Designer Trunk Shows are an American tradition that helped to establish U.S. as the marketplace for luxury goods after WWII. In fact, the U.S. shopper and the Trunk Show helped create the fashion world as we know it today. American socialites and celebrities were privy to exclusive previews of next season's fashion months before the items were offered to the public. Oftentimes, the same items worn on the runway were sent directly to the stores for the preview event. These advance reserves, and even advance purchases helped department stores and the fashion houses budget accordingly and forecast their business with guaranteed sales commitments.
Fast forward half a century and the most luxurious fashion brands generate millions of dollars every season by hosting these preview events for the elite shoppers in their flagship locations. Cities like San Francisco, Chicago, & New York are no strangers to these often "invitation only" events. Of course Beverly Hills like NYC was where these events were born. Exclusive shopping destinations like South Coast Plaza in Southern California, The American Manhasset on Long Island in NY, and the Bal Harbour Shops in Miami are ground zero for this pastime and passion of the richest women in the world.
Italian Luxury Goods house Salvatore Ferragamo has a history with these elite shoppers. Salvatore invented the concept of the designer shoe decades ago as his immigration from rural southern Italy to Southern California would change the world of footwear forever. Inventing (and patenting) many of the most worn shoe shapes worn by women - from the platform to the stiletto - Ferragamo became the shoemaker to the stars and to the society women that the world of luxury fashion was created to dress.
Today, 100 years since Salvatore came to America as a young man, the global empire that now bears his name is taking the Trunk Show experience in the 21st century. Just as Salvatore Ferragamo was ahead of his time and a visionary, the powers that be steering his legacy have a modern vision that also respects the rich history of this truly inconic fashion house.
In addition to hosting physical Trunk Shows in key flagship stores around the country, Ferragamo has also invente an on-line partner to the in-store experience. Shoppers that visit www.TrunkShow.Ferragamo.com can view the entire collection available for purchase in a variety of ways. Clicking through the collection can view a 360 degree view of items worn on a model, view the images from the Runway Show, and what I think is the most fun part - create your own outfit with a 21st century paper doll tool. Simply click on shoes, bags, and clothing to instantly view the combination on the body. Then with a click -change your mind, remix, and redress this virtual you - without ever having to take off your own shoes ( that is if you are even dressed!). I don't care if you grew up with Barbies or Bratz - who can resist paper dolls?
Of course, any luxury goods are best seen in person so you can touch and feel and actually try them on. However if you are very busy, or don't live so close to a Ferragamo boutique - the trunk show website is an excellent way to learn about the collection before you visit a store. With over 650 boutiques globally, I challenge any reader to tell me they don't live near a Salvatore Ferragamo fashion experience! ** The Ready-To-Wear is only available in Ferragamo boutiques - a true luxury detail **
click over now to experience the Salvatore Ferragamo Spring 2014 Collection.