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!  

MAY-JOR ACCESSORY LAUNCH - CELEBRATING THE DNA OF FERRAGAMO

T MAGAZINE CELEBRATES THE WOMEN OF SALVATORE FERRAGAMO - FOUR GENERATIONS ALL CARRYING THE LEGACY OF SALVATORE INTO THE FUTURE PH: SIMON WATSONLEGACY OF LUXURY

May is a month full of life.  New life to be exact.   Birds are nesting, trees are sprouting, early flowers are blooming.  Optimism and encouragement is in the air.  In fashion, men and women get the itch for something new.   A new dress, new shoes, and of course a new handbag! BLACK CALFSKIN MINI FIAMMA - $1,650.00 It is with this sense of excitement we celebrate the latest launch in the Salvatore Ferragamo legacy of luxury.  One word - FIAMMA.   THE BLACK ALLIGATOR FIAMMA HANDBAG WITH GOLD TOP HANDLE HARDWARE - AS SEEN ON THE FALL 2014 RUNWAY- $27,000.00 Offered in a variety of leathers from calfskin to Alligator, in five different sizes - this is a major launch.

Fiamma Ferragamo was the eldest daughter of Salvatore. PYTHON & FOX FUR FIAMMA MINI -$4,900.00 From the time she was a child, Salvatore recognized her sense of fashion and encouraged her to join him in his burgeoning empire.  At 16 she did.  Salvatore's instincts were correct of course and with Fiamma by his side,  the dynamic and scope of the collection was changed forever. 

FIAMMA FERRAGAMO SURROUNDED BY HER DESIGNSIn 1965 she would launch the accessory and RTW collection.  Fiamma also created the Vara, quite possibly the most iconic style the house has ever known.  In 1967, Fiamma, like Salvatore twenty years before, would receive the prestigious Oscar of Fashion presented by Neiman Marcus.  This would be the only time in history that a father and daughter would receive the prestigious award.  For over 40 years Fiamma would steer the creative direction of the company before her premature passing in 1998 at 57 years of age.  (Fiamma's passing warranted this heartfelt obituary in the New York Times - click Tribute to read).FASHION ECCENTRIC ANNA DELLA RUSSO WEARS STELLA McCARTNEY RTW AND FERRAGAMO FIAMMA HANDBAG -$1,650.00

(I've often spoken about the similarity between the houses of Coco Chanel and Salvatore Ferragamo.   Coco received the Oscar of Fashion, as did her successor Karl Lagerfeld.   Coco created the legacy, but it was Karl that designed the ballet flat that Chanel shoes are so known for.  Fiamma Ferragamo won the Oscar of Fashion, and created the Vara). 

The FIAMMA handbag created by Massimiliano Giornetti celebrates all that Fiamma the woman represented:  Beauty and strength, with effortless style.  With rounded edges the bag gives maximum storage, without appearing to be a "large" bag.  Small or large, make no mistake -this bag is all fashion.  On it's own, it is hand-held with a curved top handle.   A detachable shoulder strap gives an added sense of sophistication, utility, and luxury.  *The details of a finely executed strap is a wonderful asset that showcases that extra level of craftsmanship.*  The double zipper adds more options and access to the bag, but also celebrates the luxury of the design.  Silk linings are yet another luxury detail,  in fact, a hidden luxury that is there for only the owner to enjoy.   With price ranges from $1,650.00 to $27,00.00 -there are options for all the Ferragamo women that shop in your boutique!

The May 7th launch of FIAMMA will be one worthy of a fashion icon.   A short film created exclusively for the occasion by award winning filmmakers Julian Ungano & Tommy Agroiodimas will showcase several generations of women from celebrated families around the world.  Fashionable women from Rome, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Brazil, and a few additional global capitals, celebrating strong women,  showcasing the FIAMMA bag they have chosen that really speaks to her own sense of style.    The media promotion will be across all platforms from the .com, facebook, instagram, twitter, etc.   #theFIAMMA has already started trending.

*I'm predicting the "MINIS" will be best sellers as these little icons are hard to resist.  Miniature handbags were a huge fashion trend again in the Fall 2014 fashion shows.  An ultimate fashion statement with exquisite details*

A LOVE LETTER TO FIAMMA FERRAGAMO - COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK TIMES - T MAGAZINE - CLICK IMAGE TO WATCHTimed with the launch of the FIAMMA, the NY Times T Magazine released a spectacular portrait taken in March of all the women of Salvatore Ferragamo.   With matriarch Wanda Ferragamo surrounded by seventeen female family members, the majestic setting and impeccable style showcases this family beautifully. The accompanying video DEAR FIAMMA, a love letter  is narrated by the women of Ferragamo themselves- speaking of the late daughter, sister,  and aunt, not a memorial - but a celebration of her legacy.  This is an unprecedented tribute - fitting for a family with such a strong iconic image in the world of luxury fashion.   **To Watch the NY Times Video click the image above**   ARE YOU EXCITED YET?  

(More FIAMMA News to follow in the next feed)

OFF THE SHELVES

HARPER'S BAZAAR CELEBRATES THE "NEW" NEUTRALS OF SPRING 2014 - SALVATORE FERAGAMO KNIT TOP AND COTTON SKIRT PH: TERRY RICHARDSONWith the craze for color that the fashion world has seen in recent seasons, it took vision and a sense of daring for Massimiliano Giornetti to cleanse the palette for Spring with Neutral tones of RTW from head to toe.  He was ahead of the curve (again) and helped set one of the Chicest trends for Spring 2014.   Harper's Bazaar celebrates the "New Neutrals" in the May issue.CAROLINA HERRERA JACKET AND SKIRT, SALVATORE FERRAGAMO TOP AND HANDBAG - HARPER'S BAZAAR MAY 2014 - PH: TERRY RICHARDSON   Shot by "it" photog Terry Richardson, Salvatore Ferragamo runway not only headlines the story, but steals the show again just two pages later.  (of the 8 pages, Ferragamo is featured in 3) With chic dresses, skirts, and tops, it may be the most clothing Richardson has ever photographed.    Don't be afraid to suggest head-to-toe color.  As much as we love mixing and matching colors and textures, these photos prove that sometimes - monochromatic IS the way to go!

In the same May issue, the magazine shot a beautiful story on the "Best of Swim " showcasing the chicest swimwear from the world of designer fashion.  Chanel, Eres, Bottega Veneta, and Salvatore Ferragamo are among the most fashionable items showcased.  LILY DONALDSON WEARS A FERRAGAMO BANDEAU, ERES BOTTOM, AND CARTIER WATCH IN HARPER'S BAZAAR MAY 2014 - PH: SEBASTIAN FAENA Remember, when a designer client is looking for "swimwear"... swimming doesn't have to be in the conversation.  Most of the hottest swimsuits ever designed weren't meant to get wet.    Swimwear stories can mean only one thing - Summer is coming!