WHAT'S BLACK & WHITE and CHIC all over? - Spring 2016 of course!

MODEL ELLEN SCHELLENBERG WEARS SALVATORE FERRAGAMO IN ELLE MAGAZINE'S "SHE'S COME UNDONE" COTTON BLOUSE - $590.00 / LEATHER SKIRT $2,800.00- PHOTO: LIZ COLLINS *Ferragamo Faux Peral Earring *Happy New Year!  January is always an exciting time for true fashion followers and the hard core shoppers.  With the gift giving season behind us, shoppers canBLACK AND WHITE SEPERATES FROM TODS SPRING 16 once again shop for themselves - guilt free. STACY SHOULDER BAG WITH PYTHON FLAP $2,600.00 It is perfect timing with Fall sales lingering, and the newest Spring fashion arriving by the day.

January gives us all an opportunity to clear the decks and begin the year with a clean slate.   Set new goals, change your style, your approach, your attitude? SALVATORE FERRAGAMO SPRING 2016 - EXIT 1 - OPENING STATEMENT I think it's an exciting time. 

Fashion is a magical thing.  It is so subjective and personal by it's nature.  What flatters one woman, might very well repel another.  It is quite fascinating to see just how differently two people can react to the very same skirt, handbag, shoe, etc.   *What is In STYLE is not always black and white, but BLACK AND WHITE is always in style.*  This classic theme always looks fresh, crisp, and sophisticated. GRAPHIC BLACK & WHITE FLAT ON THE FLOOR - OR HEELED HIGH THIS SPRING! ** MUST HAVES **  

With the Spring 2016 collection Massimiliano seemed to use black and white as a palette cleanser on the runway, in-between BURSTS of COLOR that covered the spectrum.  Often leading the eye to focus on bright shoes - of course! 

Look 1 on the Spring Runway set the stage.  A white cap sleeve cotton blouse paired with a black lightweight, high waisted leather skirt.  The look is sexy and chic and editors took note immediately.  Proof positive is the full page editorial Elle magazine gives the look in the January 16 issue.  "She's Come Undone" photographed by Liz Collins is dedicated to these contrasting pieces.  The magazine describes them as "minimalist separates with sharp tailoring that bring the heat".  Total agreement here!    This cotton blouse is an excellent first piece of runway for a handbag or shoe client.  Priced at $590.00 - it is a high fashion bargain.  The leather skirt ($2,800.00) is an excellent addition to any serious fashion wardrobe.  It is the perfect designer separate that can take her to so many occasions.. style more formal.. and sexy.. her choice. ** one to suggest to the ladies that follow editorial **EMERALD GREEN SUEDE AND LEATHER CROPPED JACKETELLSWORTH KELLY "SPECTRUM" - 1954

Once again, the Salvatore Ferragamo collection is on trend, and setting them, as the fashion world is celebrating classic black and white - at the same time it showcases primary colors of every electric shade - often worn together.  Some even described a a kaleidoscope of color.

Primary colors have attracted the most avant-garde minds in art and fashion since designers first started creating looks, and painters first broke with tradition and embraced modernist themes.

Once such great artist died on December 27.  Ellsworth Kelly was a legend in the world of modern art.  Known for his minimalist approach of presenting bold colors in simple shapes, the artist was inspired by everyday life.   Kelly's formative years were in Paris in the 1950's after WWII.  He very well would have known of Salvatore Ferragamo's avant-garde fashion designs that dominated headlines at the time.AILEEN TOP HANDLE PASTEL RAINBOW BAG - $2,600.00  Kelly was influenced by artists Jean Arp and Alexander Calder in Paris, and later back in New York by contemporaries such as Robert Indiana, Jasper Johns, and Robert Rauschenberg.   His work was at first rejected by galleries as "not art", but Mr. Kelly would become one of the most relevant artist of his time.    All of these artists continue to be a huge influence and inspiration for fashion designers around the world.  I promise if you search online for Ellsworth Kelly's work (or any of the artists mentioned), you will not be disappointed.

The Wall Street Journal devoted a full page of last weekend's OFF DUTY section to the wild colors popping up across the fashion industry.  In "PRISM BREAK" the paper focused on the literal rainbow styles coming to stores this Spring.  While Salvatore's Rainbow wedge wasn't featured - it's a permanent influence to any fashion designer working today.  That's Iconic!

**The Aileen top handle bag is one of the most gorgeous pieces I've seen in a while.  Combining leather details with Golden hardware set against the pastel backdrop makes this bag look so new and fresh!  Be sure to show this one to all of your serious bag collectors.  She won't want to miss this one. **

PASTEL POLKA-DOT SANDAL

Wearing rainbow prints can intimidate some women.  Encourage a solid primary color top or pant to ground a multi-colored shoes or bags.  The great news is that all the editorials and ad campaigns showcasing this trend means women are seeing colorful fashion everywhere they look.   So even the women that usually stick to black or beige just might be seduced by this explosion of happy colors this Spring season.  Take the opportunity to suggest some bright, bold, color.  It just might brighten up her world! 

