SIGN OF THE TIMES?
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Sometimes a quote says it all, and what a wise man Charles Dickens was when he wrote that opening line to A Tale of Two Cities in 1859! Here in 2016, who wouldn't agree with that statement. There are so many crazy things happening in the world we live in. Just this week, the horrific bombing in Istanbul, and two weeks ago more senseless killing in Orlando. I can't even try to make sense of it. Politically, we have a side-show-Bob vying to be President of these United States. Last week, Britain put the global economy on a roller coaster with their vote to leave the European Union. A bold move, possibly the wrong move, but bold none the less. Unfortunately, instability doesn't make people want to shop.
Hopefully our customers will need some escape from the news and engage in some retail therapy this Summer! Some good news? The U.S. remains one of, if not the most stable democracy in the world, making the U.S. a bright spot on an otherwise gloomy globe. The housing market roars along month after month gaining strength. If some of the big corporate giants would pay employees higher wages, we would see even more customers in our boutiques - but that's a longer conversation. **Bottom Line** - America has much to be grateful for this Independence Day on July 4th. Celebrate and be proud to be American, and/or proud to be working in America. Be equally proud to be working for a company that is a vital part of the retail economy from coast to coast - and quite literally around the world!
PATRIOTIC COLORS
While we are celebrating the Red, White, and Blue this season - Salvatore Ferragamo Spring and Fall 2016 are there to represent. The rainbow continues to shine bright in the fashion press, and there are so many options in every category for our ladies shopping the trend. The Ferragamo collection and the house of Salvatore Ferragamo amazes me season after season. In a world full of fashion collections that can be sleazy or Yeezy - Ferragamo is always tasteful, sophisticated, and luxurious. It collaborates with some of the most talented designers - both new and legendary, to create capsule collections that sell out globally. It inspires and delights men and women of all ages day after day. It is ICONIC. We need to remember that every day. FERRAGAMO IS ICONIC.
Speaking of iconic - one of the most celebrated silhouettes in fashion accessories is the hobo bag. Easy to wear, and always chic, a great hobo is a go to bag that women love to use again and again. The small hobo with large gancio hardware in RED calfskin this Fall is a MUST HAVE! Priced at $1,990.00 - it's a bag all of your most stylish ladies should own. CALL-HER-NOW!
ART & FASHION
The Ferragamo Museum in Florence has a spectacular exhibit this Summer examining the cross section of Art & Fashion. The debate whether fashion is art is an age old discussion, and many have contrastiing opinions. Coco Chanel spent much of her time with some of the greatest artists of the 19th and 20t century - but herself felt fashion was not art. 0 I think when fashion design elevates the whole medium, or presents ground breaking ideas, it is art and not just an applied art. Salvatore was surely an artist. An artist working with a living medium - shoe creation. Have a discussion of your own about Art & Fashion with your favorite client this Summer. Get her opinion, get her thinking, get her talking. It will make her remember you & Ferragamo.
One of the chicest shoes headed to the boutiques for Fall is the patchwork series of pumps and sandals that absolutely echo the pop-art surrealism that so inspired Salvatore Ferragamo decades ago. These shoes are playful, sexy, and just plain fun - but they also just might be one of the best examples of the DNA of the house of Ferragamo!
FROM BAKU WITH LOVE
We talk often about the global reach of Ferragamo's style and legacy, but a picture says a thousand words. I've shared images of my travel around the world where I find a Ferragamo Boutique, or some drop dead fashion from the house that Shoes Built! A few nights ago while scrolling through Instagram before bed, I was THRILLED to see my friends Roberto & Amedeo in Baku, Azerbaijan. I'm always happy to see these two fine jewelry designers (born in Italy, living in NYC) - but THRILLED this night to see them with the oh-so-chic and fashionable Narmina Marandi in Salvatore Ferragamo Spring Runway! The striped strappy dress is SO on trend and really made her shine. Narmina is one of the chicest women that run the social set between London and Baku. (Who Knew?) It's a big glamorous world out there, and Ferragamo is always at the heart what's happening!
Wishing you the happiest of holidays this July 4th weekend. I hope everyone has time to spend with friends and family!! Celebrate big - you've earned it!