The dragon, a measured balance of strengths, is the sign of sensuality. With inspirations coming from afar, this spring Ferragamo is out to seduce, recount and inspire.
At a recent showing of their latest collection held at The Atlantis Hotel on Paradise Island, the mood at the Ferragamo show was mesmerising. With the latest in multi-coloured scarves and sensuous sandals, many women were left breathless with this season’s offerings.
With exclusive designs denoting beauty, energy, strength and elegance, the designs were an alliance between micro-architecture and goldsmith’s art. When the company started in l956, shoes were sensual matches of golden meshwork, secured by little bells on the uppers, gently twisted and turned on the dorsum. They reached upwards beyond the malleolus to encircle the ankle, ensuring a regally feminine gait. A heel almost eight centimetres high, coated by an 18k gold leaf ran along the entire arch of the foot. Ferragamo started this concept of featuring the attributes of the dragon in l956. Using the finest craftsmanship to create these shoes, once again the patterns of the past have been relaunched. Luxury is still the single most important detail.
Yesterday’s golden meshes are today’s soft rubber straps, in gentle pastel colours, mounted on bands of metal calf. They form crosses at the front, running gently along the dorsum, culminating in sophisticated simple bangles at the ankle. And in keeping with the sign of the dragon, the look denotes the power of femininity.
And men were not left out either. Footwear volumes and proportions explore contrasts and opposites. Some are finer and more elongated, others have a more decidedly trendy, squared off shape. Lightness, flexibility, comfort, with superior styling and infamous Italian workmanship, was the theme. From the classic dress shoes for formal occasions to casual day shoes, to sneakers and sandals that evoke getting lost in the souk or going to the beach.
Leather-soled sandals are handstitched in contrasting colours and are utterly indispensable for navigating the souks. Must-have accessories of the season include super-elegant belts with a choice of two very elaborate, tooled belt buckles on a variety of precious leathers such as Lizard, crocodile, ostrich or patent leather.
Silk twill and cotton neckwear in pochettes or ties come in woven jacquards of jewel-like colours such as green and violet. In addition, a new line of wild boar skin small leather goods rounds out the exotic selection of accessories for men.
By: Betty Vedrine, Lifestyles Reporter, The Nassau Guardian
