no show was happening, they would order best sellers from the archives for the next season.   His following was loyal, and loving.  Stories of Alaia cooking dinner for buyers that visited the studio are legendary.  On news of his death style icons from Madonna to Lady Gaga - to EVERY Super Model of the 80's and 90's posted heartfelt messages on love to the designer and friend.

His independence did come with some cost, as his relevance in pop culture was not what other designers with less talent, but more promotion enjoyed.  Alaia refused to advertise.  Can you imagine?  Needless to say his work was rarely seen in fashion magazines.   His famous feud and choice words about Anna Wintour might have also had something to do with the lack of VOGUE editorials in the last decade.  He also never held his tongue regarding Karl Lagerfeld.  (worth the google search).  If you aren't familiar with his work, please search his work - it's a reference to always have in the back of your mind.   RIP Azzedine. 

In his show in July, which would be his last, Alaia paid homage to Salvatore Ferragamo in a special collaboration - showing an original Salvatore design from the 20's - the "Indiana" thigh-high leopard print boot from Creations.  They made a big splash almost 100 years ago, and last July in Paris - the boots had the same reaction!  What an honor for Alaia to pay homage to Salvatore, and an honor to have Ferragamo on the runway on the last show of Alaia.   Icon to Icon.   That is a legacy of luxury you cannot replicate.. This only happens here!  

Keep hydrated (and caffeinated) during the next few hectic weeks!

Wishing you all the Happiest and Healthiest Holiday season.  Merry Christmas!!