SAKS WELCOMES STELLA

SAKS 5TH AVENUE FLAGSHIP WINDOWS LINING 5TH AVENUE

Stella McCartney certainly knows how to make an impression.  The British designer just had a week that most designers can only dream of.   Stella blew into town and started the week co-hosting Anna Wintour's annual Vogue Met Gala.   Late designer Alexander McQueen is the honoree of this years retrospective at the Met's Costume Institute.  Dressing a staggering number of red carpet beauties from Madonna to Rihanna, Stella stole the show! S-T-E-L-L-A SPELLS FUN AT SAKS 5TH AVENUE Read all about the red carpet extravaganza - STELLA at the MET

Amazingly, that spectacular night was just the beginning for Britain's most prolific designer.  Wednesday night Stella was just down 5th Avenue, at Saks 5th Avenue to be precise.  The legendary department store rolled out their red carpet at the famous flagship location as they unveiled the new Stella McCartney Boutique on the second floor.STELLA FALABELLA BAGS AT SAKS 5TH AVENUE

The boutique is beautiful and the mood was festive and relaxed.   The brand is famous for casual cool events that always attract a hipster crowd with an eye for fashion.   Popcorn,  balloons, and park benches really brought a little London charm to the heart of NYC.  (Of course there were Pimm's Cups all around!). 

Artist Jeff Koons and actress/ model Liv Tyler were also on hand to fete their friend as she opened her new boutique. 

Also at the party was one ofJASON JOBSON & LIZ LEE AT STELLA OPENING AT SAKS New Yorks' own famous fashion icons.   American legend Geoffrey Beene always insisted on having all of his one of a kind runway gowns shown on model - Liz Lee.   Liz is as beautiful today as she was in the 80's.   She is also a ray of sunshine and has a heart of gold!

The evolution of the SM collection has happened before our eyes.  Stella burst on the international scene by becoming the "young British girl" to take the reigns at French House Chloe back in the late 90's.  Legend Karl Lagerfeld was leaving the house for the second time and had practically driven the collection into the ground due to his infamous battles with management -(only 1 U.S. retailer was still buying by that time).    Stella's mix and match sensibility and injection of menswear tailoring into the very feminine skirt suit collection was ahead of it's time and a smash hit!.STELLA McCARTNEY & LIV TYLER

15 years later - my how things have changed.   Stella is now a powerful women in her own right,  with her own collection.   Now married with four children, this very busy fashion icon has developed a message and a core customer.   What was once a group of great items is now a serious runway collection.    Keep in mind that Stella has been a game changer in the industry by insisting that the collection be leather free. JASON JOBSON after 3 Pimms Cups & STELLA McCARTNEY This was unheard of in the world of accessories and shoes - before Stella McCartney anyway.  Her Falabella Bag is a total must have! (American menswear designer John Bartlett has also become passionate about obstaining from the use of leather and fur).

The naturally stained and sustainable wood planks underfoot in the Stella Saks boutique carries through the concept of her magnificent new flagship space in Las Vegas at the Crystals Shopping Center.  

While Stella has always been a destination for great knitwear or perfectly tailored pants, the Met Gala is sure to make her a dress and gown resource.  Those famous ladies on the red carpet never looked more beautiful!

To find out more about the Stella McCartney collection at Saks - click SAKS or to shop her collection on-line, click  NET-A-PORTER now.

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO FLAGSHIP STORE

FERRAGAMO "RAINBOW" CREATED FOR JUDY GARLAND - 1938Take an exclusive tour inside one of the most famous names in Italian Fashion.   Salvatore Ferragamo revolutionized the world of designer footwear more than 80 years ago.  The Ferragamo archives continue to influence every shoe designer in the industry today.   Step inside the massive flagship store on New Yorks 5th Avenue.  The boutique features all categories for men and women.  Jason Jobson gives takes you through the Ferragamo Creations Collection - the DNA of this luxury house of fashion.

Special thanks to Ferragamo & Kevin Russell of Red Shadow Productions.  

For more information on the Ferragamo Creations Collection -in the U.S. contact  Gilda DeBortoli at  212-754-5200.

SEPARATED AT BRICKS - CHANEL & FENDI

FENDI - FALL 2010CHANEL - FALL 2010One is Italian, one is French.   Both are known for the strong women who shaped the collections.   Both have the same German in charge of design.   The designer houses of CHANEL and FENDI have shared the creative vision of Karl Lagerfeld for over 25 years.   For many the connection might not jump off the runway, but for those with a discriminating eye, the connection is apparent.   For instance, if Chanel is all about a wide belt this season - you can almost guarantee a wide belted midsection is going to be important at Fendi as well.   Fur trim at Fendi?  Then look for a furry runway at Chanel.  To say the relationship is symbiotic would be too much - but the connection is clear. 

