MARCH ON - FASHION FLOCK ON THE MOVE!

OFF THE.. RUNWAY

WINTER WHITE OUT - FERRAGAMO FALL 2013We interrupt Spring Selling Season for a sneak peak at Massimiliano Giornetti's FERRAGAMO vision for Fall 2013.  Paris Fashion week is happening as you read this, which means that collections in New York, London, & Milan have already walked the runways. 

In New York, the most talked about event was unfortunately NOT on the runway..sort of.   Speculation over disgraced designer John Galliano's three week "residency" at Oscar de la Renta was running high.  Adding to the drama was a "will he or won't he" debate if Galliano would share a bowOSCAR de la RENTA Fall 2013 as styled by JOHN GALLIANO -destined to be a collectible! with Oscar after the show, or sit front row as his co-creations graced the runway.  Of course, he did neither.  When asked how much Galliano had contributed to the collection, Oscar was coy saying "well he is backstage".  So why not give credit where credit is due?   MENSWEAR INSPIRATION & SKINNY SATIN PANTS FOR FALLWell, I guess it's Oscar's show, and even at 80 - Mr. de la Renta still wants that spotlight.  However, let's just say- it was the most relevant ODLR has looked in a long time.  This Oh-SO-calculated press event was quite a coup for Oscar.

In Milan, Ferragamo Fall 2013 garnered oohs and ahhs for the super chic, cool, and sexy PINSTRIPE SKIRT SUITS - ALWAYS A BEST SELLERcollection.  Continuing on concepts introduced in Spring, seeds planted will be in full bloom by Fall harvest!  The Ferragamo woman is confident, sexy, & sophisticated.  This palette of Navy, black, and creamy Winter white gave a modern backdrop that flattered handbags and shoes.  There was some 60's references, but a sense of modernity was the message.  Pinstripes were strong points in the collection, which are also emerging as a trend for the season.  (Stella McCartney featured several pinstripe looks on her Paris Runway for Fall as well).  Handbags had several messages -structured shapes as STELLA McCARTNEY WINTER 2013 PINSTRIPE DRESSwell as more organic, natural shapes.   Exotic skins are ultra-luxe stand-outs!!  Toes were covered for the most part with an innovative boot design that is sure to be a must have for fashion fans around the world!

Massimiliano continues to elevate Ferragamo RTW, which in turn elevates Handbags and shoes, and along with it -the entire brand.   His ability to create chic and sophisticated clothes that are logo free, but ultra-luxurious is a talent not to be underestimated.   The Hermes, Bottega Veneta, and Loewe client are like minded women who wear clothes to look beautiful.    A take-away thought that many editors express again and again - these are wearable clothes.   While this can sound like a back-handed compliment, it actually increases relevance.   Today more than ever magazines and fashion houses want to know what sells and increases the bottom line.   A collection like Ferragamo Fall 2013 is GOLDEN!

FERRAGAMO TIME

FERRAGAMO RUNWAY TOP (NOT PRODUCED) & SKIRT(PRODUCED IN MOSS -545-357 -$3,390.00) W/ GUCCI SANDALS & LARGE BLACK PANTHERHere in the U.S. March madness refers to basketball.  However, you could go mad chasing all the gorgeous editorial featuring Salvatore Ferragamo month after month!  March is a perfect example.   All categories are being represented - center stage!   HARPER'S BAZAAR MARCH 2013 - FEATURING FERRAGAMO BIJOUXKeep in mind, Ferragamo runway collections are now guiding fashion editors as they plan editorial stories for the season.   Few designers reach this status, and Ferragamo has arrived.  

