MILAN, Jun 24, 2006/ FW/ --- Traditionally holding its menswear catwalk presentation in Florence, Salvatore Ferragamo’s Spring 2007 collection is a harbinger of what will be seen on the runways in Milan. Sporty, elegant and upbeat, Graeme Black’s vision of the Ferragamo gent is a convergence of old-world gentility and modern aesthetics.

From a walk in the park with his favorite canine, to the tennis courts of the Hamptons, then yachting in the South of France, the Ferragamo gentleman is full of machismo without being overt.

Neither a playboy nor a metrosexual, he is a man on holiday, taking time off from the hectic schedule at Wall Street or the corporate boardroom, and dare I say, the confines of the cube farms of Silicon Valley.

Because that is the beauty and genius of this collection – it is not for one segment of the male population. Rather, it touches on every man in our lives from fathers to brothers, husbands and lovers.

The Ferragamo man can be found inside the Washington beltway, to the streets of San Francisco, to the towering buildings of Houston’s oil country.

Graeme Black chose the light colors of summer – white, salmon, blue, beige and gray – totally refreshing and pleasing to look at.

Hats are a must, from kangols to the traditional short-brimmed hats. Ties are optional as the Ferragamo gent changes from dress shirts to tees. Same with socks – they are required when wearing formal shoes, but totally absent while on the deck of a boat.

Everything from trousers to shorts, summer coats and jackets, dress shirts to tees have a loose fit, but still shows off the male form. Collars are traditional, worn upturned or down. Sports jackets and cardigans just reach the customary hip level.

Graeme Black did not break new grounds, but, truly, he does not need to. The collection is as beautiful as it comes. So, why mess with perfection?

Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo