JANUARY 2015 - THE FUTURE OF FASHION IS NOW

2014 was quite a year for consumers.  Among American shoppers, confidence is up - way up!  We saw gas prices fall, and Men's designer fashion prices rise!  In retail terms,  Men are the new Women.  (You can quote me on that one).  Never before have American men shopped with such enthusiasm, been open to wearing color, or been comfortable spending upwards of $500-$800.00 on footwear.  *Massimiliano's strong Fall 2015 show on Sunday is sure to attract even more excited shoppers into your store soon!  Not to mention more and more men are carrying designer bags to work, to the gym, and just around town.  Not just in NY & LA.  Be sure to suggest a bag to your next Men's shoe client. 

Besides being a real boon for the mens' fashion industry, this trend is also fantastic news for Women's fashion as well.   Many couples can now shop together, finding those perfect items for each of them.  THE DESIGNER FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE MAN BEHIND LOUIS VUITTON - MARC JACOBS As we know, few brands have the ability to dress couples like Salvatore Ferragamo.  

Massimiliano Giornetti keeps building his momentum and status as other major houses have found a bit of an identity crises.  FORMER GUCCI HEADS - PATRIZIO DI MARCO & FRIDA GIANNINI Marc Jacobs exited Louis Vuitton as 2014 began.  We are to believe it was so he could focus on his own IPO - We shall see.  Nicolas Ghesquire was a welcomed replacement at the house that logo built, but despite critial acclaim - the jury is still out on his ability to fuel global handbag sales.    At Gucci, heads rolled.  Creative Director Frida Giannini and CEO Patrizio Di Marco are both out at the house that leather built.   Giannini was able to create attainable fashion with street crediblity, but her ability to romance the brand and elevate the luxury image was really lacking.  Sources say the two were asked to leave after several years of flattening sales and behind the scenes drama due in large part to thier once secret love affair.  The two are now openly a couple and proud parents of a baby girl.   Giannini was said to be staying on until the Fall 2015 presentation, but has literally now left the building.  As this goes to press rumors swirl around who will take the helm.   Perhaps a capsule collection from Tom Ford?    Just a few weeks into this New Year and so much happening!

ANGELINA JOLIE IN ATELIER VERSACE - CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS 2015OFF THE SHELVES

One of the hottest categoriesEMBROIDERED METALLIC MINI FIAMMA - $2,400.00 in Women's fashion flowing into 2015 is the dress.  More to the point - long dresses - flowing hemlines with pleats and volume!  Of course the look is fantastic on the runway, the red carpet, and in a magazine - but putting together a MEDIUM PYTHON METALLIC FIAMMA - $5,400.00look that flatters for your average luxury shopper takes a little effort and a keen eye.  Women need a trusted professional to work the proportions, lengths, and colors to her advantage.   *Spend some time putting together dress ensembles that make a statement *  Working all the accessories is more important than ever.   Even the most detailed dress can be dazzled by the right handbag, shoe, and belt.  Get comfortable with new color combinations so suggesting them is comfortable and easy for you.   If you have confidence, it will help your client to be confident.   DETAILED LEAF BEIGE PUMP SANDAL - $950.00 - THE PERFECT NEUTRAL EVENING SHOE

* Champagne, Gold, and Silver are always flattering and always in style.  DETAILED LEAF T-STRAP SANDAL WITH METALLIC LEAF - $750.00 - ADDS SOPHISTICATION TO ANY CASUAL LOOKMetallic accessories are a staple - now and forever.   One beautiful sandal that can be as dressy as a pump or as sophisticated casual in a flat - is Detailed Leaf.   These delicate suede pumps and sandals are heritage to the house of Ferragamo.  Salvatore Ferragamo used leaf designs from the beginning of his career in Hollywood.  In fact his first major Hollywood assignment was creating Grecian sandals on Cecil B.DeMille's big screen interpretation of "The Ten Commandments" in 1923.  Timeless!!

POINTED TOE PUMP WITH GOLD DETAIL - TIMELESS MUST HAVE - $775.00Two striking examples of the long dress / full train trend were on display last weekend.   Angelina Jolie is arguably the most beautiful major motion picture director in history!  Jolie dazzled the crowd at the Critics Choice Awards in LA wearing a silver Silk Atelier Versace Gown.  Very glamorous and feminine with folds of fabric gathered at the waist and back - with long flowing volumes of skirt. JULIANNE MOORE - SEXY & SOPHISTICATED IN SAINT LAURENT - CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS 2015 Jolie was nominated for her film Unbroken, but unfortunately went home empty handed.    Also dazzling in a long dress was nominee and winner  Julianne Moore.   Moore was stunning and sultry in a long Saint Laurent dress with a lace panel bust detail and long sleeves. MINI SOFIA WITH GOLD METALLIC HARDWARE - MUST HAVE STAPLE -$1,650.00  Julianne won for her brilliant performance in "Still Alice".   

These two dresses are both examples of full skirts with asymmetric train detail.  ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS LACE & AYERS DORSAY PUMP - $925.00 - **SEXY VALENTINES DATE NIGHT SHOE ** You can see the black dress is easier to put together as black can often be the whole look.   However, when wearing a dark color from head to toe, it's important to have a stand out clutch or sparkling bag - *smaller the better* 

FERRAGAMO TIME

As 2015 unfolds, the house of Salvatore Ferragamo is full speed ahead fashion!   Get ready for Spring 15 Trunk Shows that are hitting the road from coast to coast at the end of January!   Regardless of if your store hosts a trunk show, you can and should be talking about the concept to everyone.   If you work in a smaller boutique that doesn't have trunk show events, don't be shy to join in the conversation.   Explaining to clients that we have Trunk Shows at our Flagship locations is very informative, luxurious, and factual.  If you aren't in a flagship, use your smaller size to your advantage.   Curate a shopping experience for your best client.   Personal customer service is golden in 2015 - more than ever.  

Two strong looks on trend from Spring RTW were long dresses with the full body skirt.PLEATED SKIRTS AND DETAILED TORSO - SHOWN CLEAN ON THE RUNWAY - A DRESS TO ACCESSORIZE WITH HANDBAGS, AND JEWELRY   While Ferragamo has been an excellent resource for day dresses and cocktail length for a few years now, these new proportions make a different statement.   ALL ABOUT MOVEMENT - THE MESSAGE FOR SPRING HAS AN EARTHTONE PALETTE, TEXTURES, AND FREEDOMWhat would you accessorize with these dresses from the boutique shelves today?  Wait two weeks until more styles come and then think about it again.   Both are excellent examples of just how accessories can make the same dress look so different.  Pairing a knit dress with flats and a casual jacket can make it all daytime, while high heels, a metallic clutch and some killer rings can make it all about going out on the town.     The same is true for a detailed print dress with pleats and color.   A sold jacket or shawl can tone down the print, while metallic accessories can take it to the next level.  

Spring  Trunk Shows are coming up.  Let's create a great buzz for shoppers!  I'm excited, hope you are too.   See you in-store.