In keeping with its rich tradition and history, Tod’s presented their Fall 2010 collection at the Villa Nechi, a historical home to one of Milan’s most famous families. You walk into a lush garden and water feature, which is actually the pool. As you enter the house you’re taken away to the kind of splendor that is most befitting of a brand like Tod’s. Frescoed ceilings, dark wood panels, opulent chandeliers and sculptures and art throughout. The bags and shoes were set on glass tables with a monitor close to the floor with images of the collection’s inspirations. And oh yes, the collection is worthy of all this fuss.
The D-bag Bauletto makes a rightful comeback in Fall hues of plum, grays and as expected, the piece de resistance, nude sueded crocodile. It is so spectacular and lush and clearly the highlight of the presentation. It is all about subtle tie-dye and abstract patterns for Fall. Tod’s version is a technique that is like a denim wash but with a sheen that makes it sparkly and slightly metallic. This gives you the perfect gray everyday bag with a nice little wink. The D Bauletto style also comes in a must have hobo (put me on the list for one immediately!!) that is as dreamy as it is wearable. It has the same seam and stitch details with a reinforced shoulder that allows for unencumbered wear. There is also a bronze cast of this soon to be iconic bag for Tod’s.
The new bag this season is a structured tote with more hardware than is the norm for Tod’s. It has the most Derek Lam of all the bags so far with the outer flap pocket with clasp closure and the metal bars that goes across the opening. Of course for the presentation, it is shown in fabulous crocodile and furs, including a calf hair with an undertone of blue leopard print, which is subtle only until close inspection. This is for the city girl who rocks it at work.
Also notable in this collection are the new wallets and cosmetic pouches in a rainbow array of colors and fabrications. Lizard makes for the perfect wallet, it holds up and does not flake like python and the price point is way more palpable than croc. The closures are all new – strap that slide through a metal slot and Tod’s written in block letters along the closures.