Tod's, the Italian luxury shoemaker, confirmed on Wednesday that Creative Director Matteo Tamburini is leaving the company. The announcement marks the end of a nearly three-year period during which Tamburini shaped the brand’s aesthetic direction. He was originally appointed to the role in December 2023, having previously held positions at Bottega Veneta. The company did not name a replacement for the position, leaving the creative helm open as the firm moves forward.
Tamburini’s final collection for the brand was presented in September during Milan Fashion Week. This showcase served as the culmination of his work with the house, which has been known for its leather goods and footwear. The departure comes without any stated reason for the split, and the company has not indicated whether the exit was mutual or initiated by the brand. The lack of an immediate successor suggests a period of transition for the design team.
Diego Della Valle, who serves as both Chairman and CEO of Tod's, issued a statement regarding the departure. He thanked Tamburini for the creative and professional contribution he made during his tenure. Della Valle further acknowledged the commitment Tamburini demonstrated and the work carried out together with the company teams. This public acknowledgment highlights the formal nature of the separation, though it stops short of detailing the specific projects or changes Tamburini oversaw.
The news of Tamburini’s exit stands in contrast to recent developments within the broader Italian luxury sector. While Tod's navigates this leadership change, other major players are focusing on experiential retail. For instance, Prada has launched a permanent exhibition in Milan called Pradasphere, which aims to connect customers with the brand's heritage. This exhibition is projected to add 100 million euros in annual revenues, according to Prada Group's chief group marketing officer Lorenzo Bertelli. The contrast between Tod's internal restructuring and Prada's expansionist strategy illustrates the diverse approaches luxury firms are taking in the current market.
Tamburini’s departure leaves a significant gap in Tod's creative leadership. The brand will now need to determine whether to promote internally or seek an external candidate to define its next aesthetic phase. The absence of a named successor means that the immediate future of the brand’s visual identity remains uncertain. Industry observers will likely watch for announcements regarding the new creative direction as the company stabilizes after this change.