Tods

Great things, indeed, start from small beginnings. So does Tod’s, an Italian fashion company whose name is one of the most sought after and adored in the designer handbag industry.

Filippo Della Valle started the company as a small family-run business in the early 1900’s manufacturing reputably fine quality leather footwear in Italy.

It was in 1970 that the company made a great turn around when Della Valle’s grandson Diego took over and ventured into manufacturing fashion accessories, handbags and other luxury leather items such as belts and gloves steering the Tod’s label further into the lucrative upscale market.

The company’s first successful item turned out to be the JP Tod's driving shoes that actually had 133 pebbles along the soles. The shoes were a smash hit among the Italian elite, putting the Tod’s label into the A-List shopping must-haves of the high Italian high society.

FAY and Hogan brands were later created under the Tod’s roof beefing up the company as a powerful business group poised to dominate the leather goods manufacturing industry in Italy. The two brands were further pushed by the reputation of its big brother company, which is known for its quality superior products and a fine mix of luxurious sophistication as well as simple beauty.

Just Like many high-end designer handbags, Tod’s handbags earned a loyal following among Hollywood’s elite. Celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Julia Roberts, and Samuel L. Jackson are known fans of Tod’s designs.

Currently, Tod’s is popular for its fine satchels, shoppers’ bags, shoulder bags, and clutches. Here’s a quick glimpse of some of the label’s famous handbags:

The D Handbag. Named after the biggest D—Princess Diana, this handbag is one of the most notable lines of the label. Big and spacious, D is an ultimate favorite among society and fashion’s elite even up to present. The handbag’s fine craftsmanship and detail has the raised the bag to almost cult status. Sporting Tod’s exclusive leather, the handbag has dual rolled leather handles, lush stitch style, and detailed silver tip D-BAG label on its side drawstring pulls.

The Charlotte Piccola. A mix of fine workmanship and fun sporty appeal, Charlotte is really stylishly dynamic. Chic but very practical, the handbag is handcrafted with a saddle-style stitch and toughened soft ground leather for long-term use. It also has two semi-circle zip pockets, giving this hobo-like handbag an innovative look and an interesting shape.
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The Charlotte Lavoro Grande. Either tall or short women can sport this convertible handbag with its flexible shoulder strap, which could be adjusted for a short or long drop. It also had dual-rolled leather handles and well-crafted hardware, which is finely polished in silver. Though in a glance it looks like the Charlotte Picolla with its zipper lock design and end pockets, the Lavoro Grande was designed for the elegant more refined user, compared to the sporty fans of the Charlotte.

Tod's products can be purchased from several fine department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Barney's and online stores such as Eluxury.com, which has the permission to sell Tod's merchandise. To avoid getting replica Tod’s handbags, buyers are advised to carefully scrutinize its purchase from unauthorized online vendors.

All of Tod's handbags are epitomes of basic and simple luxury. Made with on top of the list quality, Tod’s products are rarely donned by those who want to be noticed. Those who have uncompromising and exceptional taste for quality, durability and usability patronize them. In fact, generations have passed yet the distinct meticulous quality of the Tod’s brand remains.

Each Tod’s handbag echoes the skilled craftsmanship and time-honored tradition of quality by Filippo's small family shoe shop where no A-listers could go wrong.