LEGACY OF LUXURY
FERRAGAMO GLAMOUR AT THE JAMES B. DUKE MANSIONFrom the day that Salvatore Ferragamo opened his Hollywood Boot Shop on Las Palmas Boulevard in Los Angeles in 1923, the most glamorous women in the world have worn Ferragamo. It is with this spirit that Massimiliano Giornetti created the Resort 2012 collection he showed on Tuesday night in New York City. Staged at the James B. Duke Mansion on 5th avenue, the collection was as elegant and luxurious as the outrageous surroundings. More on that below in Ferragamo Time. Looking to the French Riviera and the sophisticated lifestyle of the women of the 20's & 30's, the Ferragamo Resort Collection featured nautical references and luxury as a lifestyle. Shimmering gowns embroidered with micro-sequins created a silvery glow. A navy maxi-coat that was made to make a memorable entrance. 
SILVER AND GRAY SILK EVENING GOWN
The models descended from the grandest double height, marble staircase that created as dramatic an entrance as has ever been staged in a New York fashion show. What could have been a scene out of The Great Gatsby, took your breath away. A prominent fashion editor who is a 20 year veteran of the industry took it further and said it all with her facebook status update that read "Ferragamo resort show possibly one of the best runway entrances I've ever witnessed" - and trust me - she has seen it all! The most beautiful models in the industry walked the runway, and in the audience were the beauties of stage and screen. Eva Mendes, Emma Roberts, & Freida Pinto were three fresh faces that were a Summer delight in Ferragamo!
Never has a collection so fittingly adorned a setting, and the entire show was a truly unique New York moment. The softness of the shimmering silk, the pastel colors of the lightest blue, gray, and richest navy cashmeres, set against vintage Fred Leighton diamonds - 
so many diamonds! It will never happen again. Ferragamo was the first fashion event ever to be staged at the Duke mansion. Think of it -the house was built over 100 years ago and this was the premiere! The Duke family donated the mansion to New York University in the 1950's and it now houses part of the NYU fine arts collection.
Massimiliano captured the true spirit of the Ferragamo philosophy with this stunning show. Pure luxury, created to flatter those who wear it. Never about a logo, but about elegance and sophistication. She might be headed to the Riviera, to lunch, or even the park - but a Ferragamo woman is always dressed the part. 
EVA MENDES - STUNNING IN FERRAGAMO
Be sure to start the buzz about the resort collection with your clients now. As they pop in to see sale items in July or preview Fall, be sure to talk about this show. I guarantee the magazines are sure to be full of these references come September and October. Timeless classics like these shapes are forever, and are truly items that build a wardrobe for life.
Of course we will revisit these looks in months to come. This capsule collection will be very limited and extra exclusive in markets around the world. If a special client is asking about a certain look, talk to your manager now to see how we can make it happen for her.
OFF THE SHELVES
ATTITUDE WALKING! - D419-482-365-925With all the over the top glamour surrounding Ferragamo these days, don't think for a moment we are neglecting the needs of our core customer and her everyday necessities. The collection has always centered around classic themes inspired by the Tuscany countryside and all the accessories of a well heeled life - from riding boots and equestrian details to leather 
PUMP-ED UP LOAFER - D418-478-535-$650weekend bags. It's all still here, now punctuated with stunning eveningwear.
Speaking of classics. Massimiliano took two classic themes and created one amazing group of shoes and boots for Fall 2011. The sleek style of an equestrian boot, with the masculine edge of a tailored loafer created the Gancio Moccasin group. Equestrian Wardrobe it is, and they also have a powerful, sultry feel to each style. 
LADY LOAFER - D525-476-785-$450 The boot is all attitude in shiny Black or Oxblood calfskin at $925. ** Keep in mind there are also 9 pairs in oxblood python** available for $1,800.00 - you know who to call! The pump is an updated penny loafer that gives a retro kick to any outfit. Fans of Marc Jacobs or Celine could definitely rock these loafer / pumps with any of those looks. Priced at $650, she is available in the same shiny Oxblood and Black calfskin - or a supple Beige suede. The classic loafer with Gancio hardware offers all these and additional suede colors of Dark Green and Gray for $450.
