The Politics of Fashion this Holiday Season - 2016 / 17

MY YEARLY VISIT TO THE FERRAGAMO BOUTIQUE IN CANNES, FRANCE - ALWAYS INSPIRES ME! THIS YEAR MY SCHEDULE PUSHED MY "SUMMER" TRIP INTO OCTOBER - BUT IT WAS JUST AS DREAMY (ALBEIT A BIT WINDY) - GET THERE IF YOU CAN! STAY INSPIRED - Despite all the beautiful creations found on the runway in 2016, it has been a challenging year to be a constant enthusiast about the fashion world.  It's not easy to focus on luxury goods when thousands of refugees are trying to stay alive, and a major candidate for President of the US was constantly telling us how terrible our country is.   I have been enthralled with fashion for as long as I can remember, and on more than one occasion this year, I found it hard to be be focused on all things fashion and luxury goods.

What keeps me inspired? A thought that hit me like a revelation one day - IT'S NOT ONE OR THE OTHER. I needed to remind myself what we all already know.  Despite the black and white world that some narrow minded people live in - those of us that celebrate beauty, art, and diversity know that the world is a million shades of gray.  There will always be an array of events happening that range from divine to horrific.  That's just a fact of life.   We can do our best to help, in our own way.  We can donate money, and time to charity AND celebrate the masterwork of artisans.  One does not cancel out the other.  A passion for luxury goods does not disparage anyone in need if you are a responsible person.  MANY of our Ferragamo clients are charitable individuals, and they have the means to contribute greatly to charity and support the heritage of what we do.  Salvatore Ferragamo, as a company,  as we know, is continually partnering with local charities in many communities around the USA (and world).  Helping people in need, and relying on the goodness of our clients that bring these causes to our attention is a long tradition of the brand.

FERRAGAMO PRIDE - Another reason to be proud to work in fashion is the unmistakable role Women have had in shaping this industry.  From the earliest stages of the world of designer fashion in the 1910's and 20's when Coco Chanel changed the world with luxury daywear inspired by menswear and Elsa Schiaparelli pushed boundaries of what was considered "lady like" in refined social circles.WANDA FERRAGAMO - TRAILBLAZER, CONTINUES TO INSPIRE  WOMEN have run companies and led the industry.  No better example can be given like Wanda Ferragamo herself.  When her beloved Salvatore passed so early in life, his wife, and mother of his children took the reigns of the company, along with her children and oversaw global expansion beyond Salvatore's wildest dreams. , While Wanda was celebrated - I can guarantee for every person that applauded her move into the business, there were probably two people to say she should leave the work to men.   Brava Wanda Ferragamo.  Young women today need role models like you today- MORE THAN EVER.

The fashion world is progressive and modern, always looking FORWARD, even when respecting the past.  This is just one aspect of what makes America, and our fashion industry great - yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  THE MIDAS TOUCH IN WOVEN CALFKSIN - SUGGEST GOLD TO EVERY FAHSIONABLE WOMEN YOU SEE 

The holiday season is really a strong point for an iconic brand like Ferragamo.  While some designers are too specific to be gifted - we know that the wide range of gorgeous items in your boutique make us one of the best gift destinations in any shopping center.   I'm hoping that Christmas brought you all the results you wanted and that Santa also found you.  

I realize you probably won't have a chance to catch up on sleep until after the new year begins (and sale ends!!)  WHO NEEDS AN OSCAR WHEN THESE GOLDEN BALLET FLATS ARE AVAILABLE NOW FOR $725.00 Remember - these days following the holidays can be just as important as those leading up to Christmas.   While people might be switching colors, changing sizes, finding a different style, or chasing SALE, your hospitality and knowledge of your assortment can impress and retain ANY shopper.  Regardless if a client received Ferragamo as a gift, or if they are on a determined hunt to find a style on sale - make that dynamic impression!  Don't forget to know your PK book for Spring as soon as you can.  TAKE A T-STRAP HIGHER IN WOVEN GOLD - $850.00 This is your time to shine as the experts that you are.   Don't be shy - SHOW OFF what you know.   I promise it can make the difference in 2017.  Customer service is so lackluster out there in the world of retail, clients are ready to be wowed! 

