Tod's triumphant return to Chicago is really something to celebrate. We're thrilled that the brand can once again call Chicago home and we're not the only ones excited. We got a minute with designer Derek Lam, who gave us his thoughts on how Tod's and Chicago are a perfect match.
Tods, 121 East Oak Street (just West of Lake Shore Drive); 312-943-0070.
In your opinion, how will Tod's impact the Chicago style scene?
"Real women inspire me. Women and men who are juggling a career and family and yet still manage to look elegant and put together. The Chicago woman and man definitely represent the person that I design for. There is a great sense of family and elegance in Chicago that is very tangible and I feel like those venerable roots work well with the Tod's brand and DNA."
What do you love about Tod's?
"Tod's is the archetype of everything that’s great about Italian luxury and fashion. They have been able to masterfully combine old world craftsmanship with modern technology to create a totally new type of luxury item. Tod's has made a commitment to maintain beautiful and modern design hand-in-hand with the highest quality materials and levels of craftsmanship."
We've dished about Tod's but what about Chicago? Where do you love to go when you visit us?
"Chicago is known for and has such amazing architecture. Architecture is all about design and a big point of influence and inspiration in my work. There are also so many great museums I would love to visit when I am there—The Art Institute and The Museum of Contemporary Art. Art is another big influence in my design aesthetic. Millennium Park as well which the city has done such a beautiful job building—I love the Anish Kapoor structure there."