Cap d'Antibe on the French RivieraBravo Massimiliano! Bravo Bravo! This cheer of excellence means the same thing in Italian, French, or English. The common language of Art and Artisans in the creative fields are intertwined in countries all around the world. When we speak about Fashion however, clearly the world considers Italian and French design houses as the center of all things chic and relevant. Massimiliano Giornetti has further entwined these references for Fall 2011 as he looked to the South of France and the Riviera lifestyle of the 1920's & 30's for inspiration in his Men's and Women's collections for Ferragamo. 
Salvador Dali & Coco Chanel - late 1920's Giornetti makes the point that this era was so iconic for fashion - as the most important artists of the century were formulating their bodies of work. Painters, writers, and musicians such as Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, and Cole Porter were living a life that would become legendary. The concept of the "French Riviera" was born during this time. The emerging style that would influence generations to come was all about elegance, but with focus on lifestyle and comfort - for the first time in history. Coco Chanel was the first Women's clothing designer to realize "comfort is elegance" and Salvatore Ferragamo the first to do the same for Women's shoes! Ferragamo did for shoes what Chanel did for Fashion.
In addition to being the strongest shoe designer of this era of elegance on the Riviera, Ferragamo - the brand, has a powerful 
FERRAGAMO EDITORIAL CREDITS IN EUROPE presence on the Riviera with boutiques in Cannes and Monaco, and major wholesale accounts in nearby Nice. (Not to mention that Italy is just a few hours drive from any location on the French Riviera). The richest customers in the world spend Summer holidays Yachting and Globetrotting through these ports, making shopping at the boutiques a welcomed diversion between breakfast, La Plage (the beach), and Dinner.
I recently spent 36 hours in Italy, in a small and charming city - Cuneo. What struck me immediately was the sense of "joie de vivre" that is present in every aspect of Italian life. 
THE LOCAL "CARAMELLA' OF CUNEO, ITALY From the first "Buon Giorno" I heard at the hotel each morning, to the many casual "ciao"s I heard throughout the day - they were always accompanied with a smile. (Having just spent some time in France, unfortunately this was a novelty!). But let's focus on the positive and celebrate the Italian spirit for what it is... and that is - Happy. There is a passion and uplifting spirit to the culture, so perfectly expressed in the 1980's song "La Felicita" by Al Bano & Romina Power (Grand daughter of Tyrone Powers). The song spoke about the happiness found in the little things like holding hands with the one you love and listening to the rain as it hits the rooftop.
As an Italian house of luxury fashion, Ferragamo represents the best of Italian know how with shoes, clothing, & leather goods, but it also makes us ambassadors to the world for this sense of "La Felicita" or "Happiness". Why not start greeting your clients with "Buon Giorno". Let's never forget our priceless Italian heritage or more importantly, let's never let our clients forget that Ferragamo is "Made In Italy" now and forever!
OFF THE SHELVES
The evolution of the Gancio Lineage W handbag collection continues! This Fall two totes from the Runway Collection join the aleady fashionable styles in the group. First a ba
"CLASSIC" STRUCTURE FROM THE GANCIO LINEAGE W TOTE- FERRAGAMO FALL 11g that can become the classic go-to for ladies who lunch, the serious business woman with appointments back to back, or the young fashionista making an ironic reference to classic style worn back to skinny jeans and Vara flats. The structure and East / West dimensions give it that buttoned up sense of style.
For a completely different look, suggest the fold over soft shape of this clutch-meets shoulder bag.
FERRAGAMO GANCIO LINEAGE W TOTE- SOFT STRUCTURE / STRONG STATEMENT Slung across the body it has the bohemian chic cache of the girl about town. The deep rich color makes a strong statement, even if the shape is relaxed. Suggest theses totes to all of your handbag clients - and of course to those buying shoes as well. Cross selling from Shoes, to handbags, to RTW has never been easier at Ferragamo than it is for Fall 2011.
FERRAGAMO TIME
As Massimiliano Giornetti looks to the past to invent future styles for Fall 2011, we are all reminded of Salvatore Ferragamo's orginal genius and groundbreaking
GEOMETRIC PLATE - "CAROL" PUMP - FERRAGAMO FALL 2011 designs. While many houses "borrow" concepts from the biggest names in Fashion, Giornetti channels Salvatore in guiding the evolution of this iconic collection. The Fall 2011 shoe collection is perfect example. Every major runway collection from New York to Milan has referenced the 30's, 40's, & 50's in a return to "Classic Chic" from shoes to dresses. The Geometric Plate group of shoes has a strong nod to the art deco movement and clean lines of the graphic movement storming the designer runways. 
FERRAGAMO "CASSANDRA" D'ORSAY PUMP Again we see simplicity that makes a strong statement. The Neutral coloring of Carol works perfectly back to the Men's suiting influence that are key for Fall. The combination of fabric and leather is sophisticated and tailored. The Cassandra d'orsay pump with ankle strap is sexier,
GEOMETRIC PLATE - "CANDIDA" - FERRAGAMO FALL 2011 having the deco feeling mixed with the exotic effect of embossed calfskin. The perfect complement to both is the Candida flat. This luxe patent leather and interlocking decorative ornament has a retro and modern feel at the same time- an excellent update for Varina clients!
LEGACY OF LUXURY
As we all know, designer fragrances are one of the most important aspects to a luxury fashion house. Each scent that bears the name of a designer is a calling card that will represent the image of the brand. The launch of Attimo Pour Homme clearly carries this message. A woody, sensual essence is carried through the latest Ferragamo fragrance for men. The Freshness of Marjoram and Sage is complemented by the spiciness of Vetiver and Black Pepper. 
From the ingredients to the packaging - Attimo Pour Homme embodies the image of the Ferragamo Man. The steel gray flacon with with a matte stripe across the bottle exudes pure masculinity. The warm white textile paper of the outer packaging is embossed and references the elegence and refinement of a Ferragamo man's shirt. Attimo Pour Homme is the perfect gift for all the Ferragamo men we see in our boutiques each and every day. Also, be sure to suggest this latest scent for all the men in your female customers life!
REPRESENTING THE COMPLETE FASHION IMAGE IN ATLANTAThe legacy of luxury continues - Ferragamo boutiques continue to expand the message of Salvatore Ferragamo. The Ferragamo boutique in Buckhead Atlanta has reopened with an exciting expansion! For the first time Atlanta customers will have the opportunity to shop The Men's & Women's RTW Collection. Amazing timing as Ferragamo Ready-To-Wear is the most talked about fashion collection of Fall 2011! Atlanta represents a powerful and important fashion destination for shoppers seeking luxury from all over the South East! The exclusive neighborhood of Buckhead regularly sees visitors from Virginia, the Carolina's, Kentucky, Tennessee and Northern Florida!
The modern design of the renovated boutique relays the most current vision of the Ferragamo brand. 
FERRAGAMO ATLANTA'S IMPRESSIVE NEW FACADEWith innovative fixtures incorporating texture and color- items from footwear to handbags are displayed in a pure luxury setting. The renovation has added over 1,000 square footage to the store which now covers over 3,500 square feet. Congratulations Atlanta - Wishing you the best Fall season ever!
Buon Giorno and Ciao until next time!