Tod’s Spring 2011

First, some excellent news to share with Bag Snob followers: Derek Lam has renewed his contract with Tod’s and will remain creative director for two more years! He’s got a lot planned up his well rolled sleeves, so I eagerly anticipate more great news to come. Hooray!For the brand’s spring presentation over the weekend, Tod’s chief Diego Della Valle chose to, for a second season, show at the Milanese manor Villa Necchi (where Tilda Swinton so famously filmed her brilliant film “I Am Love”). For spring, Lam channeled the ideals of Mediterranean luxury. The collection, as in past seasons, shines the spotlight on Tod’s exquisite use of textures and skins, from simple vachetta leather to rich crocodile and python–all in delicious shades and nuances.The two key styles for spring are the “24H” and “Shirt” bags. The former, according to Lam, is all about “chic practicality.” It’s a stunningly versatile and beautiful structured soft tote that’s purposefully designed with no hardware and, in my opinion, really harks back to the Tod’s leathergoods roots. “I desire luxury but I have no need for status symbols,” Lam told WWD.The latter’s deconstructed shape in super soft supple leather with a coulisse closure that makes it effortlessly lightweight; its versatile form allows it to be folded and unfold for travel ease.