7/15- ALL ABOARD THE FASHION TRAIN!

 Make your reservations, buy your tickets, and get to the station!   The Ferragamo Express to all points chic and sophisticated is ready to roll this Fall.   Massimiliano gave us luxury by the mile as he wove a romantic tale of intrigue and glamour from Florence to Milan for Fall 2012.  The fashion world is buzzing with the way Ferragamo has turned up the luxury factor season after season.   Just when editors think Giornetti has outdone himself, there comes another first for Ferragamo and for another iconic landmark.  With each delivery this season - from Pre-Fall, to Fall, to the Milano Runway Collection - luxury is front and center!

OFF THE SHELVES (AND ON THE GO!)

VIP WAITING SALON - FERRAGAMO PRE-FALL 2012Case in point: Fall Collection (what the mainstream press calls pre-Fall) : January-2012- The Scene:  Glamorous models occupy the Luxurious marble columned waiting lounge of the Milan Central Train Station.   This VIP Salon built for the Italian Royal Family in the 1920's welcomed visiting royalty from around the world in a time of exclusive and luxurious travel.   The salon is not open to the public, and Ferragamo was the first fashion house to ever stage an event in this private space.   The collection was an exercise in wardrobing the woman who has everything as her train rolls into another world capital on her exclusive itinerary.   A-Line Pleated skirts gave a nod to the sixties, and ultra-luxe twinsets a timeless nod to luxury.   Supple and soft silk tailored blouses provide a sophisticated foundation to building her 1st class wardrobe.  ULTRA-LUXE PRE-FALL: TWINSET-#523-923-11B208-$3,100.00 / SHELL-523-924-11B209-$2,790.00 : SUEDE SKIRT -524-430-$2,690.00 : PYTHON BAG-D500-517-963-$1,990.00: PYTHON KITTEN HEELS -522-555-$1,190.00 Kitten heels are the sensible and sexy answer to the prayers of all those ladies who cannot / will not wear a platform or stiletto.   They also reference the era of the 50's when women were sexy AND sophisticated at all times.   There was no such thing as a skinny jean then, so ladies dressed to impress.   ** This is a great opportunity to talk with clients about dressing glamorous **  

Style.com said it best of the Fall Ferragamo (Pre-Fall) - "The message was clear enough: These clothes are sensible enough to ride the rails, but luxe enough for a princess".

Dream Worthy:  Look 5: Wool & Cashmere twinset w/ exotic trim - $5,890.00

Prugna (Aubergine/Purple) Suede Skirt - $2,690.00

Mirtillo Python "Lock Story" handbag - $1,990.00

Python Kitten Heels - $1,190.00

Even if your client is shopping on a tight budget, it is important to showcase these dream-worthy pieces.   These piecesCALFSKIN "LOCK STORY" HANDBAG - MASCULINE DETAILING WITH GLAMOUR - D516-517-912,913,248-$1,290.00 set the stage and romance the collection.   To see how luxurious many of the Ferragamo designs are will also make her feel so much better about investing $600.00 on a pair of everyday shoes, or $1,600.00 on her go-to handbag.

FERRAGAMO TIME (ING)

LOUIS VUITTON FALL 2012 - TRAIN IN THE STATIONTWO MONTHS LATER in March, Marc Jacobs continued Massimiliano's thread with his Fall runway collection for Louis Vuitton in Paris.   Giornetti had his luxury ladies waiting for the train, and Jacobs punched their ticket.  **Note the timing and recognize Massimiliano has become one of the very few designers helping to SET the trends of the season.** As with most things MJ, his woman is more cartoonish in what she wears.  It is obvious that all attention is on the accessories at LV.  In fact, Jacobs upstaged his own RTW fashion with male porters that carried armfuls of new accessories.  You could almost hear Jacobs sayingLOUIS VUITTON FALL 2012 MODEL - AS SHE ARRIVES "Here are the clothes, can I interest you in another bag?".    

Important to remember:  Ferragamo is leading the industry with a return to glamorous RTW.  While most brands dangle RTW in the press in order to sell bags and shoes, Ferragamo invests in all categories.   We know that having strong and developed categories insures the longevity of the Ferragamo integrity.  

**Keep in mind that Fall collections have a higher perceived value in the minds of fashion shoppers.   Regardless of the city and climate she lives in, a woman will invest more in that spectacular tailored jacket, embroidered velvet boot, or fur trimmed coat.**  

LEGACY OF LUXURY

Ferragamo has many facets to it's unique legacy of creating luxury fashion.   While most designer houses began creating luggage or accessories - Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo is the only global fashion brand that started from the ground up.   Shoes.   FERRAGAMO KITTEN HEEL - SHOWN IN CROCODILE - ALSO IN PYTHON, OSTRICH, SUEDE, & CALFSKIN This fashion necessity was turned into a celebration of beauty by Salvatore Ferragamo.    Coco Chanel started with hats  - from Head-To-Toe and Ferragamo with Shoes: Toe-To-Head if you will.   Like Chanel, Ferragamo is one of the few brands that does not have a lower priced collection or "diffusion" line.  No Mui Mui like Prada, or RED like Valentino.  Every item is Ferragamo Collection.   Just like Coco, Salvatore created custom made items for his clients from day one of his career.  

A true celebration of our "Legacy of Luxury" is the Crocodile kitten heel.   The silhouette oozes style.  There is something so relaxed, confident, and sensual about a kitten heel.   As Ferragamo does so often, and so well - the shoe is offered in a range of materials and price points.  From Calfskin at $550.00, to Crocodile at $4,500.00 - this shoe can truly fit in any woman's budget.  Shown here in the most luxurious skin in the world completes this story.   The New York Times celebrated this design and featured it in "The Get" section, so let's all celebrate it with all clients looking at shoes, handbags, or any category.   Priced at $4,500.00, it is a true piece of luxury fashion.

