As October begins, the finest items from Fall Runways are filling boutiques with color and texture. Just like the most colorful of Falling leaves, pieces from pre, main, and runway collections can come together to create a beautiful ensemble for women with a variety of styles and looks. A classic customer might fall in love with a runway boot, and a fashionista might start a romance with the most classic bag!
RUNWAY RECAP
This mix of classic and modern has never been more "In Vogue" as it is today. With references to every decade from the 40's to the 80's being referenced on a runway somewhere, it's collections like Salvatore Ferragamo who have the most authentic reference points - having been setting trends since the 1920's! For Spring 2015, Massimiliano Giornetti pays homage to Salvatore's avant-garde creations with a reinvention of the rainbow platform. For 2015, this iconic shoe is monochromatic but every bit as avant-garde today. Celebrating a mix of textures - a concept now routine but when introduced by Salvatore - had never been seen. A strong celebration of movement - through knitwear that swings a song of confidence and color. The simplicity of tank dresses and halter necklines brings the quality of these fine knits into focus.
Elsewhere we see Massimiliano's trendsetting 6th sense taking shape for Spring. Tank necklines, floral prints, and the mini-bag sensation continue for Spring. Fendi, Stella McCartney, and Giambattista Valli were also ones to watch. ** Giambattista Valli has millions of new fans watching as this slightly under-the-radar Italian designer gets full focus after having designed one of the dreamy dresses Amal Alamuddin.. aka.. MRS. GEORGE CLOONEY wore during her fairytale wedding weekend in Venice last month. Valli's long sleeved, embroidered lace, short bell skirt was stunning on the bride who made this "confirmed bachelor" a husband! Mixes of prints, retro tank shapes, and embroidered detailing - all techniques and designs Massimiliano has brought to Salvatore Ferragamo RTW since his first collection in 2010. ** We often don't "see" trendsetters until we have finally caught up to their concepts. **
FALL TREND: One of the most iconic and classic silhouettes that have been making cool girls look cooler since the 1950's is making a big comeback in 2014. The Bomber aka The Varsity Jacket, aka The Boyfriend Jacket - whatever you call it - it's a hot look for Fall 2014. Elle Magazine suggests it as a key look in the "Elle Shops - The Weekender - Key Coats" column in October. The article in print and on Elle.com showcases this - Oh-So-Easy to wear look. Paired back to a skin tight jean, or totally chic track pant this look is hot. The look can also be perfect with any designer "sneaker" that is such a hot trend. (Very Balmain 2014) The main collection animal print has been popular across all silhouettes since it arrived weeks ago. The silk blouse, the knit tunic, and the Bomber -all items to suggest to the well traveled fashion client. ** This animal print bomber is the perfect item to refresh a wardrobe that might be TOO classic. ** Suggest this look to an un-usual suspect today.
LEGACY OF LUXURY
Since I've mentioned animal prints, I cannot NOT mention one of the most beautiful silk screened scarves in recent memory - in boutiques now. The leopard printed silks from Fall in shades of burgundy and blue echo the Murano Glass influence for Spring 2015, and will take your breath away. If showing this to a client doesn't take her breath away - she might not have a pulse. These prints can be worn with any hair color or complexion. Displayed - they are a work of art. Tied and gathered they create one of the most flattering palettes you could imagine around a neck, over-head, looped as a belt, or tied on a bag. These scarves are instant attention getters, and represent a category we should be most proud of - Silk Scarves. Silk scarves made in Italy, France, and Spain are almost as rare as a white unicorn these days. Sadly, 95% of the "designer" scarves you pick up are Made in China. Celebrate a proud legacy of Italian made silk scarves everyday! They are now and will always be one of the chicest gifts to buy in a fashion boutique. ROAR!