Tod's leaps into utilitarian fray

Utilitarian sportswear was the big news at the recent Tod’s presentation at their Greenbelt store. 

The label has finally wised up to the fact that its largest fan base belongs to the soccer mom community. With their chauffeur-driven minivans, tissue/alcogel-laden purses and overflowing planners, the housewife/active mom community has been limited to the ubiquitous Reva flats propagated by preppy lifestyle arbiter Tory Burch.

Now that Tod’s has embraced their inner soccer mom, will this spell the reign of the brand’s famous (and LOL-inducing) D Bag? (The name brings to mind other famous D-bags, like John Mayer, Terry Richardson and their ilk.) Reincarnated in super luxe fur — that’s fox fur in dark brown — the D Bag is like a Russian billionaire daughter’s dream come true.

This collection signals the label’s progression. While it speaks to plenty of its key demographic (ladies who lunch and attend offspring’s soccer games), it also resonates with young women who enjoy a trendy take on sportswear. (As my friend Maureen Disini told me, “I’d wear this collection!”)

Booties that pay homage to the combat boot, made in leather and suede, and motorcycle-inspired purses, like the standout Pashmy Nylon and Pashmy Treated Leather, appear more in step with the brand’s younger counterparts. These are the accessories that could easily be mixed with an Alexander Wang tank and Rick Owens jeans.

Tod’s appeal is now twofold: applicable to young women with a taste for downtown urbanity and their affluent moms.

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Tod’s is located at Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati and Rustan’s Tower and Shangri-La Plaza Mall.