Still from Red Touch, Dancing a Dream

To celebrate the exclusive launch of the new A/W 11 Signature Collection, Tod’s held a Gala dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Shanghai on May 25. Those in attendance included writers Sun Gan Lu and Xiao Bao, renowned artist Qiu Hao, internationally-acclaimed opera singer Huang Ying, socialites Wendy Yip and Lin Dong Fu, model Zhou Lei, as well as heavyweights from the worlds of fashion, publishing, business, society, art and film.

Prior to dinner, guests were invited to enjoy the premiere of Marco Gentile’s short film, Red Touch, Dancing a Dream. As a tribute to China, Red Touch stars the renowned Chinese ballerina Honglan Hou (above) and depicts the East-meets-West story of two young girls who dream of fulfilling their life ambitions. To throw in an extra dose of exclusivity, Hou staged an impassioned solo performance after the screening.

President and CEO of the Tod’s Group Diego Della Valle says of the film, “This very special project underlin[es] our commitment to China and the Far East in general. Italy has a great cultural tradition – it is part of our way of life. Through these kinds of projects, we can express a part of our Italian soul. It was a natural choice to globally inaugurate our new Tod’s Signature collection here because our strong relationship with this country goes beyond just the market.”     

Inspired by Tod’s renowned Gommino sole, the pebble motif is ambitiously reincarnated as a distinctive geometric pattern in the A/W 11 collection. Available in an array of bright hues, the classic-meets-chic collection is a testament to the brand’s leather-making savoir-faire and knack for innovation.  

  (left to right) Diego Della Valle, Honglan Hou and Andrea Della Valle

 Marco Gentile and friend

  Huang Ying with clutch from Tod’s Signature Collection

  Hou’s live solo

  The Autumn/Winter 11 collection in all its glory

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