Tod's S/S 2015

Alessandra Facchinetti is rapidly closing in on a sharp, well-defined fashion DNA for Tod's. In just a few short seasons the Italian designer has honed in on a few sturdy hooks that she wants to hang the leather goods brand on - namely, clean lines and crisp materials. Given Tod's leathery background, hides and skins play a leading role in her vision for clothing. But her calfskins are rolled thin enough to look like paper, while her cottons are starched to such an extent that they take on the stiffened body of leather. The fabrics' crispness allows her clothes to be cut into simple shapes and stay fixed into sharp A-line skirts, boxy cropped-tops or well-bodied culottes. The dazzling workmanship on floral appliqué leather skirts, leather sweatshirts perforated into screens or pierced with mirrored discs shows how technically savvy Facchinetti and the Tod's team are. But some of the clothes we loved most sung to a more subtle tune - such as the crisp blue cotton poplin full length peasant skirt with matching men's shirt. That felt just right with Facchinetti's great looking footwear that ranged from leather t-strap sandals with mirror buckles to sensible wood heel sandals and emerald suede fringe-front driving shoes.