Let't take a moment to celebrate a new attitude on the Salvatore Ferragamo runway.   We know the Ferragamo Woman is sophisticated, cool, and cultured, but she is unmistakably SEXY!  Let's face it - sex, drugs, and rock & roll has shaped the fashion industry for decades.   Women wear clothes to feel smart, to feel sophisticated, and to feel sexy.   The best case scenario is when a look can achieve all three- undoubtedly the biggest challenge.  FERRAGAMO BIJOUX - 545-026 - BRACELET -$330.00 - **CREDITED AS NECKLACE** To be sexy, but not vulgar : to be sophisticated, but not uptight.  We are witnessing Massimiliano develop into one of the strongest Creative Directors in the industry!  Fashion editors and photographers are taking note so should we.VOGUE MAGAZINE - MARCH 2013 -SUPERMODEL LILLY COLE WEARS A PROENZA SCHOULER DRESS, CHANEL "LEGO" CLUTCH, & FERRAGAMO PINK PUMPS

Famed Photographer Terry Richardson took the collection to Paris with what else - a Panther!  Richardson is known for his raw sensuality.  Never subtle, his work makes a statement.  Choosing Ferragamo for this shoot also makes a statement about the collection and the new era it has entered.   **More and more fashion customers are putting the boutique on their "fashion map".  Magazine editorials, fashion focused advertising campaigns, celebrity outreach, social media outlets, & breathtaking windows are attracting a a more youthful client to your stores**  

When a brand is hot, lesser known categories are also elevated.   A perfect example is Harper's Bazaar magazine  featuring Ferragamo Bijoux on a key trend page in the March 13 issue.  Snakeskin was the focus, but Ferragamo got center square with chain link "ID" bracelet.  **NOTE - the magazine has misprinted the style as a necklace - but listed the bracelet price of $330.00.  (Necklace retails for $650.00).  They will have to print a retraction - but be forewarned **FASHION - ON - FIRE - VOGUE MARCH 2013 - PROENZA SCHULER DRESS, CHANEL CLUTCH, FERRAGAMO PUMPS

VOGUE magzine's editorial "Going to Pieces" is on fire in the March issue!  Supermodel Lilly Cole wears a beautiful Proenza Schouler dress (a bright spot in the NY fashion scene), a Chanel resin bag nicknamed "the lego clutch" for obvious reasons, and super chic Ferragamo pumps.  **take note - the Chanel clutch is resin (plastic) and priced at over $9,000.00 dollars.   Important to recognize how inflated many collection clutch bags have become from many designer collections.  Recognize the value in Ferragamo evening bags.**

LEGACY OF LUXURY

With so much attention being paid to the runway statements and those "fashion statements" we see in most editorial, it is important to keep in mind how versatile a well designed shoe, handbag, or jacket can / should be.   Salvatore Ferragamo started this house of luxury fashion by creating handmade shoes in Hollywood in 1923.  From the very beginning, Mr. Ferragamo changed the way the MIU MIU JACKET, TOP, & SKIRT W/ FERRAGAMO SANDALS - TOWN & COUNTRY- MARCH 2013wealthiest women in the world looked at shoes.   One category in which he excelled was sandals.   To craft a luxury pair of designer sandals was unheard of at the time.   They were an instant success.  The leading ladies of Hollywood's studio system were making appointments to meet with Ferragamo from Italy, to create a LAST, and to have a pair of sandals custom made for her foot.   In that same year, 1923, Famed filmmaker Cecile B. Demille commissions Ferragamo to create custom made sandals for the entire cast of "The Ten Commandments" - a major motion picture that would become iconic.

Under the creative direction of Massimiliano Giornetti, once again the sandal has taken on an important role in the Ferragamo collection.   Season after season, key styles have been among the first to sell out.   Spring 2013 features a sophisticated "gladiator" sandal with Gancio detail in several forms.    Town & Country Magazine illustrates just how sophisticated this style is, and how it can go from Runway warrior - to sophisticated country house in the blink of an eye.    This romantic photo shoot in the March issue was shot on site in Scottsdale, Arizona in one of architect - Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces.   "Taliesin West" was Wrights second home - a place the unique artist spent a great deal of time.   ** Interesting to not that Frank Lloyd Wright and Salvatore Ferragamo were both at the height of the careers during the same time period of the 1930's.  The two would have certainly known of each others work.**   (To learn more about FLW visit www.franklloydwright.org).