Creative Director Walter Chiapponi Reimagines Tod’s Italian Heritage
He took inspiration from the House's Italian roots for its Fall/Winter 2020/21 collection
(Left to right) Tod’s Signature Bag in Black, S$3,020; Tod’s Leather Loafers, S$810; Tod’s T Timeless Bag in Black, S$2,270.
Creative Director Walter Chiapponi Reimagines Tod’s Italian Heritage
When Creative Director Walter Chiapponi took the reins at TOD’s late last year, his goal for the brand was to make Italian sartorial style covetable again — men’s and women’s clothing and accessories that are relaxed yet sophisticated, as well as exude quiet sensuality. Which he delivered splendidly season after season, especially in the Italian luxury label’s Fall/Winter 2020 collection titled Italian Essence.
Related article: Tod’s Creative Director Walter Chiapponi Wants To Beef Up The Brand’s Fashion Offerings
(Left to right) Tod’s T Timeless Bag in Green, S$2,270; Tod’s Slide High Heel, S$990; Tod’s Signature Bag in light blue S$3,020.
Creative Director Walter Chiapponi Reimagines Tod’s Italian Heritage
At the core of Chiapponi’s vision for TOD’s is contemporary cool Italian style that feels authentic, personal and effortless. He does this by putting a modern twist on classic Italian stylings with unexpected yet delightful pops of boldness in the form of colours, textures and use of raw materials. In other words, it’s clothes and accessories for women to live their lives in, rather than a costume to parade in. This philosophy is perhaps best exemplified in the shoes and accessories in the collection which feature intricate leather manipulation through expert craftsmanship.
(Left to right) Tod’s Signature Bag in Yellow, S$3,020; Tod’s T Timeless Bag in Burgundy S$2,270; Tod’s Kate Mocassino, S$1,100.
Creative Director Walter Chiapponi Reimagines Tod’s Italian Heritage
Take for example the brand’s casual Hobo bags, which sometimes feature patchwork of fine leathers or in Signature matelassé (stitching technique). The Italian label’s classic T Timeless motif also makes several appearances on moccasins and bags in the collection—another hallmark of TOD’s excellence in leather workings. These themes are synonymous with the brand’s codes and have been reintroduced by Chipponi in a feminine note with exaggerated stitching and chunky high heels. The brand's iconic Winter Gommino also sports the revived Italian heritage stylings.
Related article: Review of TOD’s Spring Summer 2021 Collection
(Left to right) Tod’s Kate Mocassino in suede, S$1,065; Tod’s Signature Bag in Red, S$3,020.
Creative Director Walter Chiapponi Reimagines Tod’s Italian Heritage
Leather accessories and shoes aside, the TOD’s womenswear line is also packed with trenches, coats, biker jackets, pussy-bow blouses, suits and dresses—you name it. The collection also features a colour palette made up of neutrals and warm colours (camel, tobacco, green, white and black) in tweed, cotton and ultra supple leather. Which makes the collection extremely easy to work into your existing wardrobe, or to mix-and-match from to create a variety of different outfits for various occasions.
TOD’s Fall/Winter 2020/21 collection truly is the perfect confluence of old meets new when it comes to Italian style.
For more on the collection, visit their website.
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