WOOLRICH APPOINTS TODD SNYDER CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF NEW “WOOLRICH BLACK LABEL”
Woolrich is pleased to announce that Todd Snyder, founder of Todd Snyder New York, has been named creative director of Woolrich Black Label. The new collection, officially called Woolrich Black Label by Todd Snyder, will bring together Woolrich’s rich heritage as a storied American brand with the contemporary and timeless aesthetic of America’s leading menswear designer. Snyder continues to serve as Executive Vice President – Chief Brand Officer of Todd Snyder New York, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AEO, Inc. (NYSE: AEO), overseeing all aspects of the business.
Snyder will work closely with Woolrich’s skilled teams of creative talent in Italy, Japan, and the United States and provide inspiration and design direction for two newly created collections within Woolrich Black Label by Todd Snyder: Heritage and Technical.
Heritage consists of sophisticated and luxurious takes on iconic styles from Woolrich’s 190 year history, including the classic Buffalo Check Shirt updated in cashmere and a refresh of the Woolrich Arctic Parka, a style once worn by Admiral Richard E. Byrd, the leader of the first American scientific missions to the Antarctic.
Technical marries innovative design and high-performance materials with sartorial flourishes. The collection is designed to meet the quality standards and functional needs for serious outdoor use, while chic enough for city dwellers who mix rugged field clothing into their unique personal style.
“I have always had the deepest admiration for American heritage brands and consistently seek to work with the best,” says Snyder. “I wore Woolrich as a kid and was proud to design with their fabrics at my various jobs in the fashion world. Woolrich is a prime example of a company that has deep roots, and I’m excited to work with their vast archive–an archive that is rich in styles that have stood the test of time. My hope is to usher in the next era for Woolrich and extend their legacy well into the future.”
“Partnering with Todd feels very natural given his unique talent in creating an aesthetic that embodies the best of modern American style,” says Stefano Saccone, CEO of Woolrich. “As a brand with nearly 200 years of heritage, Woolrich is an endless source of creative inspiration anchored in making garments with purpose, and I couldn’t be more excited to see Todd’s vision for Woolrich Black Label come to life.”
A preview of the Woolrich Black Label by Todd Snyder collection will be featured on the runway as part of the Todd Snyder runway show on January 9th in Florence at Pitti Immagine Uomo 105. Earlier this month, it was announced that Snyder would return to the runway at the invitation of the Florentine trade fair as their honored opening day Designer Showcase. The collection will then travel to Milan and be presented on January 13th during Men’s Fashion Week in Milan. Woolrich Black Label by Todd Snyder will be available for purchase in Fall 2024.
Andrea Cané, the company’s longtime Creative Director, will take on the new role of Creative Advisor to the Brand. “I have known Todd for years, and I believe he is one of the best American designers who understands the true meaning of authenticity in design matrices, materials, and taste,” says Cané. “Throughout my journey with Woolrich, I have always found inspiration in our archive while striving to protect our values. I am confident that Todd will continue to handle Woolrich with care, as he has in his collaborations with America’s leading heritage brands throughout his career. He understands that Woolrich is ‘The oldest American Outdoor Company’ and will innovate it with integrity and pride.”
Woolrich’s collaboration with Snyder is indicative of its desire to continue redefining the codes of modern style while honoring heritage, quality, and craftsmanship.
