MARCH MADNESS - WEATHER OR NOT - SPRING!

CLAUDIA SCHIFFER - FERRAGAMO SPRING 2010OFF THE SHELVES

TRENDS OF THE SEASON

I'm beginning to feel like a weather man as I write this latest edition of the FERRAGAMO FEED.   While those in sunny locals are yawning at the fact - the Northeast has been hammered by yet another storm this past week - and amazingly, more is on the way!

Of course February and March are always a hectic time for Fashion designers and Fashion Editors.   The Fall 2010 collections were shown in New York and London during the past two weeks.  Milan shows were this weekend.   Stay tuned for a full recap of the FERRAGAMO show in the next edition!!  This show has much anticipation for many - hope you know why! 

Regardless of the snow and ice - Spring merchandise is arriving weekly! 

FERRAGAMO continues to be on trend for the season.   While it is important for designers to trust their instinct and be willing to take risks, it is the inevitable reality that the industry promotes trends. FERRAGAMO FIAMMETTA While we are a leader, not a house that follows trends, we find ourselves in great fashion company for Spring 2010.  

PRADA SPRING 2010 - WHITE BAG TRENDPrada is showcasing oversized White bags in their Spring campaign- Think of our own FIAMMETTA, and all the other great oversized options ( BIG BAGS ARE BACK FOR SPRING 2010!).   (suggest style B841-color 438-061)

RALPH LAUREN SPRING 2010 - FLORAL TRENDFloral motifs also emerged as a trend of the season.   Ralph Lauren showed many versions of floral printed dresses on the runway, while Fendi has several bags with floral details.   Ferragamo was sweet and sophisticated with the BALLERINE and SPRING GARDEN). group - look for pieces that are coming to your boutique.  FERRAGAMO SPRING 2010- FUSCHIA / BALLERINE Find a way to work a floral print into your customer's wardrobe this season. (Suggest styles A722- 436-194, A650-428-415, or A675-429-576).

Over at Bottega Veneta, designer Tomas Maier is showcasing RED in the windows and in print for Spring.  As we know we have many rich reds to choose from for Spring.   (We started showcasing the deep burgundy in the Fall - well ahead of the trend). BOTTEGA VENETA - RED HANDED FOR SPRING 2010

**  Interesting to note Bottega Veneta.   The Italian house has a similar approach to Ferragamo as they are not a logo driven brand.   In fact, the designer refuses to use any logo.   This has been a challenge to retail sales, as even the most sophisticated clientele want some sort of recognition of a brand.   The FERRAGAMO GANCIO is such a chic example.  A logo not in name, but in symbol.

Bottega Veneta is known for their trademark braided leather bags.   The company is actually seeking to officially trademark the process and prevent other brands from using the exact angle of weave.   BOTTEGA VENETA SIGNATURE WEAVE

Companies all over the world intentionally benefit from the Bottega brand by showcasing logo-less braided items.  In fact, department stores buy lower priced options from other vendors on purpose - to cater to a lower priced customer, that wants the appeal of the luxury brand.      Keep your eyes out for the true Bottega pieces, and be ready to point out the FERRAGAMO logo and all our signature details!

LEGACY OF LUXURY

When Salvatore Ferragamo revolutionized the designer shoe industry with his innovations and luxury detailing, FERRAGAMO was a fashion statement.   Spring 2010 continues this legacy of luxury and unique style.   Editorial reaction from leading fashion magazines around the world is the proof.   Make a point to read the latest magazines, take note of the credits, and most importantly - be able to discuss with your clients.

The March edition of ELLE magazine has two gorgeous editorials of FERRAGAMO RTW.   What is so important about the shots, is that both are runway and both are fashion forward statements.   The fact that ELLE chose these items from FERRAGAMO reinforces our fashion relevance. Page 372 features the Yellow silk cropped jodhpurs from the runway collection.   Ferragamo wasn't the only house to show jodhpurs for Spring - but ELLE chose these for this beautiful shot.   The pant is not a commercial piece, and was not produced.  ELLE- MARCH 2010 PAGE 372 It is however, a great opportunity to suggest other items that are more wearable.  This shot can serve as the perfect introduction for a new fashion client!

March ELLE also features one of the strongest visuals from the FERRAGAMO Spring runway - White Organza!

Coat 13-S835-438-408 $2,550.00 and blouse 13-S116-439-194 $830.00 are so elegant!  Featured on page 396 , the pieces are very editorial.  Both items were bought for NY and BH - but there are many other white, bone, and vanilla pieces in the collection for Spring that are more widely distributed - check the on order of your boutique.  We hope to see more demand for evening looks from our clients over the seasons to come.    

ELLE- MARCH 2010 - PAGE 396**Keeping the legacy of luxury alive is Wanda Ferragamo herself.   The matriarch of this family owned company is responsible for keeping the DNA that Salvatore created - alive and well.   One of the most successful designers to emerge in the last decade is truly inspired by Mrs. Ferragamo.   Tory Burch tells the March issue of W magazine, that one day she "hopes to be like Wanda Ferragamo".   The designer was dreaming of her future in the fashion industry.  She said Mrs. Ferragamo is an inspiration to working Women all over the world!   Yet another way FERRAGAMO inspires!

FERRAGAMO TIME

In 1947 Salvatore Ferragamo was awarded the Oscar of Fashion by the Neiman Marcus department store in Dallas, Texas.   Neiman's Oscar of fashion was the most reputable fashion award in the industry for decades.   Ferragamo was singled out for his luxury detailing and innovation.    Twenty years later in 1967, Fiamma Ferragamo receives the NM Oscar of fashiion for her own contribution to fashion design.  The Ferragamo's are the only Father and daughter to have ever received the award.

RUNWAY WORDS

DIAPHANOUS - Of such fine texture as to be transparent or translucent. - hazy, gossamer. FERRAGAMO SPRING 2010

While this word might seem obscure, it is one that comes up again and again in fashion.   The White Organza pieces from the FERRAGAMO Spring 2010 collection were described as Diaphanous.   Of Greek origin, it is a wonderful word to add to your vocabulary.  (It is in the NY Times crossword puzzle more than once a year!).