Tod’s went big for new creative director Matteo Tamburini’s first visit to L.A. in the role, luring a high-wattage crowd to an intimate dinner at Sunset Tower Wednesday night.
Guests included Kerry Washington, Matt Bomer, Edgar Ramirez, Kelly Rowland, Amber Valletta and stars from two of the best streaming shows on TV right now, Justine Lupe from “Nobody Wants This” and Natalie Martinez and Michelle Monaghan from “Bad Monkey.”
The investment in the event was a flex for the luxury brand, reflecting its longstanding connection to Hollywood and the easygoing L.A. lifestyle, going all the way back to the ’90s when Tod’s trademark Gommino driving mocs were the shoe of choice for A-listers Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Sharon Stone and Mel Gibson, to name a few, and chief executive officer Diego della Valle built one of the first VIP terraces at the Tod’s Rodeo Drive boutique so celebrities could shop in private.
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A good omen for Tod’s and Tamburini, the next gen were loving the fall collection looks they were wearing, which showcased the designer’s modern, minimal approach to softly draped, body-conscious and relaxed leather and ready-to-wear, honed by his experience at Bottega Veneta.
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“Trying to keep this softer approach is quite key to the brand,” said Tamburini, also talking up the new iterations of the Gommino shoe with gold hardware and fringe, and the new, simplified, paper-thin Folio bag.
His message was received.
“I mean…the leather? And the fringe?” Washington said of her fall 2024 burgundy leather fringe dress. “It’s modern but it feels like it still has a nod to tradition…respectful of the legacy but new.”
The dining room of the Tower Bar was rearranged to accommodate one long table, which made getting around a squeeze, but also made for fun, easy conversation.
“The belt is sick, right?” said Sarah Shahi, of her fall runway accessory with a buckle inspired by a vintage car grille, which made her look like a superhero.
“I know, I love this outfit. I changed my named to Tod’s,” joked Monaghan, in a brown leather top, wool pants and belt, as she sidled up to her “Bad Monkey” costar at the bar.
“This feels really good,” Martinez said of her black second-skin dress. “I’m very curvy so to be in a leather this soft is a dream because sometimes you feel restricted.”
The Cuban-American actor and model had a lot of fun filming the Apple+ series in the Florida Keys with Vince Vaughn. “If you go, you have to go to this restaurant La Nina, it’s a little hole in the wall owned by a Cuban family. I took Vince there and he was obsessed with this Cuban sandwich, he ended up buying it for the crew the next day…like 250 sandwiches.”
Justine Lupe was also full of gratitude talking about her role on Erin Foster’s hit Netflix romcom “Nobody Wants This.” “It feels good to watch a hearty romance…and it’s such a sweet world to be in especially with the real world now,” she said of the show, which was recently renewed for a second season.
After people took their seats, Tod’s Group North America chief executive officer Roberto Lorenzini made a toast to Tamburini. “He just joined us under a year ago and showcased the second collection in Milan in September. Reviews were outstanding and I couldn’t be more thrilled that we can be here in L.A. with you.”
“Your support means a lot to me and the Tod’s family,” Tamburini said looking around the table. “Now, just enjoy the dinner, have fun and cheers!”