Tod’s Fall 2011 Bags: The Lady Goes Downtown

Tod’s is known for impeccable workmanship and quality leathers (hand stitched, suede driving loafers, anyone?), but I would never have called it cutting-edge or hip ten years ago. Enter American designer Derek Lam, named creative director in 2006, who single-handedly changed the landscape of the Italian luxury brand. He has merged Tod’s classic appeal with a needed youthful vibe. As we have already been observing, Fall 2011 is all about structured ladylike bags, and Tod’s versions get it just right. Color and lightheartedness are infused with the best skins available to offer pristine structure and intriguing combinations (wristlet clutch in canary yellow lizard and slate gray python is a winning combo in my book!). And the drool worthy camel crocodile shoulder bag, Lam’s take on what a luxury brand customer desires, is “witty, unpretentious, and stand for the heritage of a beautifully made product.” I would say that Derek Lam knows a thing or two of what bag snobs want, and Tod’s Fall 2011 bags are exactly it.