JUNE 2010 - # 1 - WHO WEARS THE PANTS?

Memorial day is the un-official start of the summer,  and also the start of tourists visiting the United States from all over the World!    Be prepared to smile and nod more than ever as there is nothing that can break a language barrier like an inviting and friendly smile.    Let's remember that other cultures have different customs and norms.   It is important to always be polite and courteous to everyone - even if they seem less friendly or might not be as polite as we are used to.   Rude behavior by someone else never gives us permission to lower our own standards of personal conduct.   (This applies to life outside the boutique as well).     So let's get reaaaaady to Smiiiiile!

OFF THE SHELVES

HARPER'S BAZAAR JUNE / JULY 2010FALL about the Tailoring!    What can we say?  The fashion press are as excited as we are for the arrival of Massimiliano Giornetti's RTW for Ferragamo Donna.    Don't take my word for it - just look at the June / July issue of Harper's Bazaar.   HARPERS BAZAAR JUNE/JULY PAGE 32The magazine is chock full of Ferragamo Editorials, starting with a shout out in the monthly letter from the Editor in Chief.   Glenda Bailey titled this month's column "Fashion at its Best" and says of the Fall collections in Milan - " The spirit of tailoring and craftmanship continued in Milan.  Gucci's Frida Giannini and the Dolce & Gabanna duo embraced sexy, masculine tailoring, while the debut of Salvatore Ferragamo's new Womenswear designer, Massimiliano Giornetti, made us all want to wear the pants".    Wow.   It doesn't get much better than that.    Of all the collections, to be singled out, is an honor - and in great company as well.  This double issue of Harper's is a great issue to buy - as it can really give you an excellent perspective on what is happening for Fall.  Also, we couldn't ask for a better issue to give us so many editorial mentions - as the issue will be on newsstands twice as long as the typical issue.  Millions of women will read this while on vacation,  at the salon, or lounging by the pool.  All the while they will be making mental notes as to which boutiques to visit when planning their Fall wardrobe!  Get a copy today and be ready to work the trends.   Be able to accessorize any pant your boutique is on order for.   If your boutique doesn't carry RTW, be suggesting the Menswear tailoring influenced shoes and accessories we discussed last month.   They will be a staple in her fall wardrobe to wear not only with our RTW, but with Chloe, Celine, & Hermes!

Anne Monoky's "Summing up the Season" on page 93 says "chunky knits and outdoorsy looks were crowd pleasers for Salvatore Ferragamo's Massimiliano Giornetti"!

LEGACY OF LUXURY

FERRAGAMO JUMPSUIT FALL 2010 The Jumpsuit.  This fashion style has long been a favorite of fashion designers (French in particular) and it is really a symbol of luxury fashion.   Of course, not many woman wear a jumpsuit, which makes it all the more exotic.   The fact that it requires a little more skill to wear (maneuvering a public ladies room) is all the more reason it is a luxury.  The Woman who wears the jumpsuit - makes an effort in her dressing.   It was a great item for Mr. Giornetti to feature on his first runway, as it really sets the image for the high caliber of fashion that he intends for his Ferragamo Woman.    Fashion editors took note - and Harpers Bazaar has already given the look an entire page for June / July - every detail included!  BRAVO Mr. Giornetti!    See how Harper's animates the look on page 169!  Think how you can incorporate the accessories for your best client.

Flip to page 176 where we find "Accessories to Covet".  Harpers gives you the rundown on shapes and styles that complete all the hottest runway looks from NY, Milan, & Paris.    Of course a Ferragamo belt made the cut.   The rich shade of cognac against deeper brown is a chic example of mixing color tones.   The Gancio is a subtle reminder of the chicest fashion house from Florence.   Use this look to help you layer pieces for fall - and to make suggestions to our shoppers who are looking for  the perfect belt to complete an outfit.   Think of belts to layer over knitwear - or the perfect way to turn a long cardigan into a finished dress look.   Exit 4 AS SEEN IN BAZAAR PAGE 176

Last but certainly not least, take a look at page 183.  Fall is celebrating the love of the great outdoors and the layering up that completes the look.  It's all about mixing textures of wool knits, EXIT 23 FERRAGAMO FALL 2010 - BAZAAR PAGE 183with sleek leathers, and a parka of every weight imaginable. Right on target and setting the trend was Ferragamo.  Harpers Bazaar singled out runway look 23 as one of the best looks on trend .   Remember, it's about more than just the pieces in this exit - recreate this look with other styles.  This is when your fashion expertise really benefits the Ferragamo customer. 

FERRAGAMO TIME

1965- The year that the house of Salvatore Ferragamo officially added accessories and RTW.  Amazing to think it was 45 years ago this year.  While Mr. Ferragamo never lived to see the collections, his trusted daughter Fiamma created them with the spirit and style her father made famous.  

* Coco Chanel never lived to see the birth of Chanel RTW either.  Surprising but true.  Mademoiselle died in January of 1971 - and RTW was not launched until 1978.   Every piece of Chanel produced during Coco's lifetime was genuine Couture. 

FEED-BACK

LV AD DEEMED MISLEADING BY BRITAIN'S ASAI thought it was so interesting to see an article in the Wall Street Journal last week highlighting a topic covered here in the Ferragamo Feed last month.  It seems that I was not alone in thinking those Louis Vuitton ads for Spring 2010 were misleading to customers.   Last week Britains's Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) banned two ads from the fashion house.   The WSJ reported : The authority, which investigates complaints from the public, said the two Vuitton ads breached its truthfulness code and were "misleading." "We considered that consumers would interpret the image of a woman using a needle and thread to stitch the handle of a bag ... to mean that Louis Vuitton bags were hand stitched," the agency said in its ruling.  

I couldn't agree more, and you read it here first! 

RUNWAY WORDS

Charlie Girl -  The term references a musical comedy that opened in London's famous West End in 1965 (coincidentally the same year that Ferragamo RTW was launched).   The play featured a young female character named Charlie who liked to wear men's clothes and was a tomboy.   She stole the show and the term "Charlie Girl" has referred to masculine influenced fashion for Women ever since.   In the early 70's Revlon launched a perfume named "Charlie".   The ads were the first fragrance campaign to ever feature a Woman wearing pants.