Tod's confirms departure of creative director Walter Chiapponi

Tod's has confirmed that creative director Walter Chiapponi will present his final collection for the Italian luxury house at Milan Fashion Week this September.

Chiapponi has held his position since 2019 but he had Tod's released a statement to say that he will be departing the business "by mutual consent". A new creative direction for Tod's, best known for its high end leather goods, will be announced in the coming months.

The creative director said of his departure: “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 4 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.

Walter Chiapponi

"Most of all, I thank Diego and Andrea Della Valle [Chair and Vice-Chair of Tod's 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."

Diego Della Valle added: "We thank Walter for the journey we have walked together, for his creativity and for the commitment we have shared together. 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.”

Before Tod's Chiapponi had stints at Givenchy, Valentino, Gucci and Bottega Veneta. Tod's has recently posted strong financial results with first-quarter sales up 23.2% to €270.5 million.