Latest news with #Tod's
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Matteo Tamburini on Redefining Italian Luxury for a Global Audience
Matteo Tamburini is rejecting the concept of designing differently for different markets. 'I don't design for specific markets,' the Tod's creative director said at WWD's Global Fashion & Beauty Summit in Riyadh. 'I design with an idea, a feeling I want to translate into the collection. The beauty is in creating something that can speak to people across different cultures.' More from WWD Prada, Kering and Tod's Leaders Stake Out the Future of Luxury at Changemakers Event in Milan Andrew Scott, Christian Slater Celebrate Tod's 'Italian Hands' Book in New York WWD to Present Awards at Saudi Fashion Awards It's a bold stance in a fashion industry increasingly focused on regional customization and market-specific strategies. But for Tamburini, this universal approach represents the future of luxury — one where 'Made in Italy is not a label, but a mindset' and where the goal is creating pieces that 'can speak to people across different cultures' without compromising creative integrity. The strategy appears to be working: Tod's was awarded WWD's International Brand of the Year award in Riyadh. A Foundation Built on StorytellingTamburini's design sensibility was forged in his mother's theatrical costume atelier in a small Italian town. 'I grew up in an atelier where my mother created theatrical costumes,' he said. 'As a child, I was constantly surrounded by fabrics, patterns, and the transformative power of clothing. I learned how clothes can actually create a character, how they can tell a story beyond mere fabric and stitching.' This theatrical foundation continues to inform his work at Tod's, where every collection becomes a narrative exercise in balancing heritage with contemporary relevance. It's a perspective that sets him apart in an industry often focused on surface-level trends. Having worked across both French and Italian fashion houses, Tamburini brings a unique comparative perspective to his role. 'French brands are more structured, more organized in pushing creativity,' he explained. 'Italian brands are more instinctive, more connected to lifestyle.' This distinction has become central to his strategy at Tod's, where he leverages Italy's innate connection to living beautifully rather than simply creating beautiful objects. His approach involves what he calls 'Italianism' — a contemporary interpretation of Italian luxury that feels both rooted and revolutionary. 'I'm trying to speak about Italianism, but in a contemporary, up-to-date way,' he said. 'It's about creating something familiar yet surprising — changing textures, proportions and combinations to keep the essence alive.' Quiet Luxury, Loud ImpactAs the fashion industry grapples with the 'quiet luxury' phenomenon, Tamburini offers a nuanced perspective. 'What we do might look quiet, but it's not as quiet as it seems,' he said. 'For me, it's not a trend — it's about creating minimal things, beautifully executed.' This philosophy positions Tod's beyond fleeting movements, focusing instead on enduring quality and subtle distinction. Central to Tamburini's design philosophy is the concept of 'easiness and desirability.' He envisions his customer as someone who 'travels the world, moves with ease, and isn't strictly following trends.' This translates into collections that transcend seasonal whims, instead offering timeless pieces with modern sensibilities. This universal approach has proven particularly relevant as luxury consumers become increasingly global in their outlook and lifestyle. Tamburini draws inspiration from unexpected sources, with David Bowie serving as a key creative touchstone. 'I always have specific icons in mind,' he shared, 'not just his on-stage persona, but that off-stage nonchalant easiness — someone who works around stereotypes in fascinating ways.' Tamburini's approach to creative direction is very hands-on, including with production. 'I'm often in the factories, working closely with the team,' he said. 'I'm not a designer who sits in an ivory tower. Exchanging ideas, making people feel involved — that's crucial to the creative process.' This collaborative spirit extends to his approach with both men's and women's collections, which he sees as part of a cohesive narrative rather than separate entities. Wisdom for the Next GenerationIn an era of instant gratification, Tamburini advocates for patience and depth. His advice to emerging designers reflects his own measured approach: 'Stay curious. Speak less and listen more. Don't rush — good design comes with time. We're in an era of instant gratification, but true creativity requires patience and depth.' As Tod's continues its evolution under Tamburini's creative direction, the brand's International Brand of the Year recognition from WWD validates his approach to honoring Italian heritage while embracing global sensibilities. 'Every collection is a journey,' he reflected. 'It's about creating sparks of desire, connecting with people through design that feels both familiar and exciting.' Best of WWD The Story Behind Jackie Kennedy's Cartier Watch: A Royal Gift With 'Traces and Clues of Her Life' Revealed Model and Hip Hop Fashion Pioneer Kimora Lee Simmons' Runway Career Through the Years [PHOTOS] Salma Hayek's Fashion Evolution Through the Years: A Red Carpet Journey [PHOTOS]
