SEPTEMBER 15TH - FASHION'S NIGHT OUT

The biggest party in retail fashion was staged Friday, September 10th, in NYC and cities all over the country.   Fashion's Night Out, was a celebration started in 2009 as a plan to kick start the fashion economy that was in the throes of the recession. Elettra Wiedemann, Ashley Wick, Alek Wek, & Caroline Winberg The brainchild of Anna Wintour of Vogue, the night mushroomed in 2010!  The parties and special events are now taking place in cities all over the world.   Of course the FERRAGAMO FLAGSHIP boutique in NYC was asked by Vogue to participate in the event.   What perfect timing for the launch of the W bag!

To celebrate the W & Fashion's Night Out - Ferragamo hosted  super gorgeous  Elettra Wiedemann, Alek Wek, Caroline Winberg, & Ashley Wick to celebrate FNO and all things W!    20% of sales from the evening benefitted The Whitney Museum.    Bravo to the marketing department for inventing a perfect way to launch the W at retail!    

W BAG IN BROWN ALLIGATOR Fashion's Night Out was a smash hit in NYC.  The energy level on the streets was similar to New Year's Eve!  For customers who didn't make a purchase that night, the experience is priceless in building an emotional connection with future clients.   Many of those attending were college students and young professionals.   This was an opportunity for them to meet friends and visit stores they might be intimidated to visit on any ordinary day.   In that way - this event is totally unique as it can help us with outreach to develop new clients.  Ferragamo took the event to another level - hosting W events in boutiques around the country!  Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, Ala Moana, King of Prussia, Bravern, & Bal Harbour all hosted W themed parties.  Beverly Center being exclusively a men's boutique, focused on Massimiliano Giornetti and his collection for the guys.  Use FNO to your advantage when you talk with customers - regardless of if they attended or not - or if your boutique participated.   Ferragamo was a key partner with Vogue in making Fashion's Night Out a huge success.  How exciting!

OFF THE SHELVES

FERRAGAMO  continues to be a strong reference for the biggest Fashion magazines for fall.  It is official - Ferragamo Ready-To-Wear is HOT!  The New York boutique has been overwhelmed with requests for the glen plaid jumpsuit (September Elle Pg 533)   Customers have ordered in advance - a situation that is very rare in the fashion world and proof positive of a must-have collection.  Bravo Mr. Giornetti!!    FERRAGAMO TROUSERS - SEPTEMBER ELLE P. 494While the jumpsuit is not for everyone - a finely tailored jacket or trouser is!  Pants, pants, pants are the trend of the season.   I've written about it before - but I can't stress it enough.   Every major collection from Chloe to Celine to Hermes are chock full of trousers for Fall.   Be proud that Ferragamo is right on trend and that your buyer supported the look heavily with several alternatives.   What is also exciting is to see the magazine editors mixing and matching Ferragamo with the hottest names in fashion.   This trouser in Elle is a great example.   Alexander Wang, Rochas, and Stella McCartney all join Ferragamo in creating this look.  What a great way to show how relevant SF is.

Proving how vast the assortment is at Ferragamo, I want to focus on a shoe that should be a staple in your roster of suggestions.  The "FLY"  Driver is one of those shoes that every woman can appreciate.   Business woman, Socialite, College Student, Retiree - SUEDE DRIVERS - $370.00all of these ladies can appreciate the chic styling and comfort and ease of a driver.   Don't be afraid to suggest this to a fashion client who normally only wears stilettos or platforms.   This shoe has "weekend house" or  "Country Drive" written all over it! Check what colors and sizes you have in your store now.

LEGACY OF LUXURY

The house of Ferragamo has been linked to Hollywood and all the glitter and glam of the rich and famous since Salvatore Ferragamo first opened The Hollywood Boot Shop all those years ago.   I was reminded of just how deep the waters run between celebrity and Ferragamo during Fashion's Night Out last week in NYC.   One of the beautiful models whoELETTRA WEIDEMANN W/ AN EXOTIC W BAG AT FNO co-hosted the event at the Ferragamo boutique was Elettra Weidemann.   In addtion to being a beautiful model, Ms. Weidemann is the daughter of Actress Isabella Rossellini and the granddaughter of Hollywood legend Ingrid Bergman.  Bergman wore Ferragamo throughout her career and is featured inINGRID BERGMAN IN CASABLANCA the CREATIONS boutique movie montage in NYC.    Elettra's involvement with Ferragamo is not only a sign of her good taste - but also a family tradition!  How many other fashion brands can say that about Hollywood royalty?

FERRAGAMO TIME

The beginning of the 1940's were a dynamic time in Hollywood and in the Ferragamo timeline.  1942 was the year that Casablanca was released.   The movie was an instant classic starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.  While Hollywood was busy creating some of it's best known classics,  Salvatore Ferragamo was creating his own personal legacy in Italy.   In 1940 Salvatore married Wanda Miletti, the daughter of the local doctor in his hometown of Bonito, Italy.  The devoted couple would go on to have six children during their 20 year marriage.   Salvatore's untimely death in 1960 saw Wanda continue to carry his vision forward with even greater involvement in the company.   Incredibly, 50 years after his death - Wanda Ferragamo keeps the spirit of Salvatore alive and well.