APRIL 2012 - PART II - COLOR IN BLOOM!

OFF THE SHELVES     Warm weather and hotter colorsSILK CHIFFON TROPICAL PRINT PARTY DRES - 506-181-$4,640.00 came early this year!   With above average temps continuing to cover most of the U.S., shoppers are feeling that itch to shop for Summer earlier than usual.   Just in time - rich vibrant colors and prints are available at Ferragamo boutiques from coast to coast!  Massimiliano Giornetti continues to raise the bar on Ferragamo RTW withSOFIA - REDEFINED - CARDINAL KARUNG luxurious prints that scream HOLIDAY, or every day - depending on where you live.

Suggest one of the spectacular prints to any clients purchasing shoesSEXY SANDAL PUMP - 504-837 - $825.00 or handbags.BUSTIER - 506-681-$2,780.00 & SKIRT - 506-240-$2,390.00   You would be amazed at the effect just holding up a skirt or dress can have on a fashion shoe shopper.   Remember that many shoe and handbag clients don't realize Ferragamo RTW is within their budget.  (Any client carrying a Chanel handbag, can easily add a jacket or skirt to that shoe purchase.)  These superior quality garments, painstakingly hand-crafted in Italy are the next step in an fashion clients education as a super chic shopper.   Cross selling GOLDEN SOFIA IN KARUNG / NAPPA - 505-6765-$3,000.00is key - as this lets clients know they can find total looks at Ferragamo, if not for this visit - down the road.   Remember, no RTW collection (in any designer boutique) has perfectly merchandised pieces from a runway collection.  The main reason?  There simply is no time.   Major fashion houses like Ferragamo now produce 6 or more collections per year.  This means that by the time the runway show is over, the creative team is on to the next season.  Runway is a statement and a moment - the one true vision of the designer.  These collections rarely get produced head to toe, and that is just the way the industry works.   Well estaGOLDEN STRAPPY PUMP - 504-762-$895.00blished collections like Ferragamo have the ability to create that total wardrobe through pre-collection and main collection.   ** Your buying team is always working to make the deliveries compliment each other as much as possible. **  One piece of RTW in every shoe and handbag clients wardrobe is a great goal!

From clothes to bags: How exciting to see an iconic Ferragamo handbag receiving so much fashion styling for Spring 2012!   The classic Sofia is as hot as it gets in several versions this season.   They compliment runway, but also flatter everything she owns!   For that customer looking for "the" red bag - Sofia in Red Karung would have to be IT.  Of course we mentioned Sofia in turquoise in the last FEED, but it has just hit stores last week!!   Last but not least, the Gold striped Sofia continues to be a best seller for Spring.  Let's make it a sold out phenom!  Be sure to suggest it with the tropical print of the turquoise, green, & beige RTW skirts and bustiers.  What's the perfect partner to this oro Sofia? - The golden strappy runway pump- of course!  The detailing of this carved out heel will leave any shoe fan - speechless! 

LEGACY OF LUXURY

BRASS SEAHORSE EARRINGS - 506-898-$540.00The hallmark of any luxury brand is it's ability to remain ahead of the curve by creating unique items that others do not have.   CORAL SEAHORSE - 506-897-$540.00This grows ever more difficult in a world flooded with "luxury" goods.   Very few houses maintain the savoir-faire (sa-vwah-fair) of "Made In Italy", and still continue to be innovative.   Ferragamo was known to be a creative thinker from the beginning of Salvatore's career.   Furthermore, during World War II when resources were scarce, Salvatore Ferragamo looked to natural fibers like raffia and jute as well as exotic fish skins to create luxury goods.  This had never been done before.

In the last 10 years, luxury design houses have looked to a new category to elevate into the world of luxury goods.   Costume Jewelry. CHANEL "CORAL REEF" PLATFORM PUMP CJ as it is known in the industry has become as relevant as handbags and shoes as an important accessory.   While the raw materials can be everyday ingredients like resin or glass, it is the handcrafted artisanal work that makes these items luxurious.   *This is a critical point*  To buy CJ from Chanel or Ferragamo is very different from buying CJ from Michael Kors or Tory Burch.   If a shopper compares the two, remind him or her that CJ from Italy is made with the same detail and care that fine jewelry is created.   CJ has an added benefit - resins can be made into shapes that gold or silver just can't- FERRAGAMO FAN - OLIVIA CHANTECAILLEmaking these collections playful and expressive.

Spring 2012 has seen a wonderful trend as a major reference point for the hottest collections from Italy and France.   This season, trend setters like Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel andCHANTECAILLE CORAL PALETTE Massimiliano Giornetti at Ferragamo looked under the sea for out of this world accessories.  Mother of Pearl, Coral, and Mother Nature's most exotic creatures walked the runways for Spring!!   Suggest these beautiful Seahorse styles from CJ to any fashion client looking for something unexpected.    Interesting to note that the Natural Cosmetic brand - Chantecaille also looked under the sea for inspiration.   Creative Director of the brand and Ferragamo wearing socialite - Olivia Chantecaille was on trend with Karl and Massimiliano with her Coral Compact palette!    Who knew SpongeBob was so fashionable!

FERRAGAMO TIME FERRAGAMO FLAGSHIP - - PH: VAN THOMAS MALINOWSKI

Ferragamo's fast and furious rise to the top of the fashion world has the world of luxury goods talking!  Month after month the brand has headline worthy news for the fashion flock to chatter about.  April is no exception!  Last Thursday in NYC, the Ferragamo flagship on 5th Avenue re-opened with a jam packed party that was the talk of the town.   What a night.   Solange Knowles (yes Beyonce's sister) spinning upstairs, Mr & Mrs. Smith signing copies of their new book on Italy ** Featuring the luxurious Ferragamo Resort**JAMES FERRAGAMO AND SOLANGE KNOWLES IN FERRAGAMO downstairs, and over 600 partygoers EVERYWHERE - it was a party to remember!!  Even made Page 6 of the NY Post took note over the weekend as they reported one of the most famous party crashers was escorted out briskly after posing as a sound technician to gain entry to this invite only fashion soiree! 

The largest Ferragamo Boutique in the world is now wrapped in luxury - RUNWAY READY ENTRANCE - PH: VTMfeaturing supple suedes, venetian plaster, dark oak and walnut, and polished steel on every surface possible.   Even the jaded fashion flock were mesmerizedYOURS TRULY WITH SOCIALITE MARGARET LUCE IN FERRAGAMO **Warning** You might have a sensory overload of the luxury kind!  Be sure to talk about this impressive destination with  shoppers in your store.   This flagship is a proud achievement of the hard work all U.S. team members have made.   What a statement for the Ferragamo family to have this massive tribute to the brand in the United States.   Bravo to you all!  Let's make Spring 2012 a season to remember!!