WONDER WOMAN GOES ON SAFARI - SPRING 2015
The Fashion Safari of 2015. Natural Elements, Animal Prints, and Utilitarian details. All classic safari references. While the Salvatore Ferragamo collection didn't channel the Safari feel on the runway for Spring, it is easy to see how fashion editors are taking those reference points and running with it! Massimiliano paid homage to Salvatore's innovation and craftsmanship with his updated version of the original rainbow wedge, use of sea-snake and more. Harper's Bazaar Chose Runway Exit 15 as the centerpiece for the major fashion spread in the March 2015 issue. Wow! While the jacket from that runway look was not produced, the over the knee leather skirt is available in extremely limited quantities. A long leather skirt in supple lambskin is a true luxury. Make no bones about it. This is luxury. Embrace that aspect, and sell that dream to clients looking for a special piece for the party. .. As for the call of the wild... how could you miss runway exit 30? This stunning dress is one to collect. the asymmetric animal prints, that use of color to express movement, the asymmetric hemline - there are so many reasons to fall in love with this dress. The dress is an entrance maker to say the least. While the price of entry for this runway experience costs thousands of dollars, it doesn't mean that a savvy shopper on a budget can't experience the look and buy an item that is right on trend. Animal Prints make a strong showing this season in the world famous silk screened scarves, shawls, and foulards. There are multiple shapes, multiple shades, and multiple price points. A stylish woman who has hope to own runway can be as on trend as a regular trunk show client by working a scarf of the season into her look. Of course these are so chic wrapped around handbag handles as the stylish women from all over Asia has made a trend. Suggest silks to your next shoe or handbag client. For less than $500.00 she can own one of these "Made In Italy" creations.
* This category is one of the most prestigious in the entire fashion world. For a house to produce true silk screened scarves is an element of luxury. It's one of those facets that would garner another star if we were talking about the luxury hotel business. Silk screening take the conversation from 4 to 5 star. It's shocking to see that fashion houses like Chanel and Dior have allowed architect Peter Marino all but banish these treasured accessories in his "vision of retail". Celebrate the beautiful displays Salvatore Ferragamo boutiques are creating.
Adding to the "Safari Chic" appeal of Spring 2015 is the innovative technique employed to create one of the hottest handbags on any designer runway for the season. Proof positive that Ferragamo stood out is two prime editorials in March issues of major fashion publication for the same item. The woven leather, woven sea-snake and Murano Glass-like handles of the "Glass" satchels are impossible to ignore. These bags demand attention. The style and price point of this design guarantee that only the richest and most fashion forward women in the world will carry them. With a price range of $5,800 - $8.500 it is clear why. While most women could never own one of these bags, they can still be totally charmed by the design and construction. Be sure to talk about these bags with your best clients, and if you are lucky enough to have them in your store, talk about them to EVERY client! * On the runway the handles were true Murano Glass, however due to safety precautions - the production bags will have Resin handles. Resin is much more durable and it is a sophisticated medium that many fashion houses use today to create costume jewelry and hardware.
So what gives Wonder Woman her super-power? There is the invisible jet - a perk that never gets old. The magic lasso of truth - obviously priceless. Need I mention the handsome Major to protect - that could give anyone super-human strength. Without a doubt the true source of Wonder Woman's powers are those matching magic cuffs. They could deflect bullets and act as body armor - along the way they doubled as one chic accessory. Make that two!
For the Spring 2015 collection, Massimiliano Giornetti empowers his fashion muse with cuff bracelets that would make even Wonder Woman envious! Available in various thicknesses and finishes - these cuffs are sexy accessories to flatter every woman that wears them. Costume jewelry aka Bijoux is one of the fastest growing categories in the fashion world. Over the last 5 years, no other category has seen a bigger increase in the perceived value by consumers. That's huge. Perception is everything. There is no such thing as "actual worth" in the fashion world. Desire, Exclusivity, and Perceived Value are what set the bar for what will be a best selling item. Having said that, the techniques used to make many of these CJ / Bijoux pieces are the same that are used to make fine jewelry. The handcrafted detail required to make these items can take the same time that goes into creating fine jewelry.
They are collectible. They are exclusive. Most importantly, they are downright gorgeous. Encourage your clients to stack them, mix them, and understand the value of these pieces. Suggest them as accessories to a great pair of shoes, a chic handbag, or a great jacket. These bracelets are just as relevant.