Italian luxury group Tod’s S.p.A. announced that Walter Chiapponi is stepping down as creative director of its namesake Tod’s men’s and women’s collections.
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Chiapponi, who has led the creative team since 2019, will present his last Tod’s Spring/Summer 2024 women’s collection on September 22, during Milan women’s fashion week.
The reason for Chiapponi’s leaving was not elaborated on, with Tod’s describing the departure as simply a “mutual agreement.”
“We thank Walter for the journey we have walked together, for his creativity and for the commitment we have shared together,” said Diego Della Valle, chairman and CEO of the Tod’s Group, which owns Tod’s, Roger Vivier, Hogan, and Fay brands.
“Like Walter, we too will remember this experience in the best possible way. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the people in the style office who work with great skill and commitment to the brand and company, enabling us to obtain excellent results.”
The new creative direction will be announced in the next months, the company added.
“Dedication, love and energy. This is how I would like to thank and greet Tod’s, starting from a truly special style team, that supported my vision for four years and that contributed to this beautiful journey with delicacy, attention, passion and trust. An extraordinary experience, both personally and creatively, made of courage and temper, evolution and support, especially in the most delicate moments in life,” said Chiapponi, in a statement.
“Most of all, I thank Diego and Andrea Della Valle who believed in me. Thank you for the courage, humanity and freedom you have given me to express the best version of myself through Tod’s in these years.”
In its most recent trading update, the group announced first-quarter revenues surged 23 percent to EUR 270.5 million (USD 295.63 million), coinciding with a recovery in sales in its Greater China region.