Fashion in the Fall - Effortless Luxury at Salvatore Ferragamo

VOGUE MAGAZINE CELEBRATES "FLIGHTS OF FANCY" - AND ULTIMATE FANTASY STYLING -SALVATORE FERRAGAMO & NICOLAS GHESQUIERE FOR LOUIS VUITTON TOGETHER IN FUR - SHEARLING, MINK, AND SHEEPSKIN - Cross-body flap bag - Mink / Calf $3,150.00 -. PH: WILLY VANDERPERRE It seems that five minutes ago - it was full on Summer.  Well, it wasn't.  This past weekend in a very (I can't bold that enough) windy Chicago, I had to face the fact - Fall is here!  The truth is, with the Fall collection in stores this year- welcoming the chillier season is downright EXCITING.   The Salvatore Ferragamo Fall Runway collection is fashion! Seeing the reaction from customers during trunk shows is the final (and critical) piece of the "holy trinity" of luxury retail.    Designer Fashion collections need to garner the attention of three bodies of critical eyes.  First - Magazine Editors that see the collection on the runway and immediately begin constructing "stories" for the next 6 months that millions will read. DECO RUNWAY SANDALS - STOPPING TRAFFIC ON MICHIGAN AVENUE - AVAILABLE IN BLACK SUEDE WITH SILVER & GOLD, AND PYTHON OR HAYERS WITH BRONZE (COGNAC) $1,950.00 - $2,150.0 Second,  Buyers & Merchants begin the same process - but working with actual goods - not glossy pages.  (This is when ad campaigns are also created) Third - Customers! - Actual customers must connect with this beautiful merchandise - or the whole point is lost.  Sometimes of course, photos and items are created for "image" - as a way to entice certain shoppers.  However, it's most rewarding when a collection like Ferragamo - known for understated elegance and "legacy luxury items"- is able to tantalize on the runway - and also sell full price fashion to the savviest and wealthiest shoppers in the world. LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD - SHE IS NOT - FERRAGAMO FALL 2015 - RED ON RED -RIBBED KNIT DRESS WITH THE SHAWL OF THE SEASON  Incredible!   Ferragamo, unlike so many of the luxury houses, DOES invest in these extremely rare pieces shown on the runway - making them available (exclusively in many cases) to the Ferragamo Boutique Client.  That's Luxury! CHIC CALFSKIN QUILTED CLUTCH (WITH SHOULDER STRAP) - $1,450.00PATCHWORK ENVELOPE - THE CLUTCH OF THE SEASON - DAZZLES RESIN BUTTONS AND COLOR BLOCKED CLOTHES

I'm happy to report I saw similar reactions from coast-to-coast - North and South - all excited to see these key items in person. 

Art Deco details are a key to the Fall runway accessories, with a mix of metals - hardware and leather in Silver, Gold, and Bronze.   Combined in many cases, to create a neutral metallic accessory - evening by nature - but easily worn day into night.

 PATCHWORK - is one of the strongest trends that emerged from the Fall fashion collections around the world.   Massimiliano helped set that trend with his use of blocking in ready-to-wear, accessories, and shoes.   *Once again, Ferragamo was a key reference collection for trend-setting fashion.  The key runway handbag shape for Fall on the Ferragamo runway was a reinvented saddle bag with an extra long "tongue".  The bag is crescent shaped or envelope style.  Shown in a variety of patchwork exotic skins, or smooth calfskin - simple golden hardware let's the leather take center stage. 

*The envelope shaped is the PERFECT clutch addition to every cool closet in your town.  Priced at $1,450.00 - it doesn't need a second thought. 

Another style iconic to well heeled Ferragamo shoppers is the cape / poncho.  Massimiliano payed homage to the legacy of Ferragamo in every way on the runway.  No effort more significant than the knit cape / poncho / maxi-scarf that dominated the runway.  Shown long on the runway, the drape and movement was captivating.  Editors took note!  Now in store, this piece is connecting with shoppers in the exact same way.  Iconic Ferragamo Red is flattering to so many skin tones and hair colors.   The shape itself can be worn by a woman of any size.  The perfect travel companion, this accessory can dress up jeans and leggings with a belted waist.    Priced at $990.00, this piece will not be available by the time Fall turns to Winter. 

These styles flatter women - just like the first shoes created by Salvatore Ferragamo almost 100 years ago.  Share your favorite item with the hashtag #100Years100Days - it's how we celebrate the innovative work of this artist. 

THE TIMELESS ALLURE OF THE BLACK JACKET

With so much color "In Fashion" these days it only takes one amazing Black Jacket to remind us why the style is an icon.   Something about a well tailored, textured fabric, and sharp shoulder A JACKET TO FALL IN LOVE WITH - $2,790.00- the key is the shoulder - it's in a class of it's own.  The asymmetric closure black jacket shown on Massimiliano's Ferragamo Fall runway was nothing short of iconic.  There is no finer example of a designer jacket on any runway in Paris, Milan, or New York.   Customers of all sizes and complexions has slid that jacket on - and fallen in love.   Priced at $2,790.00 - it's a value... the matching skirt - well that's just a smart investment.  The cropped fashion pant in the same fabric with novelty button detail - that's the icing on the cake!   ALL ABOUT GREEN - THE RESIN BUTTON DETAILS OF FALL 2015 - HOMAGE TO SONIA DELAUNAY - FERRAGAMO FALL 2015Massimiliano channelled artist Sonia Delaunay to create large resin buttons that decorate key RTW items this season.  This jacket is everything.  If you know a client that wears Chanel, Prada, or any tailored jackets - show her the photos.  The more curves she has - the better.  The drape of this fabric and cut of the jacket is absolutely flattering.

CHRISTY TURLINGTON ANNOUNCES THE ARRIVAL OF SALVATORE FERRAGAMO ON RODEO DRIVE - 1991

Speaking of timeless style and luxury fashion.   During the celebration of the newly renovated Rodeo Drive Flagship in September, Director and Ferragamo Veteran - Jon Borland shared an iconic image that advertised the opening of the "new" boutique on Rodeo in 1991!  Super-Model Christy Turlington  - at the height of her career - wears Ferragamo head to toe!  Take note of the bucket bag - back in style more than ever this year.  *Also note the deep green - another trend of 2015! 

Salvatore Ferragamo setting trends yesterday, today, and tomorrow... that's classic luxury. 

Next time - Spring 2016 Runway Recap!