Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVII

1 9 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I The Tod’s Women’s Collections for Spring/Summer 2015 O nce known almost exclusively for shoes – particularly their iconic leather driving moccasin – Tod’s has been delighting devotees of the brand with their signature footwear, handbags and fine leather goods for decades. A year ago, Alessandra Facchinetti, formerly of Gucci and Valentino, took the helm to develop a ready- to-wear fashion line for women as well. Taken together, this Tod’s collection presents a sumptuous array of sleek and modern textures and styles, all perfectly poised to drive forward into Spring/Summer 2015. The Collection A lessandra Facchinetti’s new collection for women by Tod’s is striking in its use of colour and pattern, and, as ever, embodies the special spirit of Made in Italy, which has been central to the house philosophy since its inception. Combining traditional craftsmanship with the best of contemporary design, this is a collection for a modern woman who not only wants to look good, but also wants her outfits to performwell and, crucially, to be easy to wear. The outsized, intertwined floral patterns are an ideal counterpoint to the sportier vibe of the shoes, creating an overall look that balances comfort and wearability without sacrificing femininity or a fashion-forward outlook. Hand-stencilled flowers and palm-tree prints add an air of sweetness but never cross over to saccharine; structure is present but is always harmonised by flowing, draped fabrics as well. Each hard edge is softened by an elegant complementary detail, resulting in a thoroughly modern sensibility – perfectly punctuated by a lovely collection of polished marble and gold wire jewellery. Of course, this being Tod’s, leather is a significant part of Facchinetti’s collection. Far from being heavy or masculine, her leather seems weightless, creamy, full of movement. Interestingly, the delicate laser-cut holes found in some of the leather garments were made with the same technique used to create the iconic sole of Tod’s driving shoes. This synchronicity is the mark of a cohesive collection from Tod’s – shoes, bags and clothing all inspired by the spirit of Made In Italy, and all created to inspire the modern woman.