Mayday in May - Chic Fashion Please Help!

SALVATOREFERRAGAMOFALL2016What a busy time this month is on the retail side of the fashion industry!  While the press focuses most of the attention on runways a few times a year, understandable considering how detailed the creation of this handcrafted fashion is, but those of us working for the fashion houses know that those magical moments on the catwalk are just a snapshot and in no way the end of the effort. In fact, after the show is when the REAL work begins.. selling these items!  Rarely do people celebrate the professional buyers that put these looks together.  Next, moving all this merchandise from one side of the world to another, unpacking, preparing, visual merchandising, and then MAKING THE SALE!  Without your retail boutique - this business does not exist.  PERIOD.   Regardless of every social media platform, app, etc.. without brick and mortar doors - we wouldn't have jobs.   No better example of the incredible effort it takes can be seen than in Spring.  As Spring fashion inches closer to being on sale - Pre-Fall merchandise is arriving.  Mixing seasons and styles - always in stride.  Your sense of style is never more important than these moments when the collections cross paths! 

CIRCUS SHOES

GUCCI STUDDED SANDAL - $1,850.00 - IF YOU'RE NOT ON THE GUEST LIST - JUST KICK YOUR WAY IN.DOLCE & GABBANA ENCRUSTED SANDAL - WEAR IT OR DUST IT?There are cycles and patterns in the world.  Things repeat.  Social, Economic, and Political trends come around.   One trend I notice when the economy is on the right track - the return of CIRCUS SHOES. DOLCE & GABBANA FALL 16 - UN-BEARABLE SITUATION What do I mean?  Well, when certain luxury brands can't help themselves and go just too far.   That one (or 10) extra details that takes something from CHIC to SHIPWRECK in my mind.  #ChicToShipwreck Fashion, like Art, is in the eye of the beholder - of course.  But sometimes - you have to wonder if some people have eyes when they design some of these looks.   BALMAIN FALL 2016 - WHY?You know I focus on the positive - so I'll tread lightly here - but just a few examples of what I mean.    Think Gucci, Balmain, Balenciaga - a trilogy of terror for the Fall season.    I think it's sad for the shoppers that look to these designers for style trends - GULP.    At times like this - the understated elegance, and timeless luxury of Salvatore Ferragamo never shines brighter!  Ferragamo is like a port in this storm of sequins, gilding, and armor!   Celebrate CHIC this season - one category at a time!

KRAKOFF AT KOHL'S    

REED KRAKOFF COLLECTION - NOW AT KOHLS - DEJA VUReed Krakoff designs are available at Kohl's.   I almost don't need to write anything else.  However, I will.  Mr. Krakoff has had a bumpy few years since he notably announced to the world that he was launching "the most luxurious fashion collection 7th Avenue had ever seen".  Well, he did not.   He did try, in what many say was a sometimes pretentiously executed game plan.  For instance, when launching a fragrance Mr. Krakoff didn't just launch a scent - oh no.  The fragrance was sold in a unique glass flask and cost over $1,000.00 per bottle.  It did not sell.   His handbags were much like the bags he had made his fortune with at COACH - but more than twice the price and often Made in China.  I often asked "Why would a woman buy a Reed Krakoff bag that looks like a Coach bag on steroids for so much more money?".  Well, they didn't.  Of course, launching a collection is very very hard.  I have much respect for most who try.    Although, with Mr. Krakoff, he did have a billion dollars (That's billion with a b!) of Coach behind him when he first launched the line.  His soft exit from the mega-brand was a slide into his own line.  When the line failed to sizzle, and looked like it would inevitably fizzle, Coach pulled out.    I myself had urged more than one friend NOT to go work for the designer - leaving great jobs at MAJOR fashion houses.  Lured by a huge salary increase I understood the motivation - but I still fault them for just being led by the money and not seeing the long-term reality.  This business is for dreamers and romantics and for me - making decisions based solely on money is never the answer.    Mr. Krakoff still owns his multi-million dollar pieces of art, real estate, and lifestyle. Many of his employees are not so lucky.

The take-away is yet another reason to respect this wonderful house of fashion.  Ferragamo is known for it's understated luxury and legacy of sophistication.   The iconic Sofia bag remains a coveted fashion item year after year.   Sofia is a wonderful example of how a luxury item is invigorated season after season.   Again and again giving ladies a reason to own "another" Sofia.   With no secondary line like Miu Miu to Prada, Ferragamo is only top-line.SARA BATTAGLIA 'S PYTHON SOFIA WITH LEATHER TASSEL   Any capsule collections are exciting and dynamic and also - luxury.   

SARA'S SOFIA  

As just mentioned, animating a classic style each season is one of the most exciting aspects of luxury fashion house collections.  In addition to the fabulously chic clutches and bucket bags Sara Battaglia hasLEATHER TASSEL DETAIL designed in her capsule collection with Ferragamo, she also created a few FANTASTIC variations on our iconic SOFIA.   They are GORGEOUS.   In two words - LEATHER TASSEL!  What is it about a tassel?  There is something tantalizing that seems to hypnotize men and women alike.  It is chic, sexy, and just interesting to look at.  Tassels can be flirty, fun, and just adds a level of luxury detail.   Historically, tassels were details on women's small evening bags.  Notably at CHANEL.  Do everyone a favor and suggest one of these bags to your best clients - before they are gone!

INSPIRED STAR POWER    

One wonderful event every Spring that features the mostGEORGE AND AMAL CLOONEY - GORGEOUS ON THE RED CARPET IN CANNES ; DRESS ATELIER VERSACE beautiful Red Carpet fashion - The Cannes Film Festival.   Year after year the biggest names in Hollywood walk the Red Carpet to the stairs into the festival. While the Met Gala was more of a spectacle than a spectacular night of fashion this year, Cannes delivered.  I want to focus on one women tonight.  AMAL CLOONEY.  This successful and talented Human Rights Lawyer shined brighter than many of the actresses in attendance.  Of course, having Mr. George Clooney on her arm doesn't hurt, but Amal was gorgeous in her Atelier Versace dress.  This pale shade of yellow was flattering and pretty.  The weight of the silk was flowing and complementary with pleats and twists. TASTE THE RAINBOW IN STYLE! The one shoulder silhouette is classic and sexy, and it always looks appropriate.   Think how many floral colors work beautifully worn back to yellow.  Now that American women are wearing color - the sky is the limit!