The months of September and October are always magical! As the seasons begin to change, the latest creations from Milan, Paris, and New York comes flooding in to the designer boutiques from coast to coast. Salvatore Ferragamo is exceptional, as one of a very select few collections that create runway fashion exclusively for company owned boutiques. The Ferragamo brand has never been over distributed, over exposed, or presented in any way other than a first class creation. Always inspiring, and always representing the best Italy has to offer the world of fashion. Almost 100 years after Salvatore created a sensation in Hollywood - Ferragamo has never been more coveted and admired. Admired by such a wide range of customers, from so many different backgrounds, around the world!
The trend for Fall 2016? Let's just say - she had better like color!
The Fall collection is about as dynamic as you could imagine. Bright Colors, detailed silhouettes, and luxury materials come together like fireworks. Wearable pieces that have been connecting with clients from coast to coast at the Fall trunk shows. Looks that have really stood out? - EXIT 24, The cotton Zig Zag knit reversible cape (featured in the C Magazine spread), EXIT 17 - layered knit dress in Ivory with matching capelet, and Exit 13 - the double face wool / cashmere tunic can be worn 100 different ways. Over pants, belted as a dress, and left open for extra movement and color - just three of the hottest looks from Fall. With pieces that stand so strong on their own, the Fall collection makes an excellent introduction to a shopper that has previously only purchased shoes or handbags.
ZIG ZAG
One of the key details of the Fall collection is Zig Zag patterns that cross categories. The pattern makes a statement on RTW pieces for sure - but on handbags they create one of the easiest ways to wear a mix of colors. The pattern makes a great investment bag as the mix of colors means it can be worn with so many looks. When shown on the smaller, structured bags, it also means they can be worn day or night.
IN PRINT
We are so fortunate in the United States to have beautiful shopping centers throughout the country. While there is almost one large shopping center in every metro area in the US, some truly stand out. Not only do these properties offer luxury boutiques, and creative public spaces, some create print publications that rival major magazines. The books speak for themselves in representing how sophisticated each center is. It's great to see what they put forward as a representation of their unique style. Take note of just how different the same runway look (Exit 14) can be showcased! ** It's so important to recognize how easily the Ferragamo pieces can take on a different identity. Exactly as we always say: Salvatore Ferragamo helps a women look her best. She wears the item, the item does not wear her ** As unique and iconic as this runway exit is, somehow it can be almost a neutral. That is no easy task. With so many "Costume" like fashion designs popular in the market today, when you see an ensemble like Exit 14 - it is striking.
Let's take a look at the Fall books from Bal Harbour Shops in Miami, Northpark Center in Dallas, the Americana Manhasset in New York, and South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California. If you live and breathe fashion - put those four destinations on your "MUST VISIT" list. You will not be disappointed. ** Worth noting how much work it takes to coordinate between our PR & Marketing teams and our boutiques and Shopping center management to make these books happen. Bravo!!!
IN FOCUS - BUCKETS OF FASHION BAGS
The New York Times Fashion Magazine - aka - T Magazine featured one of the most classic shapes in handbags - The Bucket Bag. They shape never really goes out of style, but they are so in-style at the moment - that it really is a MUST HAVE shape for everyone. The magazine showcased the black Ferragamo bucket created by Sara Battaglia for her capsule collection with the house. A true fashion item to wear now, and collect for the future. Alongside bags from Chanel, Tods, Marni, Alexander Wang and more - Ferragamo was right at home.
**T Magazine has a way of hanging around and being read again and again, so be prepared for questions about the SB bucket well into the Fall season due to this shoot.
Flattered We're (NOT SO) Sure
The latest brand to show their love and envy for the Salvatore Ferragamo collection has taken inspiration to a whole new level. Recently I was walking through a large shopping center when I did a double take. I seriously thought Ferragamo was in another store window. The Tory Burch GEMINI collection has some new hardware. It's new to her - but it's been on Ferragamo shoes, bags, and clothes for years and years. That's right, the double GANCIO clearly inspires Ms. Burch. She is obviously a fan of Ferragamo and has brazenly put a very similar buckle on bags and shoes. Shoes that look strikingly similar to Vara and Varina styles also feature a nearly identical Vara bow. With all that effort Tory has made to launch those empty sport stores, I guess there was no time to create something new and original. I hope customers point out the similarity to Ms. Burch. After looking at these Tory Burch flats, mid-heels, and wedges - I think I need to take a shower.
BEST FOOT FORWARD
For the first time in the history of the house of Salvatore Ferragamo, the company named a Women's Creative Director of Footwear. On Sept. 8th, Paul Andrew became the man steering the image of the brands reason for being - SHOES.
Mr. Andrew is British, but is based (or has been based) in NYC. His experience at Donna Karan clearly shaped his knowledge of the American retail market. His own collection of shoes for men and women have a loyal following far and wide. Chic shoppers at Barney's NY and Bergdorf Goodman have been coveting his designs for four years.
Looking at Mr. Andrew's collection, its easy to see his ability to channel the legacy of Ferragamo in his designs.
After almost 100 years, the house of Ferragamo has been evolving. Today it continues to grow and change - embodying the modern approach to life that made Salvatore and his eponymous house of luxury goods- a legend.
Paul Andrew's first designs for Ferragamo will debut with the Pre-Fall 2017 collections. WE'LL BE WAITING!!