Fashion Network
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Zalando and CNMI name luxury 'changemakers', call out value of authenticity, quality
First those honorees. Francesca Bellettini, deputy CEO of Kering, was named in the 'Brand Vision' category and she emphasised 'proactive versus reactive approaches'. She shared her perspective on 'the distinction between a compelling brand vision and a good strategy and how to ensure a vision drives culture, innovation, and longevity across Maisons'. Meanwhile Prada Group chief marketing officer and head of corporate social responsibility Lorenzo Bertelli was recognised in the Innovation category. He talked about the group's 'diverse approach to innovation', including initiatives from the Sea Beyond programme dedicated to ocean literacy and R&D in the aerospace sector. Tod's Group president Diego Della Valle was hailed in the category Craftsmanship and emphasised 'the enduring significance of 'Made in Italy' for Tod's, highlighting its continuous evolution within a modernising industry'. He provided examples of how Tod's 'balances its rich heritage with contemporary advancements, integrating new technologies and materials while preserving its artisanal foundations'. Others honoured included Giuliano Calza, creative director of GCDS with the founders and creative directors of Sunnei, Simone Rizzo and Loris Messina in the New Gen category. They talked about the relationship between fashion and new generations 'thanks to the creation of cultural moments that go behind the runways'. They discussed 'the motivation behind their projects, the capacity of balancing creativity and commerciality and the importance of the designer's personality on the brand's identity'. As for the insights presented at the event, Bain 's top luxury expert Claudia d'Arpizio emphasised that brands 'need to reaffirm the foundations of luxury and intentionally shape the industry's future'. While the demand for luxury 'remains strong, its next frontier is yet to be uncovered,' she said. 'To seize this opportunity, brands must return to the fundamentals — anchoring their promise in quality, exceptional craftsmanship, and the power to inspire dreams, all while removing barriers to access. The true challenge for the future of this industry lies in reigniting the emotional pull of luxury for consumers, while deliberately transcending traditional business boundaries'. And she called out five key focus areas that include reshaping market boundaries through the blurring of spending between goods, services, and experiences; redefinition of competition by both incumbents and tech-fuelled insurgents; shifting customer behaviours; the evolution of the distribution landscape; and the need to safeguard the luxury supply ecosystem 'amidst uncertainty, volume reduction, and a growing focus on sustainability'. Highsnobiety founder and CEO David Fischer also presented the media brand's new white paper, Luxury Redefined: Stop selling the dream, start fitting into reality. The findings include 'the shift from aspiration to relevance, where cultural fit now outweighs the traditional dream-selling approach, and the renewed importance of product quality and craftsmanship over superficial marketing. Fischer emphasised the increasing value placed on legacy and archival storytelling, contrasting with the diminishing appeal of fleeting novelty'. He explained that the report shows 'a fundamental shift: 71% of core luxury consumers say the definition of luxury has changed in the last five years. Today's consumers seek cultural authenticity and tangible quality; they value brands that embed themselves in the real world with compelling legacy storytelling and immersive experiences, rather than betting on fleeting novelty. Luxury is moving decidedly from aspiration to relevance, from selling a dream to embracing reality'. Finally, Zalando's VP designer Lena-Sophie Roeper and director of product management Brian Kim, 'addressed the challenges facing the luxury sector, such as a perceived disconnect with customers and the evolving, non-linear paths to purchase'. They highlighted Zalando's 'commitment to innovation, not through technology as a standalone solution, but as an enabler of a holistic, seamless, and curated customer experience. Zalando showcased the solutions to bridge offline and online experiences and deliver personalised, immersive storytelling'. Roeper also said that 'the once captivating luxury space now feels fatigued, leaving customers yearning for deeper connection and meaning'.
