Italian leather brand Tod’s has released its latest collaboration. Rahul Mishra X Tod’s, a refined collection created in partnership with renowned Indian designer Rahul Mishra, as part of the Tod’s Factory project.
Known for his nature-inspired designs and intricate embroidery, Mishra brings his signature touch to Tod’s iconic pieces, including the Gommino, Di Bag, and T Timeless accessories, blending Indian craftsmanship with Tod’s Italian heritage. A long way from his roots in a small village in Uttar Pradesh, Mishra is now recognised globally as one of the world’s top couturiers, and even referred to as a ‘national treasure’ by legendary British fashion critic Suzy Menkes.
Tod’s Factory, a creative initiative, invites designers to reinterpret the brand’s legacy. For this project, Mishra was given access to Tod’s expert artisans in Italy’s Marche region, allowing him to merge Italian craftsmanship with the artisanal traditions of India. The result is a collection that balances timeless elegance with modern design.
At the heart of the collaboration are Tod’s Gommino loafers and mules, featuring the intricate Tree of Life motif — a hallmark of Mishra’s work that gained immense popularity in 2023 — embroidered in silk threads on metallic nappa leather and plush velvet. The Di Bag and T Timeless shoulder bags are similarly transformed, showcasing delicate floral embroideries enhanced by gold zari, crystals, and beads, adding an understated touch of couture.
Reflecting on the partnership, Mishra commented, “It’s been a privilege to work with Tod’s iconic designs, bringing together Italian craftsmanship and Indian handwork in a way that feels natural and cohesive. We developed a limited edition of Tod’s iconic, including the Tod’s Gommino and Di Bag, drawing inspiration from nature, my constant muse, crafting classic in-house motifs and the distinctive foliage, synonymous with my designs. Having had the opportunity to work on this project has been a great honour for me. This collaboration is special. To me, this partnership expresses artisanal mastery, Italian elegance as well as our intricate Indian craftsmanship,” says Rahul Mishra.
The Rahul Mishra X Tod’s collection was officially launched with a private event at Tod’s Bond Street Boutique during London Fashion Week, offering a fresh perspective on luxury through the lens of two distinct yet complementary design traditions.
