Mayday in May - Chic Fashion Please Help!

SALVATOREFERRAGAMOFALL2016What a busy time this month is on the retail side of the fashion industry!  While the press focuses most of the attention on runways a few times a year, understandable considering how detailed the creation of this handcrafted fashion is, but those of us working for the fashion houses know that those magical moments on the catwalk are just a snapshot and in no way the end of the effort. In fact, after the show is when the REAL work begins.. selling these items!  Rarely do people celebrate the professional buyers that put these looks together.  Next, moving all this merchandise from one side of the world to another, unpacking, preparing, visual merchandising, and then MAKING THE SALE!  Without your retail boutique - this business does not exist.  PERIOD.   Regardless of every social media platform, app, etc.. without brick and mortar doors - we wouldn't have jobs.   No better example of the incredible effort it takes can be seen than in Spring.  As Spring fashion inches closer to being on sale - Pre-Fall merchandise is arriving.  Mixing seasons and styles - always in stride.  Your sense of style is never more important than these moments when the collections cross paths! 

CIRCUS SHOES

GUCCI STUDDED SANDAL - $1,850.00 - IF YOU'RE NOT ON THE GUEST LIST - JUST KICK YOUR WAY IN.DOLCE & GABBANA ENCRUSTED SANDAL - WEAR IT OR DUST IT?There are cycles and patterns in the world.  Things repeat.  Social, Economic, and Political trends come around.   One trend I notice when the economy is on the right track - the return of CIRCUS SHOES. DOLCE & GABBANA FALL 16 - UN-BEARABLE SITUATION What do I mean?  Well, when certain luxury brands can't help themselves and go just too far.   That one (or 10) extra details that takes something from CHIC to SHIPWRECK in my mind.  #ChicToShipwreck Fashion, like Art, is in the eye of the beholder - of course.  But sometimes - you have to wonder if some people have eyes when they design some of these looks.   BALMAIN FALL 2016 - WHY?You know I focus on the positive - so I'll tread lightly here - but just a few examples of what I mean.    Think Gucci, Balmain, Balenciaga - a trilogy of terror for the Fall season.    I think it's sad for the shoppers that look to these designers for style trends - GULP.    At times like this - the understated elegance, and timeless luxury of Salvatore Ferragamo never shines brighter!  Ferragamo is like a port in this storm of sequins, gilding, and armor!   Celebrate CHIC this season - one category at a time!

KRAKOFF AT KOHL'S    

REED KRAKOFF COLLECTION - NOW AT KOHLS - DEJA VUReed Krakoff designs are available at Kohl's.   I almost don't need to write anything else.  However, I will.  Mr. Krakoff has had a bumpy few years since he notably announced to the world that he was launching "the most luxurious fashion collection 7th Avenue had ever seen".  Well, he did not.   He did try, in what many say was a sometimes pretentiously executed game plan.  For instance, when launching a fragrance Mr. Krakoff didn't just launch a scent - oh no.  The fragrance was sold in a unique glass flask and cost over $1,000.00 per bottle.  It did not sell.   His handbags were much like the bags he had made his fortune with at COACH - but more than twice the price and often Made in China.  I often asked "Why would a woman buy a Reed Krakoff bag that looks like a Coach bag on steroids for so much more money?".  Well, they didn't.  Of course, launching a collection is very very hard.  I have much respect for most who try.    Although, with Mr. Krakoff, he did have a billion dollars (That's billion with a b!) of Coach behind him when he first launched the line.  His soft exit from the mega-brand was a slide into his own line.  When the line failed to sizzle, and looked like it would inevitably fizzle, Coach pulled out.    I myself had urged more than one friend NOT to go work for the designer - leaving great jobs at MAJOR fashion houses.  Lured by a huge salary increase I understood the motivation - but I still fault them for just being led by the money and not seeing the long-term reality.  This business is for dreamers and romantics and for me - making decisions based solely on money is never the answer.    Mr. Krakoff still owns his multi-million dollar pieces of art, real estate, and lifestyle. Many of his employees are not so lucky.

