creative director Walter Chiapponi is leaving

Tod’s has confirmed the departure of its creative director Walter Chiapponi. The designer, who has headed up the Italian luxury shoemaker’s women’s and men’s collections since October 2019, will leave the company after the presentation of its final Spring-Summer 2024 women’s collection on September 22 during Milan Fashion Week, the company said in a statement.

The separation comes “by mutual agreement”, the company said in a press release. “We would like to thank Walter for the path we have travelled together and for the commitment we have shared,” said group CEO Diego Della Valle. His successor will be announced in the coming months, says Tod’s, without giving further details of the reasons for his departure.
 
“Dedication, love and energy. This is how I would like to thank and salute Tod’s, starting with a truly special style team, which for four years has supported my vision and contributed to this wonderful journey with delicacy, care, passion and trust,” commented Walter Chiapponi, who brought the brand back to the forefront after a period of uncertainty. With an elegant, sober style, he has brought a touch of modernity to the brand, while highlighting Italian know-how.

Originally from Milan, the 45-year-old designer had previously worked for some of the world’s leading luxury brands, including Givenchy, Valentino, Gucci and Bottega Veneta. His departure comes at a time when Tod’s has recorded a sharp rise in sales at the start of the year, with first-quarter sales up 23.2% to €270.5 million.