Have you packed yet?  See you in August!!

MARCH INTO SPRING - 2012 IS GOLDEN!

TAILORED MILITIA WITH LUXE LEATHER             OFF THE..RUNWAY!

We interrupt this Spring report for a Fall Runway Show to die for!!  On Sunday February 26th, Massimiliano Giornetti's Fall 2012 Ferragamo Collection made a statement in Milan with fine tailoring and lace.  Once again raising the bar on his vision of the Ferragamo Woman, Mr. Giornetti is SHEER LAYERED LACE WTIH METALLIC TAILORING  giving her leather and lace options to be pretty AND powerful! (Why should a Woman have to choose?)

Style.com had this to say. 

"Toward the end of the Salvatore Ferragamo show, a song came over the loudspeakers that summed up designer Massimiliano Giornetti's new direction for Fall. Kate Bush's "Army Dreamers" said everything there was to know about a fine collection that married the rigor of military clothing with the romance of chiffon and lace".     "The femme side of the RICH EARTHTONES WITH METALLIC ACCENTS story featured off-the-shoulder dresses in crocheted silk interwoven with ribbon; peasant tops tucked into high-waisted pencil skirts; and chiffon gypsy dresses edged in gold. "Lots to wear," said a fellow editor on her way out of the show. Agreed".  - Nicole Phelps

What better way to welcome the Spring collection into our boutiques - than with the exciting buzz of a Fall fashion collection that only Italian craftsmanship can create!  How exciting to KHAKI KARUNG SOFIA-505-675-$3,000.00 SUGGEST THIS STUNNING BAG WHICH WILL ONLY BE MORE RELEVANT IN FALLsee that Massimiliano is again creating a Fall collection that is absolute fashion and completely wearable.   Ferragamo's legacy of luxury fashion with classic themes and fashionable detailing is alive and well in the creative hands of Mr. Giornetti.    Feel confident suggesting colorful choices for Spring, knowing you will have coveted classics-to-be when the Fall collection arrives.    I don't know when it has been a more exciting time to be working with Ready-To-Wear!

FERRAGAMO TIME   - TIME FOR COLOREXOTIC ONE SHOULDER SILK DRESS - $2,380.00

 This Spring be sure to suggest a colorful print of some shape to every client you work with.  With the several prints and colors in every category, you have a story for any hair color or skin tone.   One item that every woman needs in her close - a printed silk dress.13S630 - $2,380.00 ONE SHOULDER GLAMOUR  This one-shoulder silk print dress is one to collect, as it will be as relevant today as it will be 20 years from now.   Like the great designers of the 50's, 60's, and 70's,  Ferragamo will the referenced designer from the 10's!   This print is beautiful and flattering to so many skin tones and the silhouette is slimming as well.  (Don't forget to suggest the colorful separate sashes to wear back to many, many looks).   ItSTRAPPY, SEXY SANDAL - $895.00 has the feel of an animal print with the palette of florals - both are perennial favorites with woman around the world.   Priced at $2,380.00 and exclusive to Ferragamo boutiques - this dress is a must have!   Of course the perfect shoe options are all around the boutique. SUPPLE SUEDE DRAWSTRING-$1,390.00  Combine colors from all prints in strappy sandals straight from the runway.  These combinations make even the most hesitant women feel more comfortable combining and wearing bright colors.   Supple Suede in our handbags are second to none in the industry for the quality AND value for "Made In Italy" product that becomes more important day by day.

LEGACY OF LUXURY

ANGELINA JOLIE - ATELIER VERSACE & FERRAGAMOFerragamo is the only Fashion House that can say the two most talked about Women of Oscar night wore their collections.   Actually, after the 84th annual Academy Awards on Sunday night, perhaps we should call this section LEG-ACY of Luxury!  The most talked about actress from the Oscars this year, wasn't nominated at all.  That's right - Angelina Jolie made headlines around the world and became an internet sensation for her toned and well posed leg!   The actress, humanitarian, director, and wife of Brad Pitt is always a red carpet superstar.   Angelina has a spell on the world and clearly, even when there isn't much to say - the press looks for reasons to print her photo.  How exciting to see Angelina in Ferragamo peep-toe pumps, a shoe that has become a trademark in the collection over the last three years.   All in black, Angelina stood out from the colorful crowd in her Atelier Versace (say ah-tell-yay) dress.  The exaggerated slit helped draw all the more attention to her alabaster leg - and Ferragamo Pumps!  Find a reason to talk about this photo - and that shoe. (any peep-toe shoe can start the conversation). FERRAGAMO GOLD ON MERYL STREEP  Bravo Angelina for winning - without being nominated! 

The most talked about Oscar Winning MERYL STREEP IS GOLDENWoman of the night also wore Ferragamo!  Acting legend Meryl Streep took home the Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in the film Iron Lady.   Streep was wrapped in gold from head to toe.   Wearing a custom Lanvin Grecian inspired gown that made Meryl look a bit like a Golden foil version of Oscar himself. 18K GOLD FERRAGAMO SANDAL W/ METAL SOLE   Golden Ferragamo peep toe platform pumps completed her Oscar winning look. 

I was immediately reminded of the 18K Gold sandal pumps that Salvatore created in 1955 for a private client in Australia.   No designer before -or after Salvatore Ferragamo has ever taken this category higher.    And the winner is... FERRAGAMO!