2010 -ENDING THE YEAR IN STYLE!

OFF THE SHELVES

SOPHISTICATED (YET PLAYFUL) LADYAs the last days of 2010 tick away, there are clients who will be looking for wonderful last minute items they MUST have -to pack for their Holiday trip!  STELLA McCARTNEY RESORT FLORALSA clutch, a pump, a great skirt, items for perfect take-away packing. 

We are in prime resort season now, so put your thinking caps on - (a Panama or Fedora version of course!)   We really need to celebrate the RTW collection that Massimiliano launched for Ferragamo Resort.   Playful pieces that are just perfectly paired with the hottest collections around! 

Case in point - Stella McCartney.   This busy mother of 4 (she just had her latest a month ago) has really come into her own in the last 2 years.    The collection has never been more sophisticated and relevant as a fashion resource.   I also think price points for the collection are respectable and responsible for designer items - but never offensive - very much the same way Ferragamo is priced.  McCartney's floral prints for resort are a smash hit with editors and truly collectible pieces.STELLA McCARTNEY WHITE OUT   A great item is a floral print jacket worked back to one of our RTW pants!  We have so many options in the next few months - cropped white, black, tan - you name it.   Also full trouser cuts from runway that are arriving any minute.  *Or picture that floral jacket back to our Navy pleated shorts- HOW CHIC!  While it might sound silly, we should all be thinking of how our bags, shoes, and clothing merchandises with other hot collections.  McCartney is a perfect partner for Ferragamo.  Stella is a vegan vegetarian and refuses to work with ANY leather in her accessory and shoe collection.   While I commend her politics, I know that for many women a designer shoe or handbag is leather!  (This issue has been a major challenge for the company).  Of COURSE we have the perfect metallic shoe to compliment the whole look.  

* Ferragamo is now on the short list of hot collections showing up at premieres and film festivals around the world.. Google the Venice Film Festival to see for yourself**  

A CLUTCH FOR ANY OCCASIONYoung and trendy fashion shoppers love Stella McCartney, and those are girls that we want to dress.   Get familiar with her collection and when you see a customer wearing an item- compliment it by name.  This raises your style profile to a fashionista on the prowl for a hot new skirt, bag, or platform.

Another collection that is everywhere you look - Marchesa (Mar-kay-Sa). MARCHESA PARTY DRESS  Designer Georgina Chapman (Mrs. Harvey Weinstein) has carved out a loyal (ahem) following of starlets that are connected to her husbands film business.   Marchesa is known for gowns and party dresses - the perfect pairing back to Ferragamo Heels and clutches!   Marchesa girls are headed to your boutique soon!  A clutch is such a great fashion accessory to introduce color to an otherwise solid look.  Let the clutch be the strong focal point to a classic look - or the icing on the cake of a real fashion statement.  In addition, they are usually season-less, so take a second look at the fall items going forward to Spring.  Study your PK book to know all the great evening clutches that are coming to your store!  So many times a woman (or her husband) comes running into the boutique looking for the perfect evening bag - for THAT evening.   Be ready to suggest the perfect option.

LEGACY OF LUXURY

"RAINBOW"- CREATED FOR JUDY GARLAND IN 1938 - $2,550.00Since it is the end of year, I thought it was appropriate to reflect on the core aspect of the DNA of the Ferragamo brand.  Doing so is very much in line with the Japanese traditions of Shogatsu.   SHOGATSU is the biggest holiday in Japan and signifies the New Year.   Celebrated from January 1st -3rd, "SOPHIA" CREATED FOR SOPHIA LOREN - 1955- $1,380.00millions all over the country extend the celebration all week and make it a time to visit family and prepare for the new year.   In Japan, years are seen as completely separate from one another.   Therefore the end of one year means finishing up goals you had and literally cleaning your house to be ready for the New Year.   In addition, it is a time to plan your year ahead and start with a stress free and happy day on January 1st.   

Of course, a long holiday means travel - and many clients from Japan will be visiting points around the U.S. during the first two weeks of January.   To celebrate this Holiday and add some festivity to the Ala Moana boutique during Shogatsu,  several styles from the Ferragamo Creations Collection will be traveling to the store.   While the shoes will add a sense of color and drama to the sales floor, they are also an important reminder of Salvatore Ferragamo.  Where the collection has been - and where it is going as a brand is best seen looking at the beginning.   RANINA - BLACK LACE -$1,200.00The purity and timeless nature of these shoes speak for themselves!  It is staggering to think that many of these designs were created 70 years ago!  I know we see these images throughout the year, but they deserve a fresh perspective to respect the innovation of the styles.   RAINBOW in particular is such a work of art.   It is beyond retro, it really feels otherworldly.  Created for Judy Garland herself, these platforms will take you "over the rainbow".  If you have a special client who truly appreciates unique designer items - you must talk to her about the Creations Collection.  The SOPHIA is as sexy today as it was in 1955 when Mr. Ferragamo created it for siren Sophia Loren.  Hand embroidered with Venetian glass beads on Tavarnelle lace, this pump puts the slink in sling back!  If that weren't impressive enough, BEAUTY is just that.  Designed for Marilyn Monroe - the ULTIMATE blond bombshell.   This shoe will stop traffic just like it did all those years ago!!  (Metallics are always timeless)."UNICA" - BLACK - $1,250.00

Limited editions of the orginal shoes designed by Salvatore himself for the leading ladies of Hollywood?  This is about as luxurious as it gets!   I promise you that clients will NEVER see a program more unique and luxurious than this celebration of Ferragamo Heritage.   UNICA looks like it just walked off the McQueen runway - not revived from our archives of over 50 years ago.  Stunning!

 

FERRAGAMO TIME

ANGELINA IN FERRAGAMO FROM- THE TOURISTFerragamo has a history of dressing the leading ladies of Hollywood - in their real lives as well as on the big screen.   The Tourist- starring Angelina Jolie & Johnny Depp marks another movie blockbuster where Ferragamo Shoes are an integral part of the character make up.   In 1996, the house created custom shoes for Madonna for her portrayal of Eva Peron in Evita.    In 2009, the house created custom designs for Nicole Kidman in Baz Luhrmann's epic - Australia.  Now in 2010, Ferragamo creates custom looks for Angelina Jolie.  (This is just a hint of big news regarding Angelina in the next FFEED!)

Times change, but Hollywood's love affair with Salvatore Ferragamo glows eternal.  

HAPPY HOLIDAYS.   It has been such a pleasure to share this year with you.  Best wishes for an outstanding 2011.   May all your dreams come true!