Todd Snyder has been at the forefront of menswear for all the right reasons, and his latest collection is a true reflection of his innovative spirit. Known for reimagining capsule pieces with fresh perspectives, Snyder’s work continues to push the boundaries of menswear, giving classic pieces new meanings. While this collection wasn’t my all-time favorite, it certainly ranks among his best, with standout moments that showcased his ability to elevate fashion with a unique sensibility.
Snyder recently returned to the runway as a guest designer at Pitti Uomo this past January, marking his biggest show to date. “It was the biggest show I’d ever done,” Snyder shared backstage, reflecting on how the experience pushed him creatively and bolstered his confidence. That confidence was palpable in his recent presentation at Le Rock, an iconic New York location that holds personal significance for him. Snyder’s choice to show at a French restaurant in America was a nod to his original inspiration: Villa America, the French Riviera home of American expats Gerald and Sara Murphy, who were known for their eclectic social circle that included many artists of the Lost Generation. Snyder mused, “Can you imagine those dinner parties? I’ve been thinking about that lifestyle and what it would mean to bring it to America, always with that sensibility in mind.”
Snyder’s designs often blur the lines between formal and informal, capturing a sense of ease that resonates deeply with the American way of dressing. His latest show opened with a soft blush pink suit crafted from suede-like linen that was as light as air, emphasizing a relaxed silhouette and sumptuous knits. “It’s about studying the drape and the way a garment sits on the body,” he explained. The intimate setting of the show, with models moving salon-style among the guests, only enhanced the allure of the collection.
Inspired by the South of France, Snyder’s collection also carried a touch of Italian flair, reminiscent of ’80s Armani with its nonchalant proportions made contemporary by dimensional silk brocades, satin jacquards, and diaphanous printed voiles. He rendered his tailoring in vibrant tones of melon, pistachio, lavender, and azure— “the most color I’ve ever done,” he noted. The result was fabulous, inviting, and, most importantly, confident. Snyder emphasized that his focus was not on commercial viability but rather on what inspires him and where he envisions his label heading. “I run a business with 19 stores, but I had been focusing so much on that part that I forgot what inspires me. The show in Italy woke me up.” This renewed sense of purpose was evident in the collection, which received immediate praise—so much so that an hour after the show, a friend texted, “Has Todd Snyder always been this good? Because I would wear the hell out of this suit!”
Snyder’s latest collection is a testament to his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of menswear while staying true to his creative vision.