MayDay! - FERRAGAMO to the fashion rescue!

THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE IN ALEXANDER MCQUEENApril showers bring May flowers and May BRIDES.   The warm weather means that young love is in full bloom all over the world.   The most famous bride of the decade is sure to be Kate Middleton - known after Friday's ceremony as the Duchess of Cambridge.  Marrying Prince William has turned Kate into a modern day Cinderella.  Middleton wore a beautiful lace embroidered dress with a satin bodice by English designer Sarah Burton, who is the creative Director of Alexander McQueen.  The dress was beautiful, and embodied British design.  BRITISH DESIGNER SARAH BURTON All of the lace flowers were hand embroidered by The Royal School of Needlework.  This is a wonderful detail to remind us how important the handcrafted details are to designer collections, and how much prestige there are to terms like "Made In Italy"  for a house like Ferragamo.

This is a major achievement for Sarah Burton, who with one dress has been able to effectively change the image of the McQueen collection,  which was Gothic and Costume like, and map out a course for herself at the fashion house. (My instincts tell me this might also be golden opportunity for the designer to launch her own collection).  This is also a big boost for the British fashion industry, as the country has struggled to keep London Fashion week relevant.   In recent years, many fashion buyers and magazine editors have skipped London and headed straight to Paris & Milan on the bi-annual trips to see the latest runway creations.   Many British designers themselves even forego London Fashion week for this reason.   Stella McCartney and John Galliano are prime examples of English designers who choose to show in Paris.  (Of course, Galliano will be rethinking all aspects of his business and his future in the industry in light of recent events).  FERRAGAMO- RED CARPET - MTO JEWEL BOX

What does  all of this have to do with Ferragamo?  EVERTHING!  The launch of the Ferragamo Red Carpet Made-To-Order collection could not have happened in a better year.   Any conversation you might have with customers about the royal wedding (or any wedding) should reference the Red Carpet collection.   Keep in mind, a special order program like this is extremely rare in the world of designer fashion.    Red Carpet also gives Ferragamo Boutique associates yet another powerful asset when working on your clientele book. RED CARPET MTO - STYLE SELECTION  This is something that your customers will not see in a department store setting - or have available to her anywhere besides the boutique.   If you need any information on the Red Carpet Program or details, talk with your manager today!

**  When talking about weddings, don't forget the guys!   The Ferragamo boutique is an amazing resource for gifts for the groom and groomsmen.  In fact, it would be hard to think of another fashion brand that is as appropriate and modern as Ferragamo when buying gifts for these young men who are building their own wardrobe of fashion items.   Money clips, card holders, cufflinks, etc. - all excellent choices and all strengths of the Ferragamo Men's collection!   Suggest it too any bride, groom,  or mother of the bride or groom you work with.

OFF THE SHELVES

C692- 470-267- $1,690.00 - ALSO IN BLACK & LT. BLUEWith the perfect mix of 70's and 80's styling,  reinterpreted in sleek & modern silhouettes, the charm bags are hot hot hot!   Fresh off the New York Times ad last week, these bags should be part of every client's wardrobe this Spring. They are light weight, on trend with "charming" gold hardware (which we have talked about before in the FEED).  C697- $990.00 - IN A RANGE OF SPRING COLORS The Costume Jewelry elements and 70's styling of these two bags will work with every designer collection from Spring 2011.   If she wears Hermes, Bottega, Chloe, Akris or of course Ferragamo - get one of these bags on her shoulder today!

LEGACY OF LUXURY

Some things are worth repeating... and with the reaction Ferragamo Sandals are receiving all over the country - I have to say it again!  Since that frightful Winter is now behind us - Sandals, Mules, and high heel / strappy pumps are sizzling!

We are in chic company this season as Hermes is also featuring suede sandals.   As we mentioned in a recentDONATELLA - GANCINI CHAIN - C855-459-077-$350.00 Ferragamo Feed, sandals are a big part of Ferragamo DNA.   Salvatore Ferragamo was the first designer shoe maker to sell custom made sandals from his Hollywood Boot Shop back in the 20's.

The Donatella sandal in patent leather is so sexy!  Featuring a Gancini ChainLink detail, this shoe is a "must try on".  While not having much shelf appeal due to the nature of chain, it is so sophisticated and flattering on the foot.    You MUST suggest this one whenever you have a client trying on any sandal. GLORY OF THE VARA FAMILY - B993 - $360.00  Also available in PINK PATENT LEATHER... Now that is one to take on any vacation or long weekend.  This is also one to buy in two colors - black is a must have!

Speaking of a "must have"  - this little Mule can take all the "Glory" she wants.   A great option to go with just about any Spring / Summer event is this playful sandal with that Vara bow!  The pinstripe detailing gives it a sporty feel, while the crisp grosgrain keeps the shoe sophisticated every step of the way.   With a range of color options, this $360.00 shoe can be a hit with women 30 - 80.  There are not many shoes that can be so sexy and so conservative at the same time - that is a fine line to balance.

LEGACY OF LUXURY   

The Ferragamo legacy is one celebrating innovative design and production of luxury goods handcrafted in Italy.   In addition, the company has a long tradition of philanthropic endeavors.   A true sign of sophistication and education, a sense of civic responsibility is a true sign of class.

LOURDES FANIUL, LOY ANDERSON, & TALBOTT MAXEY HOST THE WORTH AVENUE BENEFITFerragamo has recently hosted several collections preview events benefitting wonderful charities that give back to the local community of our boutiques.  In April two of the events took place in Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens.   The Palm Beach event on Worth Avenue benefitted the Paradise Fund.   The charity is focused on educating children on how to be responsible citizens of the world in political, social, and environmental actions.   The event drew a young and fashionable crowd to Worth Avenue!  Ten days later just a bit North in Palm Beach Gardens, the Ferragamo boutique hosted an equally significant event benefiting the Easter Seals Organization.   Two excellent examples of the causes that our best customers are champions of.   Talk with your best clients and learn what civic causes they are passionate about.   Partner with you manager to plan a way to help that charity and foster new relationships with these responsible citizens who appreciate fashion.   Fashion with a cause!