August 2016 brought the heat! Actually, this last July was the hottest July on record - since temps have been recorded! So, if you haven't gotten that excited about Fall until now - it's understood. HOWEVER, there are many, many, many reasons to get excited for the Fall collections at Salvatore Ferragamo. Pre-collection, main collection, and RUNWAY are all full of wearable and spectacular options for every fashionable client you know. As August ends and September begins, many clients will still be living the Summer lifestyle but starting to plan her Fall must-haves as the kids go back to grade school or off to college. The September fashion issues have been out for over two weeks already - so fashion fans are watching trends.
The August cover of ELLE featured a British singer not as well known in the USA - just yet. FKA Twigs has a massive following in the UK and across Europe. Her vocals and creative arrangements have led to comparisons to Bjork and her incredible work in the 90's and 00's. Even her website http://wwwater.me/ is unique. The singer / songwriter is engaged to actor Robert Pattinson, and the duo make quite a handsome couple on the red carpet.
ELLE Magazine has a history of representing strong women from the music industry, and those talented women have a history of wearing Salvatore Ferragamo runway! Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and now Twigs- to name just a few. Iconic women that can wear ANY designer they wish turn to Ferragamo when they are looking to make a sophisticated impression. Twigs look in ELLE showcases the gold zippers that figured so prominently on the Fall runway - here on wool and cashmere double-face fabric. This look is sample only - but there is a gorgeous coat version of the black wool & cashmere fabric with those amazing gold zippers that zip all the way up and down! These are produced in extremely limited quantities. Just a handful of women will own this timeless coat.
*The Winter White version of this zipper skirt is featured in the ad campaign and on the buy for flagship boutiques.
The FAll 2016 Trunk Shows are in full swing. New York and Beverly Hills flagship clients have already had the chance to preview the samples first shown on the Milan runway. Bold colors, with classic and modern designs caught the attention of chic shoppers looking for items they know will not be in department stores all over town. Ferragamo has always stood for luxury design in limited quantities. The runway collection defines this idea to this day. Only sold in Salvatore Ferragamo boutiques, RTW gives an exclusive opportunity for your boutique shoppers. From a simple knit shell, to a classic trouser, or one of the highly detailed runway items - any luxury client will recognize the quality of Made in Italy RTW. There are few production places that compete with Italy - especially with knits - *a strong category in the Fall runway collection.
The Fall collection really caters to the lifestyle of the Ferragamo Women. Today so many of our clients own homes in several locations around the country - or around the world. Winter on one continent might be Summer on another. When a brand is truly global, there are wants and desires happening in all seasons. She might be looking for a silk slip dress and double face cashmere coat during the same shopping trip. ** Never limit yourself to suggesting an item just because it is very different from the first piece she looks at or tries on. More can be more. **
More importantly, these items are so special that a discriminating shopper can recognize how special they are - and collect them for now - or later. Vanity Fair featured a lovely and talented young actress (doesn't it always!!) in the August "Vanities" column looking playfully chic in Salvatore Ferragamo. Ana de Armas was born in Cuba to Spanish parents, a detail she notes was critical in allowing her to broaden her horizons and leave the island nation to pursue her acting career. Look for her in the dark comedy "War Dogs" this month. The beautiful pleated silk slip dress worn so well by Ms. de Armas is really a special piece. Roughly a dozen pieces made for the US market - makes it almost custom! Spectacular for a chic garden party in sandals, or an early evening cocktail party in heels. The range of colors in the piece makes accessorizing really easy. Priced at $3,100.00 this dress is one to save for years and years to come. As is often the case with any Ferragamo design, this dress is all about movement - and how it flatters the women that wears it - as she moves through her day or evening - and her life!
Ok, we realize very few women will ever own these special RTW items - but the runway was also exploding with colorful accessories and shoes. Bags and Shoes that can take her anywhere. One of the strongest looks was the category crossing theme of PATCHWORK. The mixing of leathers, skins, and textures make these items incredibly neutral - despite the fact that they are iconic in their design. As we saw for Spring, the mixing of bright and vibrant colors give shoppers permission to mix colors and also give her solutions for what colors to wear with her favorite items. While a shopper might be bold in her accessory choices, she also can appreciate a coordinated option. The Patchwork shoulder bag is a winner for so many reasons. First - the design is just beautiful with the detailed and varied colors cut out and applied to the smooth goatskin handbag. Next, the size of the bag makes it fashionable enough to dress up - but practical enough to carry what she needs. Third - the weight of the bag is friendly to even the longest day or evening she might have planned. Fourth - it's truly season-less. Do we need another reason for her to buy this bag? Ok.. price point - $1,990.00. Case closed - get her into this handbag in both the colorful palette shown here and the earth tone neutral version priced at $2,250.00 - Two powerhouse handbags for under $5k from a luxury house is a pleasant surprise on any shopping trip!
**Both the patchwork shoe and handbag are EXCELLENT options to have packed for a trip to any city around the world**
Now add shoes! Talk about a secret ingredient to add to ANY outfit to pack that extra punch of fashion! The patchwork pump and kitten heel height are one of the strongest statement shoes I've seen in a long time. These are so special because they make a bold statement - but somehow look just classic enough. That is always a fine line as many designers try to make a "statement" - as I've said before - too often some runway shoes from other houses end up looking like #CircusShoes instead of sophisticated and sexy. These are #MUSTHAVES in my opinion!!
As you head into the Holiday weekend - be ready for shoppers looking for the full spectrum of "needs". She might be looking for that last minute garden party sandal, or that beautiful ensemble for a big trip abroad. You never know who is walking through your boutique doors, but we do know that Salvatore Ferragamo offers shoppers more luxury items and styles than many brands combined! Be proud to represent the best of #MADEinITALY!