At Ferragamo, loud Swedish-inspired looks for men and cowgirl cuts for women
MANILA, Philippines - Afew days before the Ferragamo resort show at the Louvre in Paris, a lineup of activities had already begun. The weekend started with a cruise along the Seine river which was composed of press and other brand stakeholders, including mall developers and buyers. “We’re a really small team,” said one of the brand’s press relations staff members from the Florence office, “but it’s worth it,” as she gestured towards the view before us: the beauty of Paris whizzing by.
Events of the next day included a press conference and a tour of the brand-sponsored exhibit in the Louvre, “Saint Anne” — Leonardo Da Vinci’s ultimate masterpiece. Interviews with Ferrucio Ferragamo also took place. But it was the long-awaited show that wowed several of the press — not least due to its location, a wing in the Louvre that is 140 meters long.
The looks included soft leather jackets with fringe and matching bags. Grommets, leather string and python added texture to the collection, which had a sophisticated cowgirl feel and elegant Amerindian-inspired looks. Over-the-knee boots with studs and flowing hair said that this woman was young-at-heart. Colors included the lightest of grays and beiges, pale pale pink and white.
The brand’s S/S ‘13 men’s show in Milan held a few weeks later, in contrast, was screaming with loud color –– orange, blues and yellows. You were left with the modern and, again, youthful feel of the clothes and especially the shoes, color-blocked trainers. “Sporty” comes to mind, but mixed with a clean Swedish-like aesthetic in proportions and cropping. Prints on double-breasted cotton jackets and multi-colored shirts that looked as if they had been dip-dyed in watercolor gave the collection an arty touch.
