Providing a positive platform for a new generation of designers, Italian brand Tod’s has launched a new scholarship initiative offering guidance and support.

Titled Tod’s Legacy and initially conceived last July in collaboration with renowned London fashion school, Central Saint Martins, the initiative makes use of Tod’s Academy, a laboratory space located inside the Brand’s HQ in the Marche region of Italy. A place of ideas, education and exploration, here the brand’s highly-trained artisans accompany and support nascent students, passing down their knowledge while encouraging an atmosphere of innovation and modernity.

Coordinated with Fabio Piras, MA Fashion course director at CSM, 35 aspiring designers were selected to collaborate with Tod’s Academy. Given a brief to interpret one or more Tod’s codes within their own artistic practice, each student went to work, deconstructing and repurposing classic Tod’s silhouettes in order to create new – with a sustainable focus at the core.  Each student was assigned a mentor to evaluate choices and make suggestions, these included editors, critics and designers, including Simone Rocha, Richard Quinn, Phoebe English and Charles Jeffrey.

“This is a beautiful project that supports students and at the same time brings unusual and innovative points of view to Tod’s. I would like to thank all the mentors who have helped us, Central Saint Martins and Fabio Piras for their exceptional contribution,” says Diego Della Valle.

Now, the students’ work is ready to be presented via a virtual exhibition opening on the 19th February as part of the London Fashion Week schedule – peek a preview of their work above.

Find out full info here.