MANILA, Philippines?Imagine opening a fresh box of crayons that?s chock-full of delicious and vibrant hues. That?s the picture you get with Tod?s Spring/Summer 2008 collection.

The Italian brand, generally known for more sober tones and styles, is presenting a playful twist this season with its unabashed use of bright colors applied on the most luxurious of materials.

Updated versions of Tod?s iconic pieces such as the D Bag, the design of which was inspired by the late Princess Diana, come in must-have patent leather and rich, eye-catching colors like jade, topaz and sapphire. Versions of the classic Tod?s ?Gommini? with its trademark 133 rubber pebbles also come in slimmer, summery styles in the same patent leather and brilliant hues.

The latest collection is, as always, a combination of the most precious materials along with extraordinary craftsmanship and clean designs that spell pure luxury.

Tod?s Softy messenger bags and up-to-the minute clutches are available in soft leather and exotic skins like snake, lizard and crocodile. Even sporty-looking totes and messenger bags are available in an interesting mix of nylon and crocodile trimmings. All these, of course, come in the brightest of hues, from sunshiny yellow to the most electric blue.

Interesting little details also characterize Tod?s offerings. Braiding, hand-painting and hardware like studs and zippers are used to accentuate certain pieces. Tod?s designer Derek Lam, for instance, favors subtly sexy sandals with slimmer heels and knot details as accents. Meanwhile, summer staples like flat sandals are embellished with studs and tortoise shells.

Real men wear brights

Tod?s Spring/Summer collection for men also consists of rainbow brights that can easily update a neutral wardrobe. Light and extraordinarily flexible with soft soles in natural rubber, the new ?Gommini? loafers come in vivid shades of red, green, purple orange and yellow.

Neutral tones, of course, are also available for less adventurous males. Earth tones, blacks and grays are par for the course, all done in ultra-chic and sober styles and somewhat inspired by the 1970s when people worked hard and played even harder. As such, loafers, lace ups, sailing shoes and new contemporary bags are available in the finest and softest hides, skins or ultra light materials.

One of the most iconic pieces this season is the Barrister bag. A refined and modern re-interpretation of the classic Tod?s briefcase, it plays down the seriousness of the work environment without sacrificing elegance and the appeal of exceptional craftsmanship.

Accessories such as cosmetic pouches, key rings, belts and bracelets round up Tod?s standout Spring/Summer collection. If you?re looking to liven up your wardrobe this season, consider all these bright stuff that come in luxurious materials and a striking mix of eye-catching crayon colors.

In the Philippines, Tod?s shoes, bags and accessories are exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and are available at the Tod?s boutique located in Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati.

E-mail the author at afashion@inquirer.com.ph