GOLD

This time of year - suggesting gold accessory is a great option for most fashion clients.  The gold hardware found in the fall collections and leading into Spring 2017 is deep, rich, and luxurious.   Often seen in handbag chains that could double as bracelets or necklaces, these gold accessory details are all the jewelry she needs for a night out on the town.   Of course, the full Midas touch of gold shoes and a handbag will never get old.  Paired with a winter white trouser, or cream (vanilla) cocktail dress and she is ready to ring in the new year in any sophisticated location around the world! WINTER WHITE - DONE RIGHT :/ GOLD HARDWARE SHINES / COLOR BLOCK SEPARATES / STACKED HEEL T-STRAP SHOE

WINTER WHITE 

Something about white in the Winter.   I write about it every year, and it never gets old.  There's a reason designers show off-white, cream, or Winter White looks on Fall / Winter runways.   Honoring the frosty beauty of winter is always inspiring.  If you're client won't do a white dress, suggest a trouser.  FERRAGAMO CAP SLEEVE KNIT DRESS - A FANTASTIC ADDITION TO THE WARDROBE OF ANY BUSY WOMAN ON THE GO -$1,700.00 Take her favorite Ferragamo bag, shoes, and blouse, and find a solid white pant or skirt from another of her favorite fashion houses.  

**Winter White looks can also be a great time to visit fast fashion houses.  She can make a statement without a major investment.VERSACE WINTER WHITE DRESS WITH COLOR BLAST - FALL 2016  A great way to make the accessories she already owns really stand out **

FIRST IMPRESSIONS  One of the most incredible aspects to Salvatore Ferragamo is the wide range of customers it attracts, all with one vision of luxury in a runway collection.  While other houses have "diffusion" lines of lower price points and / or quality to attract customers, Ferragamo maintains the highest level of craftsmanship and quality for all the products that bare the name Salvatore Ferragamo.GUCCI WINTER WHITE BELTED TRENCH - FALL 2016   With this in mind, the location of our namesake boutiques is likewise done is a strategic way to attract new clients, while also maintaining the allure of luxury to those that wear and admire the brand.  Two new additions in the retail landscape in NY entice Shoppers to learn more about Ferragamo - one at a most visible entry point to NYC, and one at the entry to one of the most popular shopping destinations in the city.   TERMINAL 8 at JFK.  JFK is one of the busiest airports in the world, and Terminal 8, home to American Airlines and other transcontinental carriers sees more international tourists than most.  Ferragamo procured an incredible piece of real estate directly outside the security screening.  With an impressive facade that arcs to showcase campaign shots for more than 180 degree view.  *Airport btqs really wet the appetite for shoppers that are big on style but short on time. SALVATORE FERRAGAMO BOUTIQUE JFK TERMINAL 8  Tourists arriving are sure to remember the red hot items they see at the airport when they stop by the boutique they find on their vacation path.   SALVATORE FERAGAMO - CENTER STAGE AS BLOOMINGDALES RAISES THE LUXURY BAR ON 59TH STREET IN NYCBLOOMINGDALES - self billed as like "No Other Store in the World" - Bloomingdales on NY's Upper East Side covers an entire city block from 59th to 60th and Lexington to 3rd Avenues.  It is a quintiseential New York experience to shop there.  The store recently renovated it's main floor and added an impressive Street of Shops that is so grand and pristine, it feels like it's own avenue of ultra-luxe airport wing.   Ferragamo, Dior, and Gucci make a big impression on the thousands of shoppers that stream by each day.  With all the luxury finds on the 8 floors of this unique retail experience, none are more impressive than the latest Salvatore Ferragamo Donna designs near the entrance, or the incredible Ferragamo Uomo shop-in-shop in the lower level! HEIGHTENED SENSE OF LUXURY ON BLOOMINGDALES STREE OF ACCESSORY SHOPS IN NYC

While 2016 has been a challenging year in many ways, to many people, 2017 has the potential to be a very exciting year for Ferragamo.  With a tri-fecta of creative design from Paul Andrew, Fulvio Rigoni, and Guillaume Meilland - how could the year not be star-spangled! #RESIST the temptation to have a negative attitude.  We shall overcome!

Wishing you all a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season and New Year!  Can't wait to see you all in 2017!