HOLIDAY 2015 - ANYTHING BUT CLASSIC

START PLANNING THOSE HOLIDAY PARTIES IN STYLE AND IN SALVATORE FERRAGAMO - AS SEEN ON BLOOMINGDALES.COM Happy Holidays!  I've been saying it early this year.  After all, I think the world needs any and every chance to spread some cheer right about now.  Regardless of the holiday you celebrate, spread the spirit of the season whenever and wherever you can.   We have so much to be thankful for.  I could get deep and philosophical - but let's keep it fashionable!  We have SO much to talk about!Studded Varas take the iconic style up a notch, and add some sparkle to the season- $775.00

Holiday time is a magical season for luxury fashion.  When a brand is known for the most luxurious materials, handcrafted quality, and pure production heritage  - the prestige factor is hard to compete with.  For a designer customer, few brands can offer what Ferragamo delivers every day.   Few houses master the range of categories the name Salvatore Ferragamo represents.  Head to toe for men and women.  Rare, to say the least. Loewe (say Low Ev ay) in Spain, and Hermes in France are two like minded brands.  (Getting to know what both of those brands offer is a great reference for style inspiration - especially when you are working with luxury clients from Europe - as they will be familiar with both). 

Outside the (Gift) Box -This month more than ever, take the opporunity to suggest fashion forward pieces.  While a women might be more classic, what could be better than receiving something she would never buy for herself.   Maybe that little push is all she needs.   Especially with a collection like Ferragamo where there is nothing that screams "fashion victim".   Massimiliano Giornetti is able to present fashion forward styles that still keep their feet on the ground with sophisticated details.

If she wears a lot of black - suggest the exciting graphic Sofia with Calf, Python, and hair-calf patchwork.  This bags works with so many personal styles!  I can't imagine the woman that couldn't make that work in her wardrobe.   A great suggestion to go in the bag is a brightly colored small leather good.  *Another great suggestion for someone shopping for a gift*  Even if she is classic, a pop of color from a wallet is such a safe way to incorporate some happy colors in her life.   Every time she opens her bag and finds that ray of sunshine, she will be thinking of who gave it to her, an added bonuse to also make her stylish and happy. Medium Sofia in Graphic black and white - Calfskin, Hair Calf, and Python - *One to Collect* - $3950.00 (The large wallet can also be carried for color when an outfit calls for an extra pop).

Small bags are a great gift suggestion.  When a man is buying a bag for his wife or significant other, often he has direct instructions or has taken notes from subtle ( or not so subtle) hints.  In that case, of course you should stay on direct course.  However, if he is running the show - help him choose styles that are representative of the brand, and looking to the future with some modern design elements. 

Holiday POP - What better way to brighten up her day!!! - $575.00 It's hard to imagine a capsule collection as dynamic as Edgardo Osorio's vision of the iconic Ferragamo Creation styles! Structured shoulder bag with Gancio lock - finely detailed and an option for the more "structured" client - $1,850.00 Amazingly timed to brighten up the holidays, these shoes have ignited a fire with shoppers at prestigious landmarks like Bergdorf Goodman, as well as Ferragamo boutiques around the country.   These shoes are the PERFECT styles to capture a new audience.  For the ladies who have read about Salvatore Ferragamo, but don't yet own a look - these styles can be a game changer.  Calfskin shoulder bag incorporates the color of the moment and also uses GOLD & SILVER hardware to bridge that divide! - $1,950.00

Consistency is key - With so much change happening in the fashion world, it's hard for many shoppers to keep track of what designer is creating what - and for who?  Alber Elbaz of Lanvin, and Raf Simons at Dior are just two of the major names leaving collections without a strong identity.    It takes time for a designer to find his or her stride with a collection - meaning those brands will be a bit unsettled for the near future.   All the more reason the reputation Massimiliano has developed with fashion editors and customers is so important.   His dedication to the brand DNA and his ability to capture a trend really bolster a woman's confidence when she shops at Salvatore Ferragamo.   Even if she doesn't realize it, her image of the brand has been influenced by this consistency.   Be ready to talk about Salvatore Ferragamo's incredible accomplishments, and also Massimiliano's achievements.Snakeskin sandals with strass detailed heels - Hope you haven't been naughty!! - $,050.00 

GREEN - Not just for Xmas Trees -  As we discussed with the Fall collection,  the color GREEN in a range of shades is definitely a statment color looking ahead to 2016.   Deep and dark on the Fall runways, the first Spring offerings are a bit lighter.   The snake skin sandal with strass detail at heel is one of the sexiest shoes ever made in Kermit's favorite color.   This sandal is an EXCELLENT shoe to have handy for any trip.   The perfect resort shoe, it can be dressed way up with jewelry, or kept easy breezy with shorts and a tunic.   Be sure to mention this to your holiday shoppers as one to add to her own collection.   Even the best intentioned "gift" shopper will find it hard to resist picking these up for herself.   

Bal Harbour Shops turns 50.   They say that 50 is the Golden anniversary.   If that's true, then the Bal Harbour Shops in North Miami Beach is 25k Solid Gold!  This oasis in the sun has been a legendary destination for all things designer since the day it opened.   Unlike any other retail space in the United States (quite frankly - the world), this open air shopping center is intoxicating from the moment you arrive.American Manhasset Holiday Book featured this head to toe Salvatore Ferragamo present!!  Super Model Hilary Rhoda set the holiday stage in Salvatore Ferragamo on the cover of Bal Harbour Shops Magazine as it celebrates it's 50th anniversary. Ho Ho Hillary in RED!! Clients from all over the world shop the stores here.   With a Saks 5th Avenue and Neiman Marcus as end caps, and exclusive boutiques, Koi fish, turtles, and palm trees in between - how could shoppers not feel like they are dreaming?   The stunning two story Salvatore Ferragamo flagship keeps them dreaming with an incredible assortment and wonderful team of associates.   The store is most impressive.   Make sure you remind your clients to visit when they are in Miami.   It can only increase their opinion of the brand, and the respect they have for you in your own boutique as well.   I'm late to the celebration for Bal Harbour Shiops this year, but wanted to share that spectacular shot of super model Hilary Rhoda in Fall runway on the cover of Bal Harbour Shops magazine as it turns 50! 

Sending everyone good thoughts and extra energy for the next few weeks!  Keep your spirits high as stressed out shoppers are just around the corner.  Keep smiling!  We represent the best there is in the world of luxury fashion. THE ULTIMATE CAPSULE COLLECTION FROM EDGARDO OSORIO - CATCH THEM BEFORE THEY FLY AWAY!   Happy Holidays!!