AUGUST 1ST - CAPED CRUSADES OF FALL

OFF THE SHELVES

454-170 WOOL/CASHMERE - $4,600.00Little Red Riding hood would feel right at home in designer boutiques this fall!  With all the capes shown on runways in New York, Paris, and Milan,  Ferragamo led the way with options in all Fall deliveries from pre-collection to runway.  This time around, the outerwear piece is impeccably tailored and finished.   This cape is no shawl thrown over the shoulders - leather trims, key details, and dazzling hardware elevate these pieces to be either a versatile accessory for those ladies looking to make a fashion statement - or those who are looking for protection from the elements.    The Ferragamo Fall 2010 collections  are accentuated with several cape / cloak/ coat options.  The fashion magazines are full of cape options in the August issuesj, so our ladies are already reading and seeing sophisticated capes now. (stay tuned for more cape coverage in the September issues).453-331 - $3,370.00

One of the key selling points to the cape is the wide range of customers who can carry off the look.   Many women who are Ferragamo Handbag and Shoe clients would be perfect candidates to own one of the capes fall!   Think of your clients who might not traditionally
find designer RTW a perfect fit.   These ladies would be flattered by the beautiful pieces that are so finely finished, they feel more like a luxe accessory than a piece of clothing! 444-567-$2,900.00   The capes also make dressing that much easier - as she is instantly dressed.  Regardless of what is worn underneath, a favorite pair of jeans, a Ferragamo shoe, a turtleneck, and the cape can take her just about anywhere!

The perfect layering pieces to build that cape sale are the beautiful menswear inspired tailoring pieces for Fall!   It's all about trousers, pants, and designer shorts for fall.   Ferragamo was leading the way with strong looks in all those categories on the Milan runway.   Harper's Bazaar took notice!  EXIT 8 - HARPER'S BAZAAR AUGUST PAGE 150 August covergirl Cameron Diaz animates the Ferragamo runway exit 8 with all her star power!!   While these specific pieces are bought in limited quantities - there are many other styles that have a similiar look.   Create this image with items on order for your boutique.   Talking about Cameron and this photo is a great conversation starter with your client.   From the Fedora to the boots, there are so many suggestions you can give her!    Whatever you do - don't forget to suggest boots!  Anything goes in terms of heel hight and boot length these days.   Everything from booties to thigh highs are hot hot hot!  Look through your boutique and think who should have the latest boot!

LEGACY OF LUXURY

One of the most elegant and feminine products ever invented is the designer fragrance.   Perfume dazzles the senses and sets a mood and setting like nothing else.    Our sense of smell is such a powerful tool, that  it can leave permanent markers in our memory.   I'm sure you've had the experience of smelling a perfume of cologne that took you back to a fond memory of a loved one or lover that wore a similar scent.   In an instant, fragrances can transport us to another time and place.   Surely this is why fashion designers have long been tied to the fragrance industry, and that perfume is such a key component to any major fashion collection.    Fragrances complete the dream a designer creates with every collection.    The latest dream from the Ferragamo perfume collection is ATTIMO.   

In "A Moment", the scent takes you to the place where those special memories live.  The layers unfold like a flower - hints of Nashi Pear, Kumquat, and the Lotus Flower magically open the scent.  Subtle undertones of Peony and Gardenia round the bouquet of this magical blend kissed with soft musks and refined cedarwood.    Bringing the scent to life in print is model Dree Hemingway.   Granddaughter of the legendary writer Ernest Hemingway, her beauty is alluring as she contemplates her evening... Ferragamo stilettos playfully twirled and in hand - the moment is hers.. or is it his? The choice is hers!  Beautifully shot by photographer Craig McDean, the ATTIMO campaign will run in fashion glossies all over the world.

Amazing to think that while Ms. Hemingways' famous grandfather Ernest was writing literary classics, Salvatore Ferragamo was creating his iconic designs.   The two artists were creating and in their prime in the same time frame.   Hemingway spent months on end on the French and Italian Riviera with his cohorts - Pablo Picasso and F. Scott Fitzgerald.   At the same time, Ferragamo was putting a spell on every leading lady in Hollywood with his never before seen shoe designs.   Surely the two crossed paths as they socialized with the rich and famous from Country to Country.   Ferragamo and Hemingway would have been in the very small circle of the social elite of the 20's and 30's.  Ms. Hemingway is a perfect choice to animate ATTIMO as her own family legacy runs parallel to the Ferragamo legacy of luxury.  

Think of ATTIMO as an excellent gift suggestion.   It is not too early to start thinking of you clients who need large quantities for corporate gift giving!  Why not make it ATTIMO!  Suggest they seize the "Moment".

FERRAGAMO TIME

1926-1928 - The last years of the 1920's were very good to Salvatore Ferragamo.   By 1926 Ferragamo has built a following of the richest and most famous women in Hollywood.   In 1927 Ferragamo fulfilled his dream of returning to Italy and officially founding the House of Ferragamo in 1928.

ERNEST HEMINGWAYInterestingly, these years were also good to Ernest Hemingway.   The writer would publish THE SUN ALSO RISES in 1926, which would become an American classic.   In 1928 Hemingway moved to Key West, Florida - the city that would become his home and is most associated with the legend.   Interestingly, the two men were born one year apart - 1898 and 1899.  Hemingway in Michigan, and Ferragamo in Southern Italy.