Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXI

1 6 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Tod’s Women’s Spring/Summer 2016 A lessandra Facchinetti’s father is the singer of the iconic rock band Pooh and her brother FrancescoFacchinetti a successful Italian DJ, which gives her the credentials to pull off a rocking music-inspired collection with ease. Facchinetti pulled together a band of merry women – some well-known, some not – for the grand reveal of her spring/summer 2016 collection. It’s a portrait projectwithphotographer Sonia Sieff, aiming to capture the character and spirit of both the women featured (Steven Tyler's daughter Chelsea Tyler andLizzy Jaggerwere among them) and the brand. This group of strong personalities represents the Tod’s brand and what it stands for: elegant, independent individualists from the real world who play music, photograph and act. “I wanted to talk about style and lifestyle – Tod’s is exactly that. We can really tell a story. It’s about being real and about identity," said Facchinetti. The sound of the band is biker. Leather finishes and a plethora of shoulder straps reign supreme, leather as light as silk is worn as fabric, and t-shirts fit like a leather skin. Necklines are deconstructed and sophisticated, while shirts are enriched with leather details on fabric – wrapping or knotting with the upmost ease. Facchinetti hits the right notes with the 45 LP record motif garments, the playful punky safety pins that envelope moccasins, her use of studs and the abundance of musical instrument embellishments such as the guitarmotif that brings a touch of rock ‘n’ roll swagger. Artisanal graphics are introduced via poplin or pinstripe shirting spun with new elegance via pretty embroideries such as floral inlays and lacework or off- the-shoulder gathered designs. Suits are tailored but without lining, again setting an ultra-feminine tone. A sporting elegance is brought to the collection via the bomber jackets that feature throughout. A blazer is given a soft feel with the appearance of a baseball jacket sleeve – a sporty but fluid detail that offers perfect fusion. Pockets and accessories are densely bejewelled with brooches pinned here