WHAT'S BLACK & WHITE and CHIC all over? - Spring 2016 of course!

MODEL ELLEN SCHELLENBERG WEARS SALVATORE FERRAGAMO IN ELLE MAGAZINE'S "SHE'S COME UNDONE" COTTON BLOUSE - $590.00 / LEATHER SKIRT $2,800.00- PHOTO: LIZ COLLINS *Ferragamo Faux Peral Earring *Happy New Year!  January is always an exciting time for true fashion followers and the hard core shoppers.  With the gift giving season behind us, shoppers canBLACK AND WHITE SEPERATES FROM TODS SPRING 16 once again shop for themselves - guilt free. STACY SHOULDER BAG WITH PYTHON FLAP $2,600.00 It is perfect timing with Fall sales lingering, and the newest Spring fashion arriving by the day.

January gives us all an opportunity to clear the decks and begin the year with a clean slate.   Set new goals, change your style, your approach, your attitude? SALVATORE FERRAGAMO SPRING 2016 - EXIT 1 - OPENING STATEMENT I think it's an exciting time. 

Fashion is a magical thing.  It is so subjective and personal by it's nature.  What flatters one woman, might very well repel another.  It is quite fascinating to see just how differently two people can react to the very same skirt, handbag, shoe, etc.   *What is In STYLE is not always black and white, but BLACK AND WHITE is always in style.*  This classic theme always looks fresh, crisp, and sophisticated. GRAPHIC BLACK & WHITE FLAT ON THE FLOOR - OR HEELED HIGH THIS SPRING! ** MUST HAVES **  

With the Spring 2016 collection Massimiliano seemed to use black and white as a palette cleanser on the runway, in-between BURSTS of COLOR that covered the spectrum.  Often leading the eye to focus on bright shoes - of course! 

Look 1 on the Spring Runway set the stage.  A white cap sleeve cotton blouse paired with a black lightweight, high waisted leather skirt.  The look is sexy and chic and editors took note immediately.  Proof positive is the full page editorial Elle magazine gives the look in the January 16 issue.  "She's Come Undone" photographed by Liz Collins is dedicated to these contrasting pieces.  The magazine describes them as "minimalist separates with sharp tailoring that bring the heat".  Total agreement here!    This cotton blouse is an excellent first piece of runway for a handbag or shoe client.  Priced at $590.00 - it is a high fashion bargain.  The leather skirt ($2,800.00) is an excellent addition to any serious fashion wardrobe.  It is the perfect designer separate that can take her to so many occasions.. style more formal.. and sexy.. her choice. ** one to suggest to the ladies that follow editorial **EMERALD GREEN SUEDE AND LEATHER CROPPED JACKETELLSWORTH KELLY "SPECTRUM" - 1954

Once again, the Salvatore Ferragamo collection is on trend, and setting them, as the fashion world is celebrating classic black and white - at the same time it showcases primary colors of every electric shade - often worn together.  Some even described a a kaleidoscope of color.

Primary colors have attracted the most avant-garde minds in art and fashion since designers first started creating looks, and painters first broke with tradition and embraced modernist themes.

Once such great artist died on December 27.  Ellsworth Kelly was a legend in the world of modern art.  Known for his minimalist approach of presenting bold colors in simple shapes, the artist was inspired by everyday life.   Kelly's formative years were in Paris in the 1950's after WWII.  He very well would have known of Salvatore Ferragamo's avant-garde fashion designs that dominated headlines at the time.AILEEN TOP HANDLE PASTEL RAINBOW BAG - $2,600.00  Kelly was influenced by artists Jean Arp and Alexander Calder in Paris, and later back in New York by contemporaries such as Robert Indiana, Jasper Johns, and Robert Rauschenberg.   His work was at first rejected by galleries as "not art", but Mr. Kelly would become one of the most relevant artist of his time.    All of these artists continue to be a huge influence and inspiration for fashion designers around the world.  I promise if you search online for Ellsworth Kelly's work (or any of the artists mentioned), you will not be disappointed.

The Wall Street Journal devoted a full page of last weekend's OFF DUTY section to the wild colors popping up across the fashion industry.  In "PRISM BREAK" the paper focused on the literal rainbow styles coming to stores this Spring.  While Salvatore's Rainbow wedge wasn't featured - it's a permanent influence to any fashion designer working today.  That's Iconic!

**The Aileen top handle bag is one of the most gorgeous pieces I've seen in a while.  Combining leather details with Golden hardware set against the pastel backdrop makes this bag look so new and fresh!  Be sure to show this one to all of your serious bag collectors.  She won't want to miss this one. **

PASTEL POLKA-DOT SANDAL

Wearing rainbow prints can intimidate some women.  Encourage a solid primary color top or pant to ground a multi-colored shoes or bags.  The great news is that all the editorials and ad campaigns showcasing this trend means women are seeing colorful fashion everywhere they look.   So even the women that usually stick to black or beige just might be seduced by this explosion of happy colors this Spring season.  Take the opportunity to suggest some bright, bold, color.  It just might brighten up her world!