Fashion in the Fall - Effortless Luxury at Salvatore Ferragamo

VOGUE MAGAZINE CELEBRATES "FLIGHTS OF FANCY" - AND ULTIMATE FANTASY STYLING -SALVATORE FERRAGAMO & NICOLAS GHESQUIERE FOR LOUIS VUITTON TOGETHER IN FUR - SHEARLING, MINK, AND SHEEPSKIN - Cross-body flap bag - Mink / Calf $3,150.00 -. PH: WILLY VANDERPERRE It seems that five minutes ago - it was full on Summer.  Well, it wasn't.  This past weekend in a very (I can't bold that enough) windy Chicago, I had to face the fact - Fall is here!  The truth is, with the Fall collection in stores this year- welcoming the chillier season is downright EXCITING.   The Salvatore Ferragamo Fall Runway collection is fashion! Seeing the reaction from customers during trunk shows is the final (and critical) piece of the "holy trinity" of luxury retail.    Designer Fashion collections need to garner the attention of three bodies of critical eyes.  First - Magazine Editors that see the collection on the runway and immediately begin constructing "stories" for the next 6 months that millions will read. DECO RUNWAY SANDALS - STOPPING TRAFFIC ON MICHIGAN AVENUE - AVAILABLE IN BLACK SUEDE WITH SILVER & GOLD, AND PYTHON OR HAYERS WITH BRONZE (COGNAC) $1,950.00 - $2,150.0 Second,  Buyers & Merchants begin the same process - but working with actual goods - not glossy pages.  (This is when ad campaigns are also created) Third - Customers! - Actual customers must connect with this beautiful merchandise - or the whole point is lost.  Sometimes of course, photos and items are created for "image" - as a way to entice certain shoppers.  However, it's most rewarding when a collection like Ferragamo - known for understated elegance and "legacy luxury items"- is able to tantalize on the runway - and also sell full price fashion to the savviest and wealthiest shoppers in the world. LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD - SHE IS NOT - FERRAGAMO FALL 2015 - RED ON RED -RIBBED KNIT DRESS WITH THE SHAWL OF THE SEASON  Incredible!   Ferragamo, unlike so many of the luxury houses, DOES invest in these extremely rare pieces shown on the runway - making them available (exclusively in many cases) to the Ferragamo Boutique Client.  That's Luxury! CHIC CALFSKIN QUILTED CLUTCH (WITH SHOULDER STRAP) - $1,450.00PATCHWORK ENVELOPE - THE CLUTCH OF THE SEASON - DAZZLES RESIN BUTTONS AND COLOR BLOCKED CLOTHES

I'm happy to report I saw similar reactions from coast-to-coast - North and South - all excited to see these key items in person. 

Art Deco details are a key to the Fall runway accessories, with a mix of metals - hardware and leather in Silver, Gold, and Bronze.   Combined in many cases, to create a neutral metallic accessory - evening by nature - but easily worn day into night.

 PATCHWORK - is one of the strongest trends that emerged from the Fall fashion collections around the world.   Massimiliano helped set that trend with his use of blocking in ready-to-wear, accessories, and shoes.   *Once again, Ferragamo was a key reference collection for trend-setting fashion.  The key runway handbag shape for Fall on the Ferragamo runway was a reinvented saddle bag with an extra long "tongue".  The bag is crescent shaped or envelope style.  Shown in a variety of patchwork exotic skins, or smooth calfskin - simple golden hardware let's the leather take center stage. 

*The envelope shaped is the PERFECT clutch addition to every cool closet in your town.  Priced at $1,450.00 - it doesn't need a second thought. 

Another style iconic to well heeled Ferragamo shoppers is the cape / poncho.  Massimiliano payed homage to the legacy of Ferragamo in every way on the runway.  No effort more significant than the knit cape / poncho / maxi-scarf that dominated the runway.  Shown long on the runway, the drape and movement was captivating.  Editors took note!  Now in store, this piece is connecting with shoppers in the exact same way.  Iconic Ferragamo Red is flattering to so many skin tones and hair colors.   The shape itself can be worn by a woman of any size.  The perfect travel companion, this accessory can dress up jeans and leggings with a belted waist.    Priced at $990.00, this piece will not be available by the time Fall turns to Winter. 

These styles flatter women - just like the first shoes created by Salvatore Ferragamo almost 100 years ago.  Share your favorite item with the hashtag #100Years100Days - it's how we celebrate the innovative work of this artist. 

THE TIMELESS ALLURE OF THE BLACK JACKET

With so much color "In Fashion" these days it only takes one amazing Black Jacket to remind us why the style is an icon.   Something about a well tailored, textured fabric, and sharp shoulder A JACKET TO FALL IN LOVE WITH - $2,790.00- the key is the shoulder - it's in a class of it's own.  The asymmetric closure black jacket shown on Massimiliano's Ferragamo Fall runway was nothing short of iconic.  There is no finer example of a designer jacket on any runway in Paris, Milan, or New York.   Customers of all sizes and complexions has slid that jacket on - and fallen in love.   Priced at $2,790.00 - it's a value... the matching skirt - well that's just a smart investment.  The cropped fashion pant in the same fabric with novelty button detail - that's the icing on the cake!   ALL ABOUT GREEN - THE RESIN BUTTON DETAILS OF FALL 2015 - HOMAGE TO SONIA DELAUNAY - FERRAGAMO FALL 2015Massimiliano channelled artist Sonia Delaunay to create large resin buttons that decorate key RTW items this season.  This jacket is everything.  If you know a client that wears Chanel, Prada, or any tailored jackets - show her the photos.  The more curves she has - the better.  The drape of this fabric and cut of the jacket is absolutely flattering.

CHRISTY TURLINGTON ANNOUNCES THE ARRIVAL OF SALVATORE FERRAGAMO ON RODEO DRIVE - 1991

Speaking of timeless style and luxury fashion.   During the celebration of the newly renovated Rodeo Drive Flagship in September, Director and Ferragamo Veteran - Jon Borland shared an iconic image that advertised the opening of the "new" boutique on Rodeo in 1991!  Super-Model Christy Turlington  - at the height of her career - wears Ferragamo head to toe!  Take note of the bucket bag - back in style more than ever this year.  *Also note the deep green - another trend of 2015! 

Salvatore Ferragamo setting trends yesterday, today, and tomorrow... that's classic luxury. 

Next time - Spring 2016 Runway Recap!