CHANEL - FALL 2010FENDI - FALL 2010 Of course Chanel is the global giant of the two and has been able to create a demand for RTW that few houses will ever see.   While bags and shoes are much more commercial products, designer Ready-To-Wear remains the most challenging category that exists in the entire retail world.   For a woman to walk into a designer boutique and find an item on the rack that fits her well, flatters her figure, flatters her ego, and is in her budget - is no small feat to say the least.   My hats off to the collections that can please women season after season.

For  the Fall 2010 print campaigns, is karl giving Fendi the upper hand?    Karl shot both campaigns, and there seems to be a subliminal message here.  It looks like our Fendi girl is in her beautiful apartment, contemplating when her driver is picking her up to take her on a fabulous journey- while her Chanel friends are locked outside on the fire escape.   What's the message here?  What did the Chanel girls do to be locked out?   Or are the girls part of some high end cat burglar gang?  

FERRAGAMO FALL 2010 PREVIEW!

Spring has sprung, so you know what that means in the Fashion world...  Fall Previews!!   What a great time to hit the stores and pick up great items for the summer, and reserve the hottest pieces that will be hitting the boutiques for Fall!

FERRAGAMO HIDDEN PLATFORM PYTHON PUMP W/ HIDDEN PLATFORM - $950.00The Ferragamo Fall collection is chock full of luxe, substantial looks that are the perfect additions to a well heeled wardrobe.    As Salvatore Ferragamo was the man who put design in designer shoes - of course the shoe collection is amazing!

Stand outs include these blue python hidden platforms.   At Ferragamo, it's all about the details, and the wooden heel on this pump adds texture and color that is sure to make this one of the hottest looks for Fall.   Also available in caramel!   The perfect shoe to take on any weekend getaway.   Rock it during the day with trousers or at night with the hottest dress.   Of course, skinny jeans are a no-brainer here.    CARAMEL PYTHON PUMP

Another super luxurious look are these hand stitched patchwork pumps.  HAND STITCHED PATCHWORK - AMETHYST / ROYAL / GRAY - $1,250.00 The top stitching is a true homage to the company archives.   Mr. Ferragamo first created the patchwork pump back in the 1920's.   For Fall 2010 we see a slight menswear influence with a sexy twist.   

Ferragamo's design team has really worked to create one message with this fall collection.   There is consistent styling across the accessory categories, making any of the handbags a perfect complement to every shoe is this huge collection.

Stand outs are the patchwork group for sure!   First take a look at the new Fiammetta patchwork.   The house unveiled this style for S/S 2010 and it was an instant hit in white leather, rafia, and python. PATCHWORK CALFSKIN FIAMMETTA IN RED/AMBER $1,830.00

For Fall, the more cerebral and bohemian combination of leathers in the patchwork leathers are so chic.   These are sure to be a must have for the crowd that appreciates a non-logo luxury bag.   Of course, Ferragamo is one of the houses that gets those women and men.  FIAMMETTA PATCHWORK- LEATHER GANCIO HANDLE The typical client is not head to toe logo, but one who appreciates quality and craftsmanship of a collection made entirely in Italy.

SPLURGE ALERT!

If you are looking to treat yourself to one serious accessory this year, look no further!  ALLIGATOR / CALFSKIN / SUEDE SOFIA - $5,500.00 The classic Sofia shape is realized in Alligator, Suede, and Calfskin for Fall!  Shades of Chocolate brown make this sophisticated and wearable.   This one will be in your wardrobe for life, and is one to give to your daughter one day!   TOP STITCHED DETAIL W/ BRUSHED HARDWARE At $5,500.00 it is a true luxury, but priced conservatively in the exotic market.   

I'm hosting Fall preview events at select Ferragamo boutiques this Spring, hope to see you in-store soon!

To contact the boutique near you or to shop on-line  visit -  www.FERRAGAMO.com

The house has just relaunched their websites globally and the results are  beautiful!  There are big,  rich photos from the latest ad campaign.  Log on now and explore the legacy of Salvatore Ferragamo. 

SPRING IS SPRUNG - MACY'S FLOWER SHOW

After a Long, cold winter - spring is springing on April 5th at a Macy's near you.  The legendary department store celebrates the season with their annual flower show for two weeks.   See landscapes designed by celebrity florists that burst with color and are sure to bring a smile to your face - and have you thinking of warmer days ahead!  There is something so old-school about a full scale flower show like this - very classic- how can you resist!

Isaac MizrahiWhile you are there ladies.. Check out Isaac Mizrahi's new collection for Liz Claiborne and guys - you can check out John Bartlett's new collection for Claiborne Men!John Bartlett

The event is taking place in 5 cities across the country.   Click on the city nearest you to find out more details. There are complimentary guided tours in most of the cities.

HAPPY SPRING!

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