JUNE 2017 - from GLOOM to BLOOM - ENTER PAUL ANDREW!

PAUL ANDREW AND ONE OF HIS FIRST DESIGNS FOR FERRAGAMO - FLOWER HEEL SANDAL - IN A RANBOW OF COLORS! SUMMER CELEBRATION

The Spring season of 2017 has been unique to say the least.  Sporadic weather patterns and sporadic political patterns - is this what has led to the sporadic fashion patterns we've seen from designers around the globe?  While we can piece together trends for the season, surely the biggest "trend", is the lack there of one.  Gucci, no doubt has led the parade when it comes to marching to the beat of your own drum.  Layering on patterns and colors, and details, season after season Allesandro Michele seems to dare his fans to go further with embellishments - while they have the best time doing it.   While Miucca Prada has made retro prints her namesake detail, Gucci girls seem to have so much more fun.  While Prada makes statements, Gucci throws a party - and everyone is invited! FLOWER HEEL GANCIO SANDAL - AS SEEN ON VOGUE.COM

Speaking of throwing parties, the reception of Paul Andrew's first designs for Salvatore Ferragamo have been received with fanfare and celebration - everywhere you look!  From ELLE, to VOGUE, to WALLPAPER magazines - editor after editor is celebrating Paul's arrival at Ferragamo and the first look at his designs for the house.  Andrew has passionately embraced the task of reinventing the iconic designs of Salvatore - those with the most significance and namesake details. FERRAGAMO F HEEL IN SUEDE - AS SEEN IN WALLPAPER MAGAZINE To say that the release of the new collections from Andrew comes at a great time, is quite the understatement.  In a year when most news about the fashion industry has been negative, the arrival of new talent and excitement about new collections is really welcomed!   You could argue that some of the success of Gucci this year has been because it's the one having the most fun - and more than ever - shoppers need to have a good time.   Any reason to bring customers into the stores in 2017 is cause to celebrate!  As noted economist Paul Krugman recently stated:  "More employees in retail have lost their jobs in the last two months than coal miners have in the last 20 years".   **I had to reread that several times before it sank in.  While the White House focusses on Coal Miners needing employment, retail jobs are more diverse in terms of employee demographics, and geographical location.   Retail is everywhere.  That's why we should be MORE enthusiastic than ever about the new fashion items that arrive weekly in your store. GUCCI'S GARDEN PARTY IN 80'S STYLE OPPULENCE! - NATALIA VODIANOVA IN W MAGAZINE - PH: STEVEN MEISEL

While much of the change in traffic in shopping centers has been blamed on technology and the ease of on-line shopping, there are also self inflicted wounds.   Faux luxury brand Michael Kors recently announced it would be closing hundreds of stores in the US.  Staggering numbers to hear, but even more shocking is to think how a brand can represent "Luxury" when there is one is every retail shopping center in America.   There are many shopping Malls where Michael Kors or Tory Burch is THE brand that is used to promote luxury and raise the image of the center - my condolences for them.   Please take a moment this very day to appreciate and celebrate how beautiful the shopping centers your boutique is a part of, or how wonderful your location is on the Avenue.   Salvatore Ferragamo represents luxury craftsmanship from Italy.   Every day, in every store, around the world. This legacy is a sign of strength more today in 2017 than it has been in many years.   Be proud of this distinction.  Your clients will notice.  Remind them every chance you can. 

WONDER WOMAN 2017

The big budget box office smash film Wonder Woman is a global success!  GAL GADOT IS WONDER WOMAN! At a time when women around the world are standing up to be heard, actress Gal Gadot has arrived with her magic lasso to capture the hearts of Women, Men, boys, and girls EVERYWHERE!  At her core, Wonder Woman believes in LOVE and TRUTH.  Wonderful right? SARA BATTAGLIA'S RAINDBOW ZIG ZAG FLAP BAG! WONDER WOMAN WORTHY FOR SURE!   Take your daughters, your sons, your nieces, your nephews, your parents - or anyone to see this film   Can you tell I loved it? 

If Wonder Woman wore a handbag.. I think it might just be one of Sarah Battaglia's colorful pieces for Ferragamo! SARA BATTAGLIA'S ZIG ZAG RAINBOW BAG - FUTURE COLLECTIBLE! Back for round two of her capsule collections of bags, Battaglia once again brought her whimsical sense of color to the archives of Ferragamo.  Her ability to design modern bags that feel a little bit vintage, a little bit modern, and every bit Luxurious is truly a talent.   Encourage your favorite clients to pick up one of these lovelies before they are gone. LIPSTICK RED SUEDE PUMP WITH GOLDEN FLORAL HEEL It's always after the fact that many clients take notice, and wish they had taken one home. 

AT THE CORE - UNDERSTATED LUXURY

SUPERMODEL NATALIA VODIANOVA WEARS A SALVATORE FERRAGAMO TURTLENECK IN W MAGAZINE - PH: STEVEN MEISEL One of the finest compliments given by editors was referring to the House of Salvatore Ferragamo was saying it's the "Italian Hermes".   Those two words were clear to anyone that follows the luxury world.  HERMES is the pinnacle of luxury and understated elegance in the world of French Fashion.    Ferragamo, in so many ways follows similar ideals.  A collection that focuses on the finest raw materials, crafted by theNATALIA VODIANOVA IN A BLACK SALVATORE FERRAGAMO TURTLENECK - W MAGAZINE - PH: STEVEN MEISEL most talented artisans, and sold in some of the most beautiful boutiques around the world.  A fine example of this DNA is seen in the stunning editorial W Magazine created with Supermodel Natalia Vodianova in the June / July issue.   Star Photographer Steven Meisel brought out Natalia's true beauty while showcasing some colorful items from Fall 2017.   The Ferragamo item chosen in several colors was ???  The Turtleneck.   A simple item. A wonderful first purchase from the RTW collection for ANY Ferragamo client that already wears our shoes or carries a handbag.  Take the time to educate every clients about the Ferragamo RTW collection.  As a collection that is produced exclusively for our boutiques, it stands head and shoulders above most collections in the industry.   

HAVE A WONDERFUL JULY 4TH HOLIDAY!!!  LET'S SEE FIREWORKS ALL SUMMER!