GRAY MATTER (s) - FALL 2013

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO BECK CAMERA BAG TAKES CENTER STAGE IN HARPER'S BAZAARThis season, crisp Fall breezes aren't just signs of the season, but also the winds of change blowing through the Fashion world.  Marc Jacobs announced he is leaving Louis Vuitton after 16 years.  Staggering to think of the evolution of the accessories business as we know it during that time.   Sources I've talked to are convinced Marc was pushed out of the position to make way for Nicolas Ghesquire.. but we shall see.   Jacobs pulled out all the stops for his final LV show in Paris for Spring 2014 - everything but the kitchen sink for his swan song.   A Marc Jacobs IPO is guaranteed.  Ever since fellow NY designer Michael Kors went public, all eyes have been on Jacobs to do the same.   Does this mean even more made in China accessories are going to be flooding the "luxury" world?  It's likely, because you can't do outrageous numbers like Michael Kors without volume with a capital V, and profit margin without European manufacturing.  Either way, it only elevates the cache of Made In Italy.  Say it loud!

OFF THE SHELVES

Timing is everything as they say, and the timing of the renaissance at Ferragamo that began over 3 years ago now couldn't have been better!  With fashion house after fashion house losing the "edge", Massimiliano Giornetti's vision of the Salvatore Ferragamo woman continues to impress and inspire the rich, the famous, and the fashion set.    Fall 2013 has the cool palette of pale gray, navy blue, and black.  Notice how sophisticated gray and blue becomes when worn together.   Also, just about every shade of pink works back to pale gray.   It's clear that the fashion world LOVES the camera bag from Fall runway.   I've lost count at this point on how many editorials it has received.   One of the best is in Harper's Bazaar.  The Beck Camera Bag takes center stage in this full page editorial.   The bag is available in limited quantities in Gray, White, Silver, Oxford Blue, and Black for $1,790.00.  Ultra-Luxe option ** White Crocodile ** $17,000.00 in very limited quantities.SALVATORE FERRAGAMO FALL 2013 COAT, SWEATER, & SKIRT, PROENZA SCHOULER SHOES- MINIMAL DETAILS - MAXIMUM LUXURY AS SEEN IN C MAGAZINE

C Magazine also pays tribute to the Salvatore Ferragamo Runway Collection for Fall with a full page editorial.  Modern Art is the perfect partner for the minimal, muted colors of runway.  Modern, sensual, and classic enough to be her go to pieces for years to come.  These items don't have bells and whistles.  What they do have is the finest raw materials, the hand-crafting of Italian artisans, and the limited production that one should expect from luxury ready-to-wear. 

Ferragamo Time

It is so exciting to see editorial coverage continue to fill fashion magazines around the world.   The Ferragamo brand has never been more relevant in print, and on-line.  Smartphone and tablet technology has brought luxury fashion to the fingertips of clients more than anyone ever expected just a few years ago.  With fashion magazines creating features to be viewed online, it is so important for a fashion brand to be represented.   Salvatore Ferragamo is there!   This month Harper's Bazaar, Elle, and Vogue have the hottest accessory stories featuring Ferragamo.   ELLE MAGAZINE'S PICK OF THE HOTTEST BOOTS FOR FALL 2013

The Boots of Fall.   Boots and Fall go together like espadrilles and Summer.  It is a perennial favorite of shoppers and editors.    Elle Magazine chose the Mod runway boot from Fall as one of the best of the season.   While the term "Mod" is used in overkill this season.. the look is timeless!  Check out what the other fashion houses are offering and know your competition.

Another form of "Best Of" that is a favorite of the fashion world is of course "Must Have".   To be "In The Know" is at the core of the desire we create with the beautiful items we sell.  Luxury is not about "needs" - but "wants", "desires", and "dreams". 

Practical is a four letter word to a woman in love with a shoe, bag, or dress!  Romance her.

Leather goods are so important to any house of luxury and Ferragamo continues to develop and expand the reach of our accessory collection.   Harper's Bazaar features the ultra-chic Gancio Zip Interwoven as a "Must Have" of the season.  Madonna helped kick off the luxury side of the Gancio Zip, and the animations are getting stronger and stronger! SALVATORE FERRAGAMO GANCIO ZIP INTERWOVEN - A FASHION "MUST HAVE" FOR FALL 2013 - HARPER'S BAZAAR  Every client you have should own one version of a Gancio Zip - or TWO.

BABY BABY BABY!!SALVATORE FERRAGAMO BABY BLUE VARAS AS FEATURED IN VOGUE

While the mainstream media hasn't covered it, I'm here to tell you we are in the middle of a baby boom!  Everywhere you look there's a stroller or a very pregnant woman.   Cities are seeing the biggest influx of new mothers and toddlers as fewer and fewer couples head to the suburbs these days once the stork delivers that bundle of joy.   Well who needs a gorgeous fashion item more than a mom-to-be, or a new mom?  Remind that dad-to-be not to forget his beautiful wife once the baby arrives.   I always make it a point to bring a gift for the new mother when I visit friends with newborns.   New mothers become the ultimate "never buy that for myself" shopper.   What better way to celebrate a new baby than a pair of Varas?   Baby Blue or Precious Pink??   Suddenly the Vara takes on a whole different meaning - yet again!  Don't take just my word - Vogue magazine recently made it's whole INDEX page - "All About Baby".

LEGACY OF LUXURY

In the world of fashion, the iconic brands that honor the legacy of Couture and true luxury are far and few between.  It is important for those fashion houses that are true to their roots and those that honor tradition to recognizeBOTTEGA VENETA CREATIVE DIRECTOR - TOMAS MAIER their fellow artisans.  One iconic brand that has so much in common with Salvatore Ferragamo is Bottega Veneta.  A fellow Italian house of luxury, I often point out the similarities of the sophisticated and chic approach that the two brands have in common.   Creative Director Tomas Maier actually refuses to create ANY product with a logo and the house has grown dramatically during his decade long tenure. (Maier was under great pressure to great logo branded accessories - as he is funded by the house that GG bags built).

Last Month, something very important, and rare happened.   The U.S. Federal Trademark commission granted Bottega Veneta trademark status of their woven "Intreccio" leather.   We all know Bottega Veneta with just a look, and now the company has proven it in court.   The repercussions are sure to be huge, as millions and millions of dollars have been made by other brands purposely creating product to look like Bottega.BOTTEGA VENETA INTRECCIO LEATHER CABAT - NOW TRADEMARKED!   Now, those actions will be against the law.   Considering Bottega Veneta is part of one of the largest fashion groups in the world - Kering - formerly PPR - formerly Gucci Group - you can imagine the size of the legal team at their disposal.   I was happy to be asked by Bottega's lawyers to give a deposition on the subject matter a few years ago, and thrilled (also flattered and humbled) to have been quoted in the Federal ruling that was issued last month.   As you know, I am passionate about the legacy of luxury fashion, and I respect these few gems of designer houses that also protect those ideals.  Bravo Bottega Veneta.  Iconic styles are what make each house so important and timeless.  As I wrote on the front page of aLIFEofSTYLE - "You better check your weave girl" - because Bottega Veneta IS watching.