Tod’s Chopper lands in Manila

Only Tod’s could name a key bag after a military vehicle, get away with it, and still smell like spring blossoms. The Italian brand, known for its elegant, hand-crafted luxury products, recently had a preview of their new autumn-winter 2006/07 collection, the star of which is a medium-sized soft leather tote called the Chopper.

Tod’s bag of the season combines the label’s trademark simple lines with biker-chic details: leather rings on the shoulder strap, tiny metal rivets on a bulky front pocket, a heavy buckle closure, and sturdy hand-stitching inspired by the packsaddles on motorbikes. More Vespa-riding Gwyneth than Harley-straddling Hell’s Angel, this new "it" must-have comes in shiny, unexpected colors: terracotta red, denim blue, and rust brown.

The biker obsession also continues with a new style of shopping bag. Made of distressed vintage leather, these medium- and large-sized handbags are festooned with small zipped pockets front, back and center, and come with their very own Tod’s padlock. Even footwear is not spared. Patent leather booties and buckled motorcycle boots for men and women, and stylish, thigh-high lace-ups, also indulge in the free-wheelin’ rock-and-roll aesthetic.

Resorting to the possibility of extremes, another set of leather products displays inspiration within the netherzone of biker glamorama. Taking its cue from the charme of the ’40s, Tod’s comes up with feminine pieces that feature a different kind of retro. Elegant totes and pochettes have big leather or rhinestone-studded buttons and snap closures on ruched leather finishes. Pointy flats with bows or small buttons give credibility to the importance of dainty details, as much as stacked-heel round-toe pumps with fringes. For men, Tod’s offers period-reminiscent tan leather wingtips, although the highlight of this season’s collection for men is the Jazz shoe.

Still within the suave and metropolitan elegance that marked the ’40s, the star of Tod’s evening collection for men revolutionizes materials such as patent leather and pony. The all-black Jazz shoe combines creativity with complex craftsmanship into a sleek, elongated pair reminiscent of the shoe styles that pandered to Humphrey Bogart wannabes.

Whether gratifying the fashion follower’s widespread fixation on rock and roll and all its elements, or looking to the elegant postwar ’40s for inspiration, Tod’s is always at its impeccable best. For more than 30 years, Tod’s has known how to take a trend and stamp it with its own signature of elegance. For this season, the names Jazz and Chopper may pave the way for a smooth landing, but it’s ultimately the Tod’s label that keeps the engine running.

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The Tod’s boutique is located at Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati City.

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