TOD'S @ Envelope Boat Shoes

TOD'S new Envelope Boat Shoes with collaboration between the influential and multi-awarded Japanese design studio Nendo, led by celebrated designer and architect Oki Sato to launch  in Milan at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile 2014. Tod’s Envelope Boat Shoes are a new take on Tod’s renowned deck shoe, a modern classic in their own right, reimagined by Sato and his team for the SS2014 season.

Oki Sato says, “A man’s shoe, designed for iconic Italian footwear and bag brand Tod's. We chose to combine two materials for the shoe's upper - a soft leather for the vamp with suede for the quarter and backstay and visibly connect the two materials with side details such as the tie string of an envelope. A rubber sole like those traditionally used on deck shoes reflects the Tod's design lineage; carefully hidden, near-invisible stitching emphasizes the softness of the shoe whilst a highly breathable mesh inner lends lightness and a sense of relaxation. Like the envelope that encloses an important letter and sent far away to bring people happiness, we hope our shoe will support the foot as it travels far, bringing happiness as it goes.” 

Sato says that the project has taken him one year to complete, he started work on it immediately after the Salone del Mobile in 2013 and that his aim was to create a shoe that he would want to wear himself: “Not too casual, not too formal; light, soft, relaxing, functional and with a pinch of humour and elegance.” He was acutely aware of Tod’s heritage saying “Italian design is always about true craftsmanship… and that is exactly what this project is all about”.

The result is a striking, new casual model, created using a mix of suede and soft leather materials. So named the Envelope as it wraps the wearer’s foot, this style comes in easy shades of blue, grey, brown, black and putty, all featuring a distinctive fastening detail for the laces with two matt silver studs. Technical characteristics, typical of a sailing shoe, render the Envelope Shoe suitable for major regattas, whilst its laidback chic design makes it essential for everyday use: anti-rust rings, anti-slide side sole, soft suede and water-resistant leather. The fundamental aspect of any Tod’s accessory is its unique creative and design process. The leathers go through a rigorous selection process in the best tanneries across the world and the workmanship is entirely handmade in Italy in all its phases.