Fashion Network
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Zalando and CNMI name luxury 'changemakers', call out value of authenticity, quality
First those honorees. Francesca Bellettini, deputy CEO of Kering, was named in the 'Brand Vision' category and she emphasised 'proactive versus reactive approaches'. She shared her perspective on 'the distinction between a compelling brand vision and a good strategy and how to ensure a vision drives culture, innovation, and longevity across Maisons'. Meanwhile Prada Group chief marketing officer and head of corporate social responsibility Lorenzo Bertelli was recognised in the Innovation category. He talked about the group's 'diverse approach to innovation', including initiatives from the Sea Beyond programme dedicated to ocean literacy and R&D in the aerospace sector. Tod's Group president Diego Della Valle was hailed in the category Craftsmanship and emphasised 'the enduring significance of 'Made in Italy' for Tod's, highlighting its continuous evolution within a modernising industry'. He provided examples of how Tod's 'balances its rich heritage with contemporary advancements, integrating new technologies and materials while preserving its artisanal foundations'. Others honoured included Giuliano Calza, creative director of GCDS with the founders and creative directors of Sunnei, Simone Rizzo and Loris Messina in the New Gen category. They talked about the relationship between fashion and new generations 'thanks to the creation of cultural moments that go behind the runways'. They discussed 'the motivation behind their projects, the capacity of balancing creativity and commerciality and the importance of the designer's personality on the brand's identity'. As for the insights presented at the event, Bain 's top luxury expert Claudia d'Arpizio emphasised that brands 'need to reaffirm the foundations of luxury and intentionally shape the industry's future'. While the demand for luxury 'remains strong, its next frontier is yet to be uncovered,' she said. 'To seize this opportunity, brands must return to the fundamentals — anchoring their promise in quality, exceptional craftsmanship, and the power to inspire dreams, all while removing barriers to access. The true challenge for the future of this industry lies in reigniting the emotional pull of luxury for consumers, while deliberately transcending traditional business boundaries'. And she called out five key focus areas that include reshaping market boundaries through the blurring of spending between goods, services, and experiences; redefinition of competition by both incumbents and tech-fuelled insurgents; shifting customer behaviours; the evolution of the distribution landscape; and the need to safeguard the luxury supply ecosystem 'amidst uncertainty, volume reduction, and a growing focus on sustainability'. Highsnobiety founder and CEO David Fischer also presented the media brand's new white paper, Luxury Redefined: Stop selling the dream, start fitting into reality. The findings include 'the shift from aspiration to relevance, where cultural fit now outweighs the traditional dream-selling approach, and the renewed importance of product quality and craftsmanship over superficial marketing. Fischer emphasised the increasing value placed on legacy and archival storytelling, contrasting with the diminishing appeal of fleeting novelty'. He explained that the report shows 'a fundamental shift: 71% of core luxury consumers say the definition of luxury has changed in the last five years. Today's consumers seek cultural authenticity and tangible quality; they value brands that embed themselves in the real world with compelling legacy storytelling and immersive experiences, rather than betting on fleeting novelty. Luxury is moving decidedly from aspiration to relevance, from selling a dream to embracing reality'. Finally, Zalando's VP designer Lena-Sophie Roeper and director of product management Brian Kim, 'addressed the challenges facing the luxury sector, such as a perceived disconnect with customers and the evolving, non-linear paths to purchase'. They highlighted Zalando's 'commitment to innovation, not through technology as a standalone solution, but as an enabler of a holistic, seamless, and curated customer experience. Zalando showcased the solutions to bridge offline and online experiences and deliver personalised, immersive storytelling'. Roeper also said that 'the once captivating luxury space now feels fatigued, leaving customers yearning for deeper connection and meaning'.
Fashion Network
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Zalando and CNMI name luxury 'changemakers', call out value of authenticity, quality
First those honorees. Francesca Bellettini, deputy CEO of Kering, was named in the 'Brand Vision' category and she emphasised 'proactive versus reactive approaches'. She shared her perspective on 'the distinction between a compelling brand vision and a good strategy and how to ensure a vision drives culture, innovation, and longevity across Maisons'. Meanwhile Prada Group chief marketing officer and head of corporate social responsibility Lorenzo Bertelli was recognised in the Innovation category. He talked about the group's 'diverse approach to innovation', including initiatives from the Sea Beyond programme dedicated to ocean literacy and R&D in the aerospace sector. Tod's Group president Diego Della Valle was hailed in the category Craftsmanship and emphasised 'the enduring significance of 'Made in Italy' for Tod's, highlighting its continuous evolution within a modernising industry'. He provided examples of how Tod's 'balances its rich heritage with contemporary advancements, integrating new technologies and materials while preserving its artisanal foundations'. Others honoured included Giuliano Calza, creative director of GCDS with the founders and creative directors of Sunnei, Simone Rizzo and Loris Messina in the New Gen category. They talked about the relationship between fashion and new generations 'thanks to the creation of cultural moments that go behind the runways'. They discussed 'the motivation behind their projects, the capacity of balancing creativity and commerciality and the importance of the designer's personality on the brand's identity'. As for the insights presented at the event, Bain 's top luxury expert Claudia d'Arpizio emphasised that brands 'need to reaffirm the foundations of luxury and intentionally shape the industry's future'. While the demand for luxury 'remains strong, its next frontier is yet to be uncovered,' she said. 