APRIL ARRIVES - SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

CLAUDIA SCHIFFER - S/S 2010OFF THE SHELVES

As the days get longer and Winter winds down - the Ferragamo Boutiques are exploding with color!  Ferragamo is not a brand associated with the fashion cliche of black on black, and Spring 2010 is a prime example.    As we discussed in March, Lemon Yellow hit the runway with terrific pop for Spring.   You also see pale blues, greys, and irresistible corals in the collection for Spring.    One fantastic coral piece in handbags should be a staple in every Woman's wardrobe. 

In fact, a great reason to call a client could be about the latest tote.  Remember, a practical bag in a fashionable color is a great way to liven up any wardrobe.  You might call a customer you haven't seen in some time and let her know - " We have a great new tote in the collection, and I know how busy you are - this bag would great for you during the day".   This is a great time to mention any charitable causes she is involved with , or the profession she is in - a wonderful way to let her know you are thinking about her and her needs, and also that you remember the details of her life.   This really enforces the quality of customer service you are providing.     Also, by suggesting this very affordable style in French Calfskin -priced at $795.00 you can begin a sale, then build on it once your client comes to the store.    If the entire transaction is over the phone, then by all means mention other key pieces after the tote.    ** The Silvana in coral is also another great option!  Style # B544- 429-544 at $920. - The perfect shoulder bag.AMARILLA CLUTCH

A sexy clutch that is also functional is something any fashionable Women is always looking for - as they are not easy to find.   The Ferragamo collection is VERY strong on clutches.   Take note of all the great styles available for Spring, so you can refer to them with authority if a customer asks you for a suggestion.   Be sure to look at the python bag Claudia Schiffer holds in the stunning image above.   Style B897-438-118 in a super fashionable Lemon Python!  An exotic bag in a bold color is a true fashion statement!  Priced at $2,750.00, the craftsmanship of  this python bag and Gancio hardware speak for themselves.  **  Also note there are a handful of these bags available in color 117 - CHERRY RED!!!

ALLIGATOR SOFIALEGACY OF LUXURY

In the world of luxury goods, there is no image stronger than the exotic handbag.   You might think that worshipping exotic skins is a sign of the times, however it is actually an ancient phenomenon.  The allure of Alligator skins dates back thousands of years.  The Egyptians actually worshipped a God named Sobek that had the head of a crocodile and the body of a man.  To his worshipers, Sobek was a God of fertility and rebirth and symbol of the strength of Egypt.    Thousands of years later, Crocodile and Alligator skins still have an alluring effect on people all over the world.EGYPTIAN GOD - SOBEK

Salvatore Ferragamo is one of the only fashion houses that offers a customized exotic program.   The sample swatches travel to different boutique locations.  Housed in a beautiful box covered in exotic swatches, the whole program is representative of a true house of luxury.   The number of skins and shapes available to be custom ordered puts Ferragamo in exclusive company.   While other brands offer exotics in the collection, none have the extent of options that Ferragamo is offering in this program.    The personalized nameplate engraved for the client and attached inside the bag is also a unique detail.ALLIGATOR MARISSA

Developing an exotic client is a rewarding experience for years to come.   Market research shows that clients who purchase an exotic, have a great likelihood of returning to purchase a second.   In fact, there are woman all over the country that collect exotic skin bags.   Think of the clients you have and try to imagine who could become a special order client.   Start the conversation the next time you see her.   Mention the custom program.   If there is genuine interest, talk with your manager about getting the samples and swatch kit to visit your boutique.    Work with your manager to see if the kit will be visiting soon and make a plan of action around the schedule.    Let your customer know how unique the program is, as she will love the customization and choice options that makes the bag one of a kind.   Your manager can give you all the details of the program.

Make it a goal for yourself to develop one exotic special order customer in 2010!

FERRAGAMO TIME

In 1970 the Ferragamo Men's collection was officially launched.   Although it began a full decade after Salvatore Ferragamo's death, the collection would carry the same passion as the Women's shoe collection.   Attention to detail and craftsmanship, set the new Men's collection apart from it's peers. 

ANDY WARHOL'S FERRAGAMO SHOESOne famous fan of Ferragamo Men's shoes was non other than the infamous - Andy Warhol.  

This unconventional spirit changed the art world forever.   His approach to pop art was unlike anything anyone had ever seen.   Warhol had ideas that flew in the face of convention.    He would mass produce his bold images and created a body of work so large - there is an entire foundation set up just to authenticate paintings claiming to be a "Warhol". 

In the 80's Warhol wore Ferragamo Shoes.   One specific pair to be exact.   Warhol wore the only style of Men's shoes that Mr. Ferragamo himself ever designed , appropriately called SALVATORE.   With a name like that, of course the shoe was and is a stunning example of expert craftsmanship.   The entire upper is made from one single piece of leather, finished with one asymmetric side seam.   The painter wore them in the studio day after day and month after month, which inadvertently left the shoes streaked and splattered with paint..   FERRAGAMO CREATIONS - WARHOL SHOE $990.00

After Warhol's death, the Ferragamo Family purchased the shoes from the artist's estate auction that was the talk of the art world.   Now, the house is adding  this shoe to the prestigious "Creations" collection under the name SALVATORE.  While the model itself has been  in production over the years, this is the first time the house has ever altered a style to replicate the personalized details from a client. (The current style in the boutique collection is called REVIVAL).

This limited edition group consists of original styles created for some of the most famous stars in the world.   Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Marlene Dietrich to name a few.   These legends of stage and screen worshipped Ferragamo shoes for the fit that was like no other.

SALVATORE  aka "The Warhol Shoe" joins the Creations collection on a very exclusive production schedule.   The first shipment is expected in the NY Flagship at the end of April and is limited to just 10 pairs.  While special orders can be submitted, the overall production will be limited to 150 pairs, making it an ultra exclusive limited edition.   Be sure to mention this shoe to any of your best Male clients as it is a wonderful conversation starter. 

RUNWAY WORDS

Ready-to-Wear - (RTW or Pret-a-Porter) - is the term for factory made clothing, sold in finished condition, in standardized sizes.   Representing over 98% of clothing sold by the designer fashion houses, RTW is what most people think of when they see a runway collection.  The term was born in the 70's when designers first started producing completely separate collection from Couture.   Yves Saint Laurent was one of the (if not THE) first designer to do so.  This was a major development for fashion houses.   Up until this point the houses would license Couture designs to department stores such as Lord & Taylor, Bonwit Teller, & Saks 5th Avenue.    The buyers from department stores would attend the true Couture shows and place an order for 1 set of samples.   The company would then enter a contractual agreement with the designer that allowed the store to reproduce the designs in America for a certain period of time.    The invention of in-house RTW greatly and quickly increased the profits of the designer houses.   This also marked the beginning of the decline of Couture - before the resurgence in the last decade.

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