JUNE BLOOMS IN BLACK & WHITE!

OFF THE SHELVESMADONNA CARRIES SALVATORE FERRAGAMO OVER GIVENCHY COUTURE TO THE BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS IN LAS VEGAS

There is no clearer sign that a fashion brand is HOT than seeing all categories in magazine editorials, and being worn by celebrities.   This Spring, Ferragamo is a triple threat - Shoes, RTW, & Accessories are on fire!  Month after month the biggest names in entertainment, and the biggest magazines in print are featuring Massimiliano Giornetti's vision of Salvatore Ferragamo's  dream.   The Queen of pop and THE icon of the fashion world - MADONNA rolled into The Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas last month carrying the pre-fall Verve Gancio Zip handbag in leather and python.  On the shoulder of her custom Givenchy Couture Leather and satin trench coat and dress,  no bag could have been a better choice!  The photos of this entrance went around the world almost instantly via social media. (The Facebook page of my blog had over 30K impressions within 24 hours of posting the photo!).   Madonna was all lady on the way in, and a bit outrageous on stage - but we expect nothing less.  There to accept the award for biggest grossing tour of the year - her 2012 "MDNA" tour-de-force was the second largest concert tour in history by a female performer.   MADONNA ARRIVES IN A SATIN & LEATHER GIVENCHY TRENCHCOAT WITH HER FERRAGAMO VERVE LEATHER & PYTHON HANDBAGSecond only to her own "Sticky & Sweet" tour in 2008.  The tours grossed $407 Million & $305 Million.  Don't adjust your monitor, yes, almost 3/4 of a billion dollars.  Needless to say, Madonna can wear anything she wants, and time after time her choice is Ferragamo.   The timeless detailing of the black and white Verve handbag makes it a versatile investment at $4,100.00 and it is in store now.   How's that for pre-season buzz? C MAGAZINE FALL TREND ALERT - HIGH CONTRAST - BLACK & WHITE

The fashion world is always ahead of... NOW!   While the Northern hemisphere is bursting with the buds and blooms of Spring awakening - the fashion world is sending a minimalist message for the Fall season coming in 2013.   Clean, modern design walked runways from Paris, Milan, & New York.   The Americans followed Europe as expected, and Europe was absolutely Mod (60's term for modern characterized by A-Line skirts, Go-go boots, and patent leather accessories), Modern, and Retro - all rolled into one.   The Fall collections Massimiliano created for Ferragamo Uomo and Donna were (once again) just ahead of trend - making this collection one of the style influencers of the season.   Fashion Editors, Stylists, and even Fashion Designers have been influenced by this house and it's legacy, and by the sleek, sexy collections for men and women that bear the label - Salvatore Ferragamo.   **The options for color come in Pre-Fall**

In great company, Ferragamo ready-to-wear, accessories, and shoes from Spring & Fall 2013 are easily worn with other designers like Balenciaga, Proenza Schouler, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Etro, & Chanel.   How is that for versatile?  **Not familiar with a brand mentioned?  Make it a point to go find it this week in your shopping center, or at a nearby boutique or department store.  Touch and feel the items. Look at the details inside and out.  It is so powerful to really know what shoppers are seeing elsewhere.**

    LEGACY OF LUXURY

As we have discussed before, designer ready-to-wear has always been a symbol of true luxury.   Women who can afford the privilege of wearing limited quantity items,  produced by artisanal hands, from the finest raw materials are very rare.  WHITE WOOL PEACOAT $6,970.00 &, TURTLENECK - $930.00 - BOTH - FERRAGAMO FALL RUNWAY, MATCHING SKIRT AVAILABLE $3,400.00COAT - $7,200.00, TURTLENECK -$1,425.00, & PANT - 3,750.00- ALL HERMES Historically, this is a very small segment of the population.   Our job is educate the consumer that is regularly spending $2k or $3k on handbags and shoes, that she too can afford designer ready-to-wear, and what a privilege it is.   Investing in a beautiful hand embroidered blouse, or hand laced leather pants, or a silk dress - these are pieces to own for decades.   Associates should be inviting those customers who have the taste level, and the budget, to experience ready-to-wear on a seasonal basis. VEST - $2,875.00, BLOUSE - $895.00, & BERMUDA SHORTS $1,035.00 - ALL CHLOE If your boutique does not have RTW, partner with the closest boutique that does for that special client.   Curate a small assortment for a special day of shopping for her - or for her and a best girlfriend or group of friends.   Boutiques that are creating that synergy are reaping the benefits!  Investment pieces like the beautiful Winter White coat featured in Harper's Bazaar June / July issue in the feature titled "The Best of What's New" are worthy of a special shopping day.    The article highlights the trend for Fall - outerwear as day - and evening wear.  That's right, wearing one of these beautiful coasts means never having to take it off.  A simple turtleneck and slim trouser are the perfect partners for these luxurious items.  Even when you do take the coat off - the designer details that should be seen on the inside and out are enviable.   ** The take away- Keep it simple and clean for Fall 2013.**

FERRAGAMO TIME

Those magical items that started the legacy - SHOES - are stronger than ever in 2013.  With a return to simplicity sweeping across the fashion industryFERRAGAMO PATENT & PYTHON PUMPS UNDER GLASS - $795.00 - ALONGSIDE PIERRE HARDY PUMPS $1,425.00 for Fall 2013, the house of Salvatore Ferragamo has never looked stronger.  The collection was built on innovation and creativity, so even the most detailed shoes Salvatore himself designed - had a simplicity or purity to the design.   Above all, it flattered the foot and enhanced the beauty of the woman wearing it.   Fall 2013 is no different.   Elle Magazine chose gorgeous Ferragamo black patent & python pumps as a star of the June feature - GLASS MENAGERIE - "THE SEASONS ULTRA LUXURIOUS SNAKESKIN ACCESSORIES".   Under glass alongside Fendi, Pierre Hardy, Manolo Blahnik, Lanvin, Jimmy Choo, Chloe, & Marc Jacobs - The Salvatore Ferragamo Black pumps stand out.  Priced at $795.00 - they will probably sell out before the magazine is off the stands!  A shoe like this can make ANY outfit go from blah to BLAZING... so suggest them to the shopper who is looking for a little TNT to spice up her wardrobe!  If she can wear a stiletto, this is the one to go for.

**Be Conscious of what a powerful position you are in as we approach pre-sale on 6/7-6/10.**  As Ferragamo has moved the needle and become a highly desirable brand for the high-fashion flock - pre-sale and sale have become coveted events.   With new and exciting pre-fall items also in store, everything becomes -buy now, wear now. (With so many runway items under $2,000.00 - it is almost already on sale compared to competitors).  Target clients who dreamed of that item just out of their price range - and more importantly - start noticing those customers now for next season.   Sale begins on 6.13 - let's be ready for the stampede!