The take-away is yet another reason to respect this wonderful house of fashion.  Ferragamo is known for it's understated luxury and legacy of sophistication.   The iconic Sofia bag remains a coveted fashion item year after year.   Sofia is a wonderful example of how a luxury item is invigorated season after season.   Again and again giving ladies a reason to own "another" Sofia.   With no secondary line like Miu Miu to Prada, Ferragamo is only top-line.SARA BATTAGLIA 'S PYTHON SOFIA WITH LEATHER TASSEL   Any capsule collections are exciting and dynamic and also - luxury.   

SARA'S SOFIA  

As just mentioned, animating a classic style each season is one of the most exciting aspects of luxury fashion house collections.  In addition to the fabulously chic clutches and bucket bags Sara Battaglia hasLEATHER TASSEL DETAIL designed in her capsule collection with Ferragamo, she also created a few FANTASTIC variations on our iconic SOFIA.   They are GORGEOUS.   In two words - LEATHER TASSEL!  What is it about a tassel?  There is something tantalizing that seems to hypnotize men and women alike.  It is chic, sexy, and just interesting to look at.  Tassels can be flirty, fun, and just adds a level of luxury detail.   Historically, tassels were details on women's small evening bags.  Notably at CHANEL.  Do everyone a favor and suggest one of these bags to your best clients - before they are gone!

INSPIRED STAR POWER    

One wonderful event every Spring that features the mostGEORGE AND AMAL CLOONEY - GORGEOUS ON THE RED CARPET IN CANNES ; DRESS ATELIER VERSACE beautiful Red Carpet fashion - The Cannes Film Festival.   Year after year the biggest names in Hollywood walk the Red Carpet to the stairs into the festival. While the Met Gala was more of a spectacle than a spectacular night of fashion this year, Cannes delivered.  I want to focus on one women tonight.  AMAL CLOONEY.  This successful and talented Human Rights Lawyer shined brighter than many of the actresses in attendance.  Of course, having Mr. George Clooney on her arm doesn't hurt, but Amal was gorgeous in her Atelier Versace dress.  This pale shade of yellow was flattering and pretty.  The weight of the silk was flowing and complementary with pleats and twists. TASTE THE RAINBOW IN STYLE! The one shoulder silhouette is classic and sexy, and it always looks appropriate.   Think how many floral colors work beautifully worn back to yellow.  Now that American women are wearing color - the sky is the limit! 

SALE BRINGS IN THE FULL PRICE CLIENTS - JUNE 2014 -PART II

C MAGAZINE TAKES SALVATORE FERRAGAMO SPRING RUNWAY TO THE BEACH - A RUNWAY KNIT AS SPF - ULTRA-LUXE FOR SURE! OFF THE SHELVES

The weather is heating up, and shopping centers are filling up! Beating the heat has motivated many customers over the years.  Another trademark of the American shopping experience is the air-conditioned shopping center.  With SALE breaking at most major designer boutiques, there should be a sense of urgency from the savviest clients.   Those who know, know the best items don't last long. While many shoppers might have bargains on their mind, don't be fooled into thinking you can't sell full price merchandise during sale.   **The major department stores know that clients who come for a bargain, are often the very same customer that reserves next season's hottest bag, dress, or shoe.  Better yet, many times she walks out with the newest full price item - alone with that super sale bargain**   I've seen that exact scenario play out on the sales floor many times. HELENA BORDON - SALVATORE FERRAGAMO RUNWAY RTW & FIAMMA HANDBAG 

The next time you schedule an appointment with a sale client, curate a small selection of the newest, hottest styles that won't make it to next sale.   Does she own a FIAMMA yet? 

Speaking of FIAMMA - the hottest Bag / Shoe combo in Fashion.  The sexy advertising campaign showcasing Helena Bordon with the large bisque Fiamma handbag also features the very same Spring runway knit featured in this months C Magazine.  How is that for versatile?  Small world - BIG fashion! 

