Central Saint Martins Design Students Explore Tod's Legacy in New Scholarship Initiative

Tod's Group launched the Tod's Legacy program to support young artists with scholarships to fund both their education and outside design projects.

To celebrate the start of London Fashion Week, the Tod’s Group has announced Tod's Legacy, the company's new digital project in collaboration with the MA Fashion students at design school Central Saint Martins, University of Arts London. The concept began in the summer of last year through Tod’s Academy, a workspace at the brand's office in Italy that allows experienced designers to create and discuss with the new generation of talent, allowing both groups to learn from each other about what's next for fashion.

Tod’s Legacy selected 35 young designers to receive a scholarship with the intention of furthering both their educational and professional growth. Students were given the added task of reconceptualizing their own version of one of Tod’s signature designs or technical elements, with sustainability as a key focus. To construct their design projects, each student was paired with a mentor to aid in fleshing out the finer points of their reinterpretation. Fashion industry notables like Hamish Bowles, Gianluca Longo, Simone Marchetti, Sarah Mower, Francesca Burns, Simone Rocha, Charles Jeffrey, and more assisted the young creatives in their endeavors.

After months of planning and preparation, the student of Tod's Legacy launched their pieces today, exhibiting their unique thoughts of the legacy of Tod's, their own legacies, and the concept of a legacy overall.

Tod's Group President Diego Della Valle said in a statement, “This is a beautiful project that supports students and at the same time brings unusual and innovative points of view to Tod's. Thanks to all the mentors who helped us and thanks to Central Saint Martins and Fabio Piras [the MA Fashion Course Director at CSM] for their precious contribution."