HAUTE HOLIDAY - FERRAGAMO DAZZLES!

SPARKLING GOLD IN SALVATORE FERRAGAMO FOR HOLIDAY 2014 - SEEN HERE IN THE AMERICANA MANHASSET HOLIDAY LOOK BOOKWith the holiday season sparkling bright, shoppers have begun that frenzied task of finding the "perfect" gift for all the special people on their list.   With the U.S. economy leading much of the world in the positive column, designer fashion hasn't been positioned so well in several years.   Despite the stock dip in December, the market has been on fire for most of the year.   With oil prices low, consumer confidence has reached a recent milestone at 93.8%!   Let's celebrate as shoppers find their way into Salvatore Ferragamo boutiques coast to coast!   With so many luxurious options, we can provide a white Christmas, a Happy Chanukah, and just about any color or holiday you celebrate.   All you need is a twinkle in your eye, and a warm smile as you great your next holiday shopper.

FERRAGAMO TIME

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO "MINI" SOFIA - $1,750.00In the last 20 years, few categories of gifts have gained momentum more than fashion.  Designer shoes, handbags, have really kicked that "holiday sweater" to the back of the tree (for men and women).   Not surprising when we look at just how many fashionable, colorful handbags and shoes exist today.  While Avant-Garde designs might get the attention in most campaigns and magazines - nothing is more coveted than the classics when it comes to holiday shopping.  FENDI MINI PEEK-A-BOO BAG - SPRING 2015 Take advantage of the fact that Salvatore Ferragamo has so many items seen as icons - be it The Vara, The Sofia, or any item with Gancio hardware or embellishment.  Town & Country Magazine does just this in the December / January issue featuring cover girl Liv Tyler.   The lovely and talented actress and model (the face of Givenchy fragrances) is giving full force glamour in page after page of a very romantic editorial.   In the very popular SOURCEBOOK section at the back of the magazine, Town & Country suggests Vionnet Heels, Hermes Gloves, Dior eye-shadow, a Bottega Veneta clutch, and a Mini-Sofia bag, and several more luxury items as a holiday choice.   Giving us two reasons to covet the Mini-Sofia.. *1-it's a fashion industry ICON, *2- it represents one of the hottest trends continuing for Spring - the "MINI" handbag.  Priced under $2,000.00 - a win / win / win - make that *3 reasons! 

LEGACY OF LUXURY

VERDURA "CURB-LINK" BANGLE BRACELETS IN ROSE, YELLOW, AND WHITE GOLD - $9,700-$10,500.00 - MADE FAMOUS IN THE 1940'S BY GRETA GARBOThe Holiday Season is also one of the best times of the year when it comes to gifting Fine Jewelry.  While 18k gold is a great present any time, (who can resist?) there is a magic in the air during the Christmas / Chanukah & New Year season.   Pink Gold Gancio Ring with diamonds - $4,200.00 Designing houses that offering this very labor intensive category truly showcase their brands credentials.   It adds a layer of luxury and elevates a fashion house.   It just does.  SALVATORE FERRAGAMO SPRING 2015 KNITWEAR MAKES A CHIC PALETTE TO SHOWCASE VAN CLEEF & ARPELS, BULGARI, & CARTIER RINGS, & AN OMEGA WATCH - ELLE MAGAZINE - DEC 2014

While the price points of fine Jewelry might seem high compared to other categories in the boutique, keep in mind these prices are right in line (or lower) than other fine jewelry offerings in the 18k Gold Vara Charm - $1,650.00marketplace.

One ultra-luxe example of exclusive fine jewelry are the holiday offerings from VERDURA.  This legendary houseVERDURA'S 18K GOLD AND "COLORED STONE" MAPLE LEAF BROACH - $58,000.00 is celebrating 75 years of stunning creations with some unbelievable pieces.   Verdura cuffs are the original versions created for Coco Chanel all those years ago in Paris.  The house has created one-of-a-kind jewels for some of the most fashionable women in the world - some now offered on this special anniversary.  While the full bib emerald necklace is offered at a staggering $525,000.00, there are also cuff bracelets available in  Yellow, Rose, and White Gold that range range from $9,700 to $10,500.00.   These Curb-Links bangles were made famous by Greta Garbo - another client of Salvatore Ferragamo.   It's no doubt that jeweler Fulco-di-Verdura the Italian jeweler to the stars was creating these items in gold for Ms. Garbo at the same time Salvatore Ferragamo was custom making shoes for his Hollywood Legend! How is that for a legacy of luxury?PINK GOLD AND CALCEDONY (MOONSTONE) VARA EARRINGS $2,800.00

Take a look at some of these Verdura price-points.  It might make you suggest two or three rings -stacked- the next time you show FJ to a client!

Of course, the collection offered from Verdura is very different from Ferragamo, or Gucci, or any of the luxury fashion brands offering fine jewelry (those who are not jewelers by trade).   However, the Salvatore Ferragamo Fine Jewelry pieces definitely have a clean, modern sense to their designs that can appeal to a much broader client base.   I think there would be very few young women that would covet the Verdura items.   They are beautiful, but very mature.   However, the Ferragamo Fine Jewelry is ageless - innocent and sensual at the same time. 

OFF THE SHELVES - AHEAD OF THE TREND

VERDURA EMERALD "SCARF" NECKLACE - $545,000.00

It was recently announced that the color Marsala is "the" color of the year for 2015.   The folks at Pantone are THE arbiters of "shade" as it were.

Of course, anyone watching fashion trends has seen this color gaining momentum in the last few years.  At Ferragamo, we know that it was Massimiliano Giornetti that helped bring this color center stage - some 3 years ago.  In the Spring of 2011, his Menswear collection set the trend.  In it's first showing, as a deeper, almost burnt Marsala.  This shade of burgundy featured heavily on the Ferragamo runway for men that season.  

Fast forward to Pre-Fall 2012, the shade was flattering sophisticated travelers portrayed in Giornetti's ultra-luxe collection for women.   Tracking the colors evolution across the collections really gives insight into the creative process that designers follow.  

Since then, Gucci focused heavily on the color, as did many other houses.  Most of the fast fashion brands like H&M and Zara boutiques are full of the color.  Even sport brands like New Balance and Rebok are offering trainers in the same color - and it is popular with teens and young adults. 

This whole scenario of the trickle down process from runway to sidewalk was explained brilliantly in a scene from FALL 2011 MENSWEAR COLLECTION - "MARSALA" FEATURED HEAVILYThe Devil Wears Prada starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. SALVATORE FERRAGAMO PRE-FALL 2012 - A BRIGHTER SHADE OF MARSALA -TAKEN TO AN ULTRA-LUXE PRESENTATION  In the scene Meryl- aka Miranda tears into Andy (Hathaway) for not knowing her "lumpy Blue, bargain bin sweater" was inspired 3 seasons prior by Oscar de la Renta's runway show that featured a "Cerulean Blue" dress.   Her monologue on the process was priceless - and as is so often the case - truth is stranger than fiction. 

 As we head into 2015, let's remember that Massimiliano is often ahead of trends, setting them.   We just have to be on the lookout!  

Now, do we think Santa will change his shade slightly to "Marsala"?   Ho Ho Ho.