Tod's in India

I love success stories. Especially the rags-to-riches kind. But that’s not the only reason why my heart did a quiet waltz when I heard the first Tod’s boutique in India has opened its doors in Bangalore and Mumbai, to be followed soon by Delhi.

Tod’s began, famously, as one man working out of a basement in Italy. Today, almost a century and many dollars of business later, they still hand-stitch their leather bags and shoes, use only the most sophisticated materials, and design as much for comfort as for style. That, to me, shows a respect for roots that no money can buy.

High philosophy shoehorns perfectly with Tod’s trademark minimalistic stores, all light wood and focused lighting. Each pair of shoes and each handbag from the Spring-Summer 2008 collection gets its own special nook, the better to highlight its distinctive craftsmanship and luxurious leathers.

As my pal and I browsed through the shelves, what became clear was the quiet confidence of the designs. No in-your-face appeal or logos over every inch. Instead, the bags and shoes exuded a subtle, classic style that promised to become mine over the long years they would grace my wardrobe.

Consider the Gommino, the luxury moccasin for men, or its female counterpart, the Gommini. The signature pebbles in the sole make them the classic driving shoe and an absolute must-have for the meaningful style-seeker in leaf green, warm yellow, ink and malachite. Or the soft-n-easy D-bag, which Lady Di made into such a style icon, and which I fell in love with instantly, and the all-new Messenger Bag, available in vivid snakeskin and super-soft calfskin.

Maybe I should do like the celebs — Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts, Sienna Miller et al — and make them a part of my everyday.

Tod’s. Bags: Rs 50,000-1,39,000. Shoes: Rs 20,000-36,000.
Bangalore: UB City, Shop No. 8-9, Ground Floor, Canberra Block, 24, Vittal Mallya Road. Tel: 42800000.
Mumbai: Shop No. 4, Galleria, Hilton Tower, Nariman Point. Tel: 30277099.
New Delhi (opening soon): Emporio, Shop No. 122, Vasant Kunj. Tel : 46662700.