FERRAGAMO FAREWELL FOR GIORNETTI

Massimiliano Giornetti - Former Creative Director of Salvatore Ferragamo - begins a new chapter as he leaves the brandLuxury fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo announced that the brands creative director, Massimiliano Giornetti is leaving.  In fact it seems Giornetti has already left the building as the Italian house said the collection shown two weeks ago in Milan would be his last.  Salvatore Ferragamo Fall 2016 - Slip dresses are a favorite silhouette of designer Massimiliano Giornetti.

Giornetti leaves Ferragamo with an incredible body of work behind him, as his runway designs were crucial in the brands repositioning itself from a global classic, to a true fashion runway collection.  While millions of women around the world have bought Ferragamo shoes for years, Giornetti's RTW designs saw the likes of Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Demi Moore, and other leading ladies of music and film looking sexy and modern as they accessorized with the brand.Ferragamo Resort 12 Collection - staged at the Louvre Museum in Paris  His strength was making you focus on the craftmanship and artisan details the house had mastered for decades with shoes and handbags, but blowing it up for the drama of the runway.  His Resort collection shows were "Ultra-Luxe" showcases of this craftmanship - taking place at equally luxurious locations like the famous Duke Mansion on New York's Upper East Side, and the Louvre Museum in Paris.

So as Ferragamo "the house" celebrated 100 years since founder Salvatore started making shoes by hand in Los Angeles last Fall, Giornetti was turning out press collections to catch the attention of editors and bloggers around the world.  Having worked with the company since 2000, Giornetti stands with a select few designers of his generation with a tenure as long, or significant with one luxury brand.  First serving as menswear designer, and then in 2011 taking the helm as Creative Director of the entire brand, Giornetti lived and breathed the Ferragamo ideal.   More than one editor remarked after his collection debut of Women's runway in 2011 - "Now that's what Ferragamo should look like". Ferragamo Resort 13 - The Red Carpet Collection staged at the Doris Duke mansion in NYC, a show that lit the spark for Ferragamo's new direction

This iconic house is in a strong position as it relies on the design teams to take the lead with Giornetti's departure.  This is not like Gucci finding it's way after Tom Ford left the company.  Ford had introduced RTW to Gucci, while Giornetti had given an existing collection a new direction.  It would be hard to think of another fashion house that was more stable, than this majority family owned, and family operated legacy brand.  With over 650 boutiques globally, the company has built an empire over decades that keeps Salvatore's design aesthetic constant.

What's next for Giornetti?  We shall all see.  With more than half a dozen major houses playing musical chairs, you never know until the music stops!  Who's next at Ferragamo?  Also interesting to wait and see.  Edgardo Osorio of Aquazzura fame?    As the fashion world turns...

SUMMER IS IN THE BAG!

BOTTEGA VENETA FALL 2014The weather is heating up and shopping centers across the U.S. are filling up.  While Summer used to be a time for shoppers to escape the heat and hit the sales, elite fashion clients know the most coveted items for Fall 2014 are arriving day by day!  Right now it's Pre-Fall items (some of the best and least promoted by the magazines) and Runway designs are on the way.  Shoppers with a dedicated sales associate are rest assured, as they usually set aside the hottest pieces for the best clients. 

This Summer, two Italian houses of luxury fashion have released handbags that are sure to be best sellers.  

BOTTEGA VENETA OLIMPIA BAG IN AUBERGINE - $2,580.00The Northern city of Vicenza was the birthplace of Bottega Veneta in the 60's and the famed woven leather or "Intrecciato" bags that is a must-have among the rich, the famous, and all around fabulous.   Jackie Onassis was an early devotee and the companies famous "when your own initials are enough" spoke volumes to those chic enough not to be covered in branded logos. 

Since 2001 the house has been part of Gucci Group - now known as Kering, and the group brought in Gucci alum Tomas Maier to become it's creative director.  The brand now has boutiques in most luxury shopping destinations.  

This Summer Bottega Veneta launches the Olimpia Bag to it's legions of accessory fans.  The sophisticated bag is classic BOTTEGA VENETA BAG IN NEW LIGHT GREY WOVEN AYERS - $5,250.00Bottega with it's simple flap and leather and chain strap.   The bag is named after the famed Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, the city where the bag is produced and home to the Bottega Veneta atelier.   Perfect for that Summer get-away! Price ranges from $2,580 to $5,250.00 - This is one to add to your permanent collection.   Get to your nearest Bottega boutique asap.

South of Vicenza - 121 miles to be exact - is Florence.  From the architecture, to the sculptures, Florence is the calling card of Italian design.  Nestled in the center of this legandary city is the brand that started the designer shoe revolution. SALVATORE FERRAGAMO FIAMMA BAG IN KARUNG AND LEATHER - $3,500.00

Salvatore Ferragamo is the original house of designer shoes.  With a legendary legacy, the house went through a 21st century reboot in the last 4 years.  Once worn by Hollywood royalty like Marilyn Monroe (Ferragamo created the stiletto heel for Monroe on film) and Audrey Hepburn, today the house is as likely to seen on Beyonce, Lady Gaga, or the hottest new rap star you haven't heard of yet! 

This Summer, the house launches The Fiamma.   SALVATORE FERRAGAMO FIAMMA BAG IN BURGUNDY LEATHER -$2,250.00A handbag named for Fiamma Ferragamo, the daughter of Salvatore that made the brand a global name by adding ready-to-wear and accessories.  The Fiamma bag is a top handle, oval bag with enough style and attitude to become your go to -"going out" bag.  There are several size and shapes but my favorite is the Mini - so much style and attitude!  Find them in a Ferragamo boutique now. 