'To seize this opportunity, brands must return to the fundamentals — anchoring their promise in quality, exceptional craftsmanship, and the power to inspire dreams, all while removing barriers to access. The true challenge for the future of this industry lies in reigniting the emotional pull of luxury for consumers, while deliberately transcending traditional business boundaries'. And she called out five key focus areas that include reshaping market boundaries through the blurring of spending between goods, services, and experiences; redefinition of competition by both incumbents and tech-fuelled insurgents; shifting customer behaviours; the evolution of the distribution landscape; and the need to safeguard the luxury supply ecosystem 'amidst uncertainty, volume reduction, and a growing focus on sustainability'. Highsnobiety founder and CEO David Fischer also presented the media brand's new white paper, Luxury Redefined: Stop selling the dream, start fitting into reality. The findings include 'the shift from aspiration to relevance, where cultural fit now outweighs the traditional dream-selling approach, and the renewed importance of product quality and craftsmanship over superficial marketing. Fischer emphasised the increasing value placed on legacy and archival storytelling, contrasting with the diminishing appeal of fleeting novelty'. He explained that the report shows 'a fundamental shift: 71% of core luxury consumers say the definition of luxury has changed in the last five years. Today's consumers seek cultural authenticity and tangible quality; they value brands that embed themselves in the real world with compelling legacy storytelling and immersive experiences, rather than betting on fleeting novelty. Luxury is moving decidedly from aspiration to relevance, from selling a dream to embracing reality'. Finally, Zalando's VP designer Lena-Sophie Roeper and director of product management Brian Kim, 'addressed the challenges facing the luxury sector, such as a perceived disconnect with customers and the evolving, non-linear paths to purchase'. They highlighted Zalando's 'commitment to innovation, not through technology as a standalone solution, but as an enabler of a holistic, seamless, and curated customer experience. Zalando showcased the solutions to bridge offline and online experiences and deliver personalised, immersive storytelling'. Roeper also said that 'the once captivating luxury space now feels fatigued, leaving customers yearning for deeper connection and meaning'.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ella Bleu Travolta Hosts Tod's Luncheon, With Olivia Holt and More
'The shoes were the first solid thing that we were going with, this color,' said actress Ella Bleu Travolta of her look for the day. She had on Tod's Gommino loafers — naturally, as the face of the footwear. She opted for the 'driving' style in brown patent leather, paired with a brown tunic-cut leather dress and trousers. More from WWD Will Trump Tariffs Help or Hurt U.S. Garment Workers? Kate Hudson, Mindy Kaling, Ruth Negga and Power Stylists Celebrate Marco Bicego's 25-year Anniversary in L.A. Jacquemus Celebrates L.A. Opening with Bananas, Bouquets and Bubbly, Joined by Lori Harvey, Laura Harrier, Cole Sprouse and More 'We tried on a few things, and this was the last thing we tried on,' she went on, with her dog by her side. 'I bring him everywhere.' The Italian brand hosted a luncheon in its Rodeo Drive boutique in Beverly Hills on Wednesday in celebration of the shoe — launched at the end of the 1970s, with a sole covered in 133 rubber pebbles — and Travolta's new campaign. 'It honestly just felt like we were all hanging out, and they were there capturing it,' she said of the campaign, shot by photographer Oliver Hadlee Pearch in Tuscany alongside four other young talents — Lennon Gallagher, Stella Banderas, Roberto Rossellini and Leo Gassmann. All have familiar last names; Travolta, who turned 25 this month, is the daughter of John Travolta and Kelly Preston. 'Everyone who was in the shoot was so sweet,' she continued. 'We all became very fast friends. I felt like we were on a movie set. It was such a big production, but it also felt so intimate. It was just a lot of fun.' Tod's brought a taste of Italy to the store's third-floor terrace, serving up a lunch of endive salad with shaved parmesan and pomegranates, paccheri al pomodoro and Basque cheesecake. 'I'll need a nap after this,' guests echoed, under an overcast sky. The event brought out a slew of rising actresses, including Fiona Palomo; Larsen Thompson; Harlow Olivia, daughter of Patricia Arquette; Olivia Holt; María Gabriela de Faría; Amiah Miller, as well as singer Claire Khodara and Art Production Fund's Casey Fremont. Next, Travolta will appear in a film with her father, she said: 'It's a very personal project. I can't say too, too much about it, but it's a project I did with my dad. It's very personal, very beautiful. It's something that he's been wanting to do for a really long time, and it's finally done. It's actually interesting, because it's very close to home. It has a lot to do with our family, and our family is a part of it, even my aunts and uncles. It's really cool. I'm really excited about it. It's coming out this year I think.' View Gallery Launch Gallery: Inside the Tod's Luncheon Hosted by Ella Bleu Travolta Best of WWD A Look Back at SAG Awards Best Dressed Red Carpet Stars SAG Awards Wildest Looks of All Time on the Red Carpet, Photos From the Archive: A Look Back at Marc Jacobs Annual Holiday Party [PHOTOS]
