FEBRUARY AT FERRAGAMO -PART 1

FERRAGAMO SPRING 2010 -PHOTO : MARIO TESTINO

OFF THE SHELVES

Well, as I go to press with this edition of the FERRAGAMO FEED, it is freezing in most parts of the Unites States.   L.A. & Miami - we love you - but this is the time of year those of us in the North-East love to hate you!!  But at least someone is enjoying the weather!    

Despite all the cold,  the first hints of Spring 2010 are hitting the stores.   The fashion world is usually the first place people can start to dream about warmer weather just around the corner for Spring.    Welcome the opportunity to talk to your customers about the fact that Winter is here for just a few more months.  (Unless of course you are selling three knitwear pieces on markdown!!! Then by all means, talk SNOW SNOW SNOW!).  STYLE 13S077 - $1,950.00

One very strong color theme on the runway and important to FERRAGAMO was the Red, Cherry, and Dark Pink.    These looks made a statement in the show - but don't be limited to the runway pieces.   As we know, the runway items are usually not the most commercial.   Your buyers have worked hard to represent the color trend in all categories - from Spring 1 in RTW, to Accessories, to Shoes.    There is a pair of Red pumps, a scarf, or a great piece of CJ that can work into any woman's wardrobe.  

Don't feel shy to start the dialog with a client.   Ask her if she owns anything Red from FERRAGAMO.   If not, talk about how important the color is to the house - down to the packaging. FERRAGAMO CJ - STYLE # 0268 - $1,350.00  If you ever have someone reply " I thought that was Mr. Valentino's color?" - you can mention that MR. Ferragamo was around since the 20's - and also that Italians in general are very fond of Red.   ( Of course - all said with a BIG smile).   Reference the new ad campaign and see what categories spark her interest. 

TRENDS OF THE SEASON

Out of this world!  At least that's what footwear has ALIEN SHOES FROM ALEXANDER MCQUEENlooked like on every runway from NY to Milan.   Some look like they would be more appropriately worn on Pandora in the movie Avatar - than working a sidewalk here on Earth!   The trend has been bigger, louder, and more ornate!  

Whenever the footwear industry comes center stage,  the house of FERRAGAMO is on solid ground.   After all, we OWN the concept of designer footwear.   Without  Mr. Ferragamo, there wouldn't be a platform wedge, a sandal, or most of the chicest shoes -now a staple in all those other fashion houses.    NEVER forget FERRAGAMO was first - and never miss an opportunity to mention it to your clients.   Most of them don't know it.   They may be too young, too inexperienced in the designer world, or just never knew.    This is your chance to set the stage for all the latest - while referencing the history behind the collection.   This trend is great for FERRAGAMO, because there are several, more realistic platforms and stilettos we offer.  There is no way any customer can say our platforms are too high!

No one has been a bigger spokesperson for shoes this season than Lady GaGa.   This singing sensation has made her mark globally in just one year!   With 5 number 1 singles in a row ( a new record for a new artist), Stephanie Germanotta ( originally from NY's UWS) - is as much a fashion icon as she is a pop star.    Dubbed the "new Madonna", GaGa uses the fashion world to her advantage.   The fashion designers she has most worn are Thierry Mugler, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen.   LADY GAGA -"BAD ROMANCE" VIDEO

Fortunately for us, all three of those designers are available -almost nowhere.  Therefore, customers cannot find the pieces they see on GaGa.   That makes her a great reference tool for you in terms of style.   Find a platform shoe we have and think of a way to reference GaGa.   Talk about how colorful and fun the FERRAGAMO shoe is.   Bottom line - Lady GaGa is the hottest style icon in the world today - find a way to reference her if you are working with a fashion client.   If she asks if GaGa has worn FERRAGAMO - just reply " NOT YET!". 

LEGACY OF LUXURY

CLAUDIA W/ FIAMMETTA STYLE # B841-438-061- $2,350.00Few fashion items have as strong an effect on women as a designer handbag.  To have and to hold, the beautiful leathers so delicately designed.   Few houses offer as many styles each season as the House of FERRAGAMO.    With so much to offer, in so many skins, all over the globe,  FERRAGAMO is a leader in the world of luxury handbags.  

Each season a style emerges that the house feels makes a statement, and represents the DNA of FERRAGAMO.   For Spring 2010 - FIAMMETTA is such a handbag.   The oversized Gancio is impossible to miss - yet it's design is so clever as a handle - it is subtle in effect.   A practical size that makes this bag very useful - as well as a fashion statement.   Supple calfskin in White or Black, a Metallic Goatskin in RED, Raffia in Taupe, LEMON Python, and 1 unit in Dark Grey Alligator for $19,000.00!   Everyone should be able to sell one of these iconic bags in one skin or another.   Wow, how fabulous it would be to sell the Alligator.. or a Python! 

FERRAGAMO TIME

AUDREY HEPBURN - SALVATORE FERRAGAMOIn 1954 Salvatore Ferragamo creates a ballet shoe with a strap for loyal client - Audrey Hepburn.  The photo of Ms. Hepburn's fitting with Ferragamo becomes a global reference for luxury footwear.  

To this day, the style remains one of the most feminine, delicate, and timeless in the industry.   Discover the shoe -again, with a new client today.  

RUNWAY WORDS

FULL QUILL OSTRICH -  when working with any item in Ostrich skin - a sign of the best quality skin is one that is covered with quill follicles (characteristic bumps where a feather used to reside).   The "Full Quill" term is great to use when selling an item - just make sure it is relevant to the item you are selling.