MARCH 2016 (GOES) OUT LIKE A LION!

Massimiliano Giornetti leaving behind an incredible archive at Salvatore Ferragamo"March comes in like a lion, and out like a lamb", or so the old saying goes.  It's usually a good rule of thumb when thinking of the weather this time of year, and an overall sense of newness for Spring.  This year however, March stormed right out like a lion for us in the fashion world, as it was announced that Massimiliano has left Ferragamo.  The beautiful collection shown earlier this month in Milan will be his last for the house.  SALVATORE FERRAGAMO RESORT 12 - THE DUKE MANSION SHOW - THE COLLECTION THAT RAISED THE BAR FOR FERRAGAMO RTW (STILL ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE LOOGiornetti leaves behind an impressive archive of collections with the house.  Having joined the company in 2000, it's hard to think of another designer of his generation that has a tenure with one luxury house to the extent Massimiano created at Ferragamo.  Of course his first 10 years with the Menswear collection brought admiration, accolades, and a loyal following of Menswear clients around the world. However, his work as Creative Director since 2011 would be pure dynamite in attracting the attention of the fashion world to what was by that time thought of as a "classic" women's brand.   Massimiliano' RTW collections gave women a reasion to buy items with a Salvatore Ferragamo label, many who otherwise might not have shopped the brand.   While the global luxury house has a legacy of artisanal craftsmanship of shoes and handbags, Giornetti's finely crafted RTW designs were able to blow up those details for the runway - creating images that were shared around the world.   Editors took note, then celebrities, and then boutique shoppers.  The house was wise to know this would take time, investing greatly and ultimately changing the image of the entire brand. 

Bravo Massimiliano, and Grazie!  Thank you for reminding the world that Salvatore Ferragamo, the man, was a designer that stood for luxury.  Thank you also for reminding the world that Ferragamo the fashion house stands for the same ideals - sometimes sexy, sometimes avant-garde, sometimes classic - but never ordinary. 

Rest assured - it would be hard to think of another house with a more stable structure in place to keep the collections fashionable and noteworthy.   There will be no identity crisis.  Ferragamo will continue to produce the finest fashion for all of the more than 650 boutiques around the world that proudly bares the name. 

Now, lets get back to Spring!  Editorial continues as on-trend styles resonate with story after story.

GLADIATOR SANDAL IN EMERALD ALLIGATOR STAMPED CALFSKIN - $1,350.00Let's talk shoes. The Spring runway collection was chock full of trends that are as you read this - becoming favorites of the fashion flock.   The shoe collection especially was a breath of fresh air with shorter, chunkier heels and two contrasting toe shapes - rounded and pointed.   The pointed toe seems to be striking a chord.  Combined with a lower, chunky heel, the look is instantly retro.  It's also instantly sexy, in a natural, effortless sort of way.   It is also thoroughly modern, and embraced by the chicest women that follow fashion. BLACK GLADIOTOR RUNWAY SANDALS - STAMPED CALFSKIN - $1,350.00 The look might take some encouraging for those used to wearing stilettos, but if she can embrace it - it might just become her favorite heel height.   The look is featured in Harper's Bazaar this month in "The Extras" section titled "Emerald Dreams".    They shot the emerald green gladiator sandal in alligator stamped calfskin from the runway - the shoe is available in stores in Black and Mimosa Yellow - $1,350.00. *TREND SET* as the most dynamic fashion designers coming out of New YorkPROENZA SCHOULER RUNWAY SANDAL - KISSING COUSINS TO SALVATORE FERRAGAMO - $1,150.00 in this generation - Proenza Schouler (say Skool-er) featured a similar height as their only heel on the runway for Spring.    In Milan, Prada also featured a pointed toe, kitten heel that really set the tone of the runway collection. POINTED TOES AND KITTEN HEELS ON THE SPRING 2016 PRADA RUNWAY While the three shoes are different - they would have hung out together in high school.

Handbags

Runway handbags are extra-special styles.  Be it a collection classic tweaked for the runway, or a completely new style accessorizing the look of the season, MAKING A STRONG, BOLD STATEMENT - EXCELLENT AGAINST BLACK OR WORN BACK TO ANY AND EVERY COLOR THIS SPRING! -$1,750.00runway bags are ones to watch.  These styles are often the most talked and written about for months - even if they never get produced for any store to ever sell.  The limited availability of some of these styles makes them even more coveted, and can also make the retail price much higher.   That fact makes any runway bag priced in-line with regular collection bags even more spectacular!  *You should always be on the lookout for a well-priced runway bag and make sure your most fashion forward clients are in-the-know... because no doubt those are the bags that will be seen in magazine editorials and on the arms of fashionable models and celebrities.   By the time the bags ships, they can sell out so fast - your coolest clients might miss the boat!  This Spring - bags on the runway were one extreme  or another - from the multi-color electric rainbow looks, to the minimalist / monochromatic structured shapes. 

One super cool minimalist shape is the perfect example of a bag to covet.  Big on style and color, and so well priced it's really a "must-have".  This North-South tote shape is unusual and has the appearance of an exaggerated camera bag.  More than once it has been referred to as a "Champagne Tote" - but choice of beverage is just one of many prerogatives a fashionable woman has!  Made from a supple French calfskin, and free of heavy hardware,  this bag is extremely light to carry.  The shape is very functional, and the detachable shoulder strap makes it an option for just about everyone.  **The leather lining is an extra chic detal to point out.

The bag is also incredibly on trend and in good company as CHLOE had a similar thought and showcased a North-South shaped bag on this season in Paris CHLOE SPRING RUNWAY BAG - BIG ON IMAGE BUT LIGHT ON FUNCTION, and now in their print-ads. MINIMALIST DETAIL ON A STRUCTURED SHAPE. FRENCH CALFSKIN IN MIMOSA - $1,750.00 The CHLOE bag is  much less functional, and much more 70's inspired, while the Ferragamo bag feels more 60's but at the same time so modern!  

Runway RTW

Spring runway continues to inspire ladies who lunch, girls that brunch, and SO many women that LOVE fashion.   Editorial credits are everywhere!  The leading ladies of stage, screen, and song continue to be photographed in Ferragamo. LEADING LADY - JAIMIE ALEXANDER IN FERRAGAMO RUNWAY ON THE PAGES OF INSTYLE MAGAZINE. ALEXANDER STARS IN TV'S BLINDSPOT AND ON THE BIG SCREEN IN THE THOR FRANCHISE  In March - let's look at one lovely lady currently starring on the small screen .  Jaimie Alexander, star of the new TV series Blindspot and also seen on the big screens in the Thor movie franchise curled up in Ferragamo runway for InStyle Magazine.  Looking effortlessly sexy and cool, Ms. Alexander makes one great example of the Ferragamo Woman. While it's hard for reades to see exactly what she was wearing - there are two runway exits you can suggest.  Exit 19 and 27.  One midnight navy, one black, Both are sexy with Exit 19 - SHOWN WITH A SHEER TIED BLOUSE / TOP- DRESS $3,100.00 / TOP - $1,570.00 sophisticated details like smocked stitches and chiffon ribbons.  Spaghetti straps and sheer layers are big trends for Spring!SEXY, SHEER, AND SOPHISTICATED - EXIT 27 -$3,100.00

*If you have a client that can wear runway, and has the budget - make sure you let her know about these dresses.  So few are produced that they are basically limited editions.  They are AMAZING dresses to take on any vacation to a warm destination.  Easy to pack, and easy to accessorize. 

Take a deep breath - we have a BIG Spring ahead of us!!