C692-476-928- $1,750.00In handbags, Fall brings us a continuation of the popular Charm theme that debuted in Spring. The "Hardware as Jewelry" concept is puntuated on supple patent leather bags in Oxblood, Mercuio, and Black. Some customers might have admired the drawstring shape for Spring, but were afraid of the perceived delicate nature of a suede handbag. 
C659-478-273-MERCURIO - $1,190.00These rich patent leather colors are perfect for her! Be sure to get in touch with any clients you can recall admiring the drawstring shape - it is a favorite of women of all ages. There is also something magical about a patent leather handbag. The shimmer and shine of patent can make a bag and even an outfit more sophisticatied and dressed. Designer clients are familiar with the higher price points of patent leather. The process to create this effect is time consuming, adding considerable cost to the hand crafted detailing. Be confident to talk about the details and craftmenship of these luxurious patent leather bags!
In July we also welcome an exciting new fragrance to the boutiques. Attimo L'Eau Florale, the perfect summer bouquet - floral and light - with all the optimism and playfulness of cool Summer day - or hot Summer night! Essence of Nashi Pear, Kumquat, and Lotus Flower add to an intoxicating blend of Rose and Jasmin. 
The Rose Gold detailing of this beautiful curved flacon makes the bottle a beautiful addition to any women's collection. A great thank-you gift suggestion for clients looking for something special for daughters - or daughters-in-law while shopping.
Finally, don't forget
D067-460-177 - SHINY CALFSKIN - MULTIPLE COLORS to let your customers know about the great Summer looks that are now on Sale. The new wave of prices hits July 8th. Two stand out looks are in very popular categories - Sandals & Totes! A sexy Summer Sandal is a must have - and if she doesn't have it by now - it is NOW or NEVER. With last minute weekend invitations, every girl needs the right sandal at a moments notice during the summer. With color options of Red, Brown, Sunflowers, & White - every look is covered!
In handbags, the 30's inspired tote we
VINTAGE FERRAGAMO AD CIRCA 1930'S debuted on the Feed last month is a great bag to take on any weekend destination, or perfect beach bag once you get there.
FERRAGAMO TIME
The Duke mansion was built in 1909 by James B. Duke, a founding partner of the American Tobacco company, owner of Duke Power, and father of Doris Duke - the woman who would become one of the most famous and infamous socialites the world has ever known. This limestone mansion was a tribute to French Neoclassical architecture and would become THE home on Millionaire's Row opposite Central Park that all society envied and spoke of. It is incredible
JAMES B. DUKE MANSION - 5TH AVENUE @ 78TH STREET to see the oversized scale of the grand foyer and to realize that only James, his wife Nanaline, and their adolescent little girl- Doris occupied the residence part of the year. (of course - there was staff!) To say they had interesting neighbors would be the understatement of the century. They had good company along 5th avenue, as family names like Vanderbilt, Dupont, and Carnegie all called this pristine stretch of the Upper East Side home. Doris Duke would never live in the house as an adult, it would be donated by Nanaline to New York University in the 50's after the death of James Duke. The old expression - they don't make them like this anymore couldn't be more appropriate. An interesting fact for TV fans. The pilot episode of ABC's Dirty Sexy Money was shot here at the Duke Mansion. The show chronicled the fictional life of New York's richest family - The Darlings. 
JAMES B. DUKE MANSION AS SEEN FROM CENTRAL PARK Darling setting it was, and if that family had really existed - they would have wanted to live here.
It is amazing to think of the historical timeline of this house. The early 1900's and all the titans of industry building their empires. It should make us all so proud to think of Salvatore Ferragamo also building his empire during these formative times. A boy from Italy with a dream who would create a luxury house of fashion - known around the world! How rare and extraordinary. Bravo Ferragamo, and Bravo to Massimiliano for creating an event so perfectly honoring the legacy of Salvatore and for creating an event New Yorker's had never seen!