Summer is for sunning, resting, and shopping!!  Check the sales while they last.. and get on these it bags before they are wait listed.   Bottega and Ferragamo are both brands that don't produce endless quantities  - True Luxury!SALVATORE FERRAGAMO - FALL 2014

HORSES, HERMES, HARDY - OH MY!

MR. PIERRE HARDYPIERRE HARDY SPRING 2012 - STILETTO PLATFORMFrench designer Pierre Hardy is a busy man.   This shoe and accessory creative is the guy responsible for the ever increasing amount of over-the-top color combinations on platform shoes that have flooded the market since his collaboration with fashion house Balenciaga began in 2001.  (His multi-color collection for Fall 2007 has fashion fans foaming at the mouth).   Like the shoe designing legend Salvatore Ferragamo had done almost 100 years before him, Pierre Hardy changed the way the fashion world looks at shoes through his own label and with his multiple collaborations.  Hardy also changed the way most accessory designers combine colors when designing shoes. BALENCIAGA - "ROBOT LEGO WARRIOR" SHOES BY PIERRE HARDY- FALL 2007  (Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery..right?)    Amazingly, the same year Hardy began his collaboration designing shoes for Balenciaga, he was also named creative director of fine jewelry for the pinnacle house of chic French design - Hermes.  With the folklore, the savoir faire, and the global demand for the handcrafted treasures this house has created since 1837, being named Creative Director of Fine Jewelry must have been a special moment in Pierre Hardy's career.   After all, he is in the finest and most rarified of company,  as there are only a handful of legendary houses with developed Fine Jewelry divisions.   Chanel, Christian Dior, & Hermes have the legacy. 

In a brilliant move, Hardy began designing a capsule collection of shoes for mainstream fashion brand GAP in 2007.   This meant the designer was now able to serve fashion shoe fanatics from both ends of the price-point spectrum - a move few have been able to coordinate with skill.HERMES

After more than a decade with Hermes, Hardy seems to have only just begun,  as his designs are timeless and will become luxury collectibles.   The latest FJ collection pays tribute to the legacy of Hermes as the premiere Saddler in France.  Titled Centaur, it is masculine, sleek, and of course so luxurious. HERMES CENTAUR RING - BLACK JADE, ROSE GOLD, PAVE DIAMONDS  The homage to the hoof is clear and this grounding reference of strength makes these items as unique and innovative as they are timeless.   Black Jade, Rose Gold, and PaveTHE ICONIC HERMES SADDLE - & SO THE LEGACY WAS BORN Diamonds are the rarified elements you would expect to find on Fine Jewelry this exquisite.

Pierre Hardy is a modernist.  Too often modern designs are overlooked or underrated due to the "simplicity" of the creations.   This is a mistake.   There is nothing more complicated or challenging than designing a "modern" shoe, ring, jacket, or home for that matter.   The challenge being that modern design has the threat of becoming dated faster than any other style.   Great modern designs become classic over time,  while bad modern designs become tacky and dated references to a past look into the future.   There is rarely any middle ground.  Fortunately for Pierre, his work is nowhere near the middle.   Mr. Hardy also happens to be a nice guy.   With so many big egos in the world of design, Hardy is refreshingly down to earth and polite.   I spent one fun night a few years back driving around Paris in the back of Hardy's Jag as he and another friend chatted away in French catching up on old times.   We were headed to a house party.. (as one does in Paris) and Pierre wasA STABLE FULL OF LUXURY - HERMES FINE JEWELRY RINGS as unassuming in every social situation that night as any friendly student, even though he was one of the hottest fashion designers around!  

Pierre Hardy is one to remember, as his designs are here to stay.   They are also in-store to collect!  A visit to the Pierre Hardy Flagship in New York's West Village is a must for anyone planning a trip to NYC.  (Put it on the list in your Bleecker Street Pilgrimage). 

Click Pierre Hardy to read more about the designer and his creative world.

Click Hermes to visit the on-line encyclopedia of the brand.   Search for the store near you and telephone the boutique to ask about the Centaur Fine Jewelry Collection by Pierre Hardy.  Prices range from $25,000 to $880,000 - plan accordingly.

*Click images for more information*

BRAD & ANGELINA - KING & QUEEN OF THE PROM

CLICK IMAGE FOR WINNERSThe 69th Annual Golden Globes Ceremony was a show to remember.   Comedian Ricky Gervais returned BEST DRESSED - ANGELINA JOLIE & BRAD PITT IN VERSACE & FERRAGAMOto host the show - drink in hand.   With all the amazing movies to choose from this year, it is no surprise that the crowd of Hollywood A-list were in good spirits.  The Descendants and The Artist were two films that took many by surprise! While many of the leading ladies looked like they had forgotten to try on their dresses before the show, there were also some visions.   The most beautiful couple by a mile was Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.   Angelina was other-worldly with her alabaster skin and bright red lips that almost looked like a CGI effect.  Ravishing in an Atelier Versace Ivory Silk Satin gown, Angelina took your breath away.   Also gasp worthy was Mr. Pitt.   Head to toe in Salvatore Ferragamo, Brad reminded everyone just how handsome he is on the red carpet.   

Amazing to see these two beautiful people blossom in each others company.  BRANGELINA WORKING THE RED CARPET Many have said how different Brad is with Angelina.   Clearly the two are on a path of growth and spiritual awakening.   Brad has spear headed efforts to rebuild a Katrina ravaged New Orleans, and Angelina continues to make films that shine a light on the victims of terrorism and poverty.   Both were nominated for their work this year.   Brad for his starring role in Moneyball, and Angelina for her directorial debut - In the Land of Blood and Honey.   Role models for us all!

Watch the official trailer of In the Land of Blood and Honey below.