The most talented stylists create stand-out looks when they approach pieces objectively.   When working with luxury clients, don't personalize price points.  A $5,000.00 skirt or handbag might seem outrageous for an everyday outfit - but not for the wealthiest shoppers that are now visiting Salvatore Ferragamo antiques regularly.  If I runway knit would look great at the beach - suggest it!  If a warm and fuzz sweater would be ideal with an Alligator bag - put it together. A PYTHON SOFIA TIES THE SEASONS TOGETHER IN ELLE MAGAZINE  Never let a price tag stop you from doing your best work.  Your client might surprise you - and you may surprise yourself with the results.

One guideline from the pros - approach exotic skins as just another color.  Take the base color in a python, ostrich, or alligator skin and use that to match or compliment other fabrics.   Don't be afraid to mix patterns with exotics because they can make the chicest ensembles.

ELLE Magazine showcased a golden trimmed python sofia as a piece to bring on Spring - keeping it in rotation in a wardrobe that transitions from Spring to Summer and on to Fall.

More proof positive that the most fashionable shoppers are hitting the stores this Summer.  **Luxury fashion houses are launching key accessory icons in Spring / Summer **  Just in time to be purchased for that sun kissed holiday, or to have waiting to wear it when vacation is over and it's "Fashion Go Time" making the items available now gets the jump on Fall shopping. 

Salvatore Ferragamo launched the iconic FIAMMA Bag this Spring.  Iconic in name, and user friendly in shape, sizes, and price-point!   We've highlighted press coverage as editor's are swooning (more to come in the July FEED).BOTTEGA VENETA OLIMPIA WOVEN LEATHER BAG  

Also from Italy is Bottega Veneta's brand new Olimpia Bag.  Handwoven in the brand's signature weave, these leather bags are classic in shape - showcasing Made In Italy craftsmanship.   Named for the renowned Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, Italy- the bags range in price from $2,580.00 to $5,250.00. 

Bottega Veneta is one brand that Salvatore Ferragamo can share the "Made In Italy" label with pride. METALLIC WOVEN LEATHER OLIMPIA BAG  BV isn't cutting any corners or offshoring parts of the production (like some other Italian brands that claim to be so proud of their heritage).   Like Ferragamo, Bottega is all Italian. 

ON TREND FOR FALL

SPARKLEY METALLICS & CHUNKY KNITWEAR ON TREND FOR FALL 14The Fall Ferragamo runway collection had temperatures rising way back in February!  From bags, to shoes, to knits, and RTW, Ferragamo is on the short list of editors around the world.  Harper's Bazaar highlighted Massimiliano Giornetti's vision of Fall in their key trend report.  

Ferragamo covers two Fall trends in runway Exit #5 - Metallics- or as Harper's Bazaar says "Like a Diamond with Lame like sparkle, and Chunky Knits or "Soft Touch" with the turtle neck knit.

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO FALL 2014 - EXIT 5 - TEXTURED MOHAIR KNIT - $870.00 OVER METALLIC VISCOSE DRESS -$2,670.00Both these trends are a win / win for accessory customers that watch the runway, but might not invest in RTW.   Metallics and Knits are both found across price-points in the marketplace.  For those who can indulge in Runway - what an exciting season!  

TABLE FOR THREE

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO FALL 2014 CAMPAIGN - PHOTOGRAPHY BY MERT & MARCUSThe Fall Ferragamo advertising campaign has just been released.   Stunning photos shot by famed photographers Mert & Marcus in London are sexy, sultry, and absolutely high fashion.  This Fall campaign is the first time Salvatore Ferragamo has featured multiple models for a season, making the looks even more dynamic.  Seated on a blue picnic table, these images will capture the imagination of the millions of readers about to see the campaign as it is unveiled in every major fashion market around the world.  The ads also feature the latest icon in accessories - The Fiamma Handbag!

As we head into the official start of the Summer, I'm hoping you enjoy fireworks on July 4th - and fireworks in your boutique all month!