High Styles, Low Times

With plummeting stocks, a jittery economy and the fear of a bomb blast in every market, there8217;s little to cheer this Diwali season. Despite the generally bleak scenario, Tod8217;s, the quintessential Italian leather brand, formally launched its first store at the Capitals. Champagne flowed as the 100-odd guests mingled, marvelling at the bags, shoes and belts, mostly priced at over Rs 50,000.

8220;So far, our expansion plans haven8217;t changed, but, of course, we8217;re anxious about how things will play out,8221; said Sabine Altmann of Tod8217;s. Bipasha Basu, clad in a purple dress and black belt, made a fleeting stopover to light the lamp and quickly survey the products. Other guests included socialites Ameeta Seth and Tanisha Mohan, who walked out with a tussle bag for Rs 78,000. We spotted the ubiquitous Tikka Shatrujit Singh examining some dazzling accessories for men. When rich Indians tighten their belts, it just goes down a notch or two; from ostrich skin to faux leather.