Tod’s defines fresh with laser-cut fabric, fringe and blush

Fight it as we may, the seasons will change. And while the cold(ish) front is still upon our little tropi- cal paradise, spring fashion is

starting to trickle in. Tod’s launched its spring/summer 2014 collection recently and pieces look promising for this interim weather — paper-thin leather dresses in blush shades, laser-cut cotton shirts, mod seamless patchwork capes work well for layering or on their own.

On board for the first time is designer Alessandra Facchinetti, who created a range of shoes, bags and accessories and brand’s first ready-to-wear collection, which debuted in the brand’s first-ever runway show in Milan last September. The collection is called “Italian Set” and features 29 outfits, all echoing that kind of laid-back drama and elegance of the kind of woman the Italian brand knows all too well.

For this collection, the Tod’s Signature pattern is rei-

magined to feature perforations, suggesting airiness and transparency. There is a gray leather skirt in a chic mid-calf length that forms a structured trapeze from the torso down, a leather T-shirt in the lightest and softest fabric that’s not out of place in our climate, and pieces in natural cotton. The overall vibe of the collection is unfussy, simple and clean — so clean even the seams are out of sight.

For shoes, the spirit is the same. Classic but with added detail, the Ballerina Gommino comes in bright red, pink and cream. Flat sandals come with triple layers of fringe, sometimes an ankle strap. Fringing is also a key ornament in this season’s handbags, along with contrasting colored panels over a range of leathers and exotic skins. Shapes are generally slouchy, except for the Tod’s D-Cube, which now comes in four sizes, from lipstick- and-phone to everything-you-own.

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The women’s collection is available at Tod’s boutiques in Greenbelt 4 and Shangri-La Plaza Mall. In the Philippines, Tod’s is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists Inc.