Tod's F/W14: The Gentleman's Wardrobe

When Tod's entitled their latest fashion offering 'The Gentleman's Wardrobe' they knew it couldn't consist only of (the best) accessories. Despite having shown a larger number of ready-to-wear options every season, FW14 definitely shows the broadest range of clothes to date. The idea behind it, as you might guess by the title, was to create a versatile hyper-good-quality wardrobe for the travel and style davy businessman. All with a strong Italian flavour, evidently.

Tod's always makes a point of not being trendy. The key to dressing men is far from creating a look but is rather in the notion of timeless pieces put together with one's personal style. What makes the brand's approach to RTW so special is their belief that clothes should 'feel to the touch' and not just looked at. This might sound slightly odd but actually makes absolute sense when you get closer to their garments, which are made in the finest materials and treated with processes technical excellence. If to this, you add the slick design and highly functional details such as multi-pocket systems and removable solutions we have, in fact, the Perfect Gentleman's Wardrobe.

This season outerwear stands in equal strength to its much more established Gommini cousins or the newer Script Bag, which also make an appearance for FW14. For the former, innovation comes in the shape of an ultralight version. For the latter, Tod's introduces a new functionality that allows you to remove the internal pockets so that you don't have to carry the entire bag if not needed.

I already have 20+ items on my FW14 wish list. And I would not be surprised if next season the brand has transformed their static presentation into a full-blown show just like it recently happened to the womenswear collection.

Courtesy of Tod's

Urban Espadrilles

Last week I ran into a friend and fashion expert at a fashion event where we somehow started discussing espadrilles and how apt or not they are for the city. Growing up in Spain, espadrilles have always been a normal part of my summer wardrobe. At some point I might have had up to 12 different colours, which I matched with my t-shirt and wore with ripped jeans – something I will unfortunately never forget... When I was older I decided that canvas wasn't good enough anymore and that I needed more sophisticated options. That's when I bought my first pair of croc slip-ons and suede lace-ups. They weren't just super cool but the soles were properly constructed for walking in the city.
This week I was so happy to find these two models from Salvatore Ferragamo (which happen to be on sale!).  I wasn't lucky enough to wear Ferragamo ones when I was younger but these models reminded me so much of my own. I see the classic croc espadrillesas more of a chic casual choice worn with navy shorts and a white shirt. They are also great with blue jeans, especially if you've got a tan! The Oxford espadrillesare a brilliant choice for a smart but summery vibe on any look you would finish off with desert boots or leather sneakers any other time of the year.

Just In: All Saints Cargo Biker Leather Jacket

Back in February when I published my 25th Birthday wishlist list of my key items on the list was a leather jacket. I have had quite a good experience with All Saints ones in the past so I I thought I would go for it. A few weeks later, just in time for my birthday, I went and bought it but I then took it back a few days later because it didn't feel right – the sleeves were too long, the body too. And I am very specific about fit.
A couple of weeks later I went back to All Saints to see if I could find a different model that would suit me and that's when I came across the Cargo Biker Jacket. The fit is a lot more old-school than the others. The body is shorter and a bit more fitted and the same goes for the sleeves. The distressed effect, which doesn't really look great on the website imagery, gives the leather an ultra smooth feel that makes the jacket really comfortable – you feel as if you've had it for years and broken it in.
I have barely been able to take it off because it really is perfect with everything and great for this weather. I am going to take it everywhere with me this season and it will travel with me into the winter, when I will layer it under my tailored coats.

See how I wore it here.

A Bag for All Seasons: The Tod's Double Stripe

After going on about it for months I am happy to announce that Tod's new icon – the Double Stripe bag we first saw for SS13 and then more prominently for FW13 – is now available to buy through the brand's US and European online stores. Take your pick here.
If, however, you can make use of a little of your patience I recommend heading to your nearest Tod's store, where you will be able not only to shop the entire new collection but also to personalise it. Tod's is offering a customisation service for clients to choose their favourite combination of colours for the stripes so no bag is like another!
The new range has been photographed in a super stylish and slick way that really shows the versatility of the pieces. You will find the perfect work bag, which sometimes double-up as an overnight bag, and the best weekend travel bags – perfect for getaways, as cabin luggage or even for the gym. And, best of all, they're all made by hand!

Courtesy of Tod's

Tod's F/W13: A Paradise made of Leather

The Tod's presentation at Villa Necchi is always one of my highlights from MFW but this goes double for the FW13 collection. I have often reiterated how essential are Tod's modern classics for a style-concious man and this, too, goes double for the FW13 range. If you bought every single piece from the collection you would have the ultimate accessory wardrobe a man needs for life – everything from casual suede desert and Chelsea boots to smarter monk straps, brogues and even the versatile new style introduced this season – the toe cap Oxford shoes with a modern hiking boot detail. My absolute favourites from the collection, I must say, are the midnight blue pony skin Chelsea boots. Picture them with a pair of slim grey jeans or even a black suit... simply incredible.
Tod's has also given a great push to their bags for FW13 introducing the zip shopping bag and travel bag to their 'Double Stripe' line, which colours you can personalise to give it a unique touch. Also in line with this the brand introduces 'Sartorial Touch', a new shoe collection created through construction and polishing techniques developed by Tod's artisans and exclusive to the brand. You can literally leave a mark on your new pair of shoes by embossing your initials into the leather.
For the last couple of seasons the brand has also been introducing a lot of ready-to-wear in the shape of phenomenal outerwear in the most exquisite skins. For FW13 Tod's has focused on ultra light-weight and soft leathers and suedes, which are then quilted inside or lined with neoprene or shearling – this makes them warm enough for winter without taking away from the lightness.
And last, but not least, another of my favourite pieces – the double pochette. It is such a simple but practical idea. Documents and notebooks can be kept on the bigger pocket while your phone and keys can go in the front, easy to reach.

NOTE: If you are a friend or relative reading this post remember my birthday is on the 21st of March so please interpret this and any previous post as a very literal wishlist. Thanks.

Fashion Frankly, Courtesy of Tod's