Podcast Summary: Throwing Fits – The Todd Snyder Interview

Introduction

In the May 7, 2025 episode of Throwing Fits, hosts Sarah and Unknown welcomed renowned American fashion designer Todd Snyder for an engaging and insightful conversation. The episode delved deep into Snyder’s journey in the fashion industry, his design philosophy, collaborations, and perspectives on current and future trends in menswear.

Personal Style and Fashion Philosophy

Todd Snyder opened the discussion by emphasizing the significance of personal style as a form of self-expression. He asserted, “I really appreciate the Armani jeans shirts. That’s fire.” ([99:00] Todd Snyder). Snyder believes that developing a personal style should be an enjoyable process, not a burden. He encouraged listeners to embrace experimentation and learning through mistakes, comparing it to building a business plan: “You can’t just magically create that business plan without doing your research and without studying and without doing things.” ([50:03] Todd Snyder).

Snyder highlighted the importance of building a foundational wardrobe with versatile pieces. “If you have, like, 10 essential pieces that basically make up your entire wardrobe, you can mix those things and make up, like, 30 different outfits.” ([47:30] Todd Snyder). This approach ensures that individuals can maintain flexibility and creativity in their styling without feeling overwhelmed by constantly changing trends.

Collaborations and Brand Development

A significant portion of the interview focused on Todd Snyder’s strategic collaborations with prominent musicians and brands. Snyder recounted his collaboration with Matt Berninger of The National, describing it as a “dream come true” ([15:53] Todd Snyder). These partnerships not only enrich his design repertoire but also enhance brand visibility. He shared, “Working with people you like and you’re able to work with them to think differently, to help me get to a different place.” ([63:02] Todd Snyder).

Snyder also discussed his collaborations with iconic brands like Champion and New Balance. Reflecting on his early days, he explained how persistent outreach eventually led to successful partnerships: “They needed to see who I was. They didn’t... And so they kind of wanted to see what I was doing.” ([23:02] Todd Snyder). These collaborations have been pivotal in positioning his brand within both high fashion and mainstream markets.

Fashion Industry Insights

Snyder provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the fashion industry. He noted the shift from traditional fashion shows to digital platforms, stating, “Fashion’s changed so much... it's just the medium has changed how people show and how talking about fashion.” ([31:44] Todd Snyder). Despite the disruptions, Snyder remains a strong advocate for fashion shows as a means to inspire and connect with the audience.

He also addressed the impact of celebrity endorsements on menswear trends. “When all of a sudden you get a celeb and we get a lot of really good celebs wearing us... it gives me joy because it makes me feel like we’re doing the right thing.” ([66:35] Todd Snyder). These endorsements act as proof of concept and significantly boost brand recognition and sales.

Personal Anecdotes and Challenges

Throughout the interview, Snyder shared personal stories that highlighted his resilience and passion for fashion. He recounted a time when he was financially strained: “I was living paycheck to paycheck and... my money cash card didn’t work because I ran out of money.” ([96:44] Todd Snyder). This period reinforced his determination to succeed and adapt, eventually leading to the establishment of his successful brand.

Snyder also humorously discussed his struggles with fashion, such as tearing his ACL twice, which led him to stop playing basketball but remain a passionate follower of the sport: “I don’t think I could live if I couldn’t dress well.” ([08:12] Todd Snyder). His personal experiences underscore the deep connection between his life and his work in fashion.

Store Expansion and Brand Presence

A major highlight of the conversation was Snyder’s ambitious plans for expanding his retail footprint. Currently operating 20 stores, Snyder revealed plans to open additional locations in Fashion Island, Newport Beach, Nashville, and Columbus, Ohio. “We’re really trying to... be part of the neighborhood, being authentic to the neighborhood.” ([71:46] Todd Snyder). Each store is designed to reflect the unique character of its locale, enhancing the brand’s appeal and fostering a sense of community.

Snyder emphasized the importance of creating destination shops with distinct vibes, comparing them to Ralph Lauren’s iconic stores: “Each one had its own vibe, concepts.” ([70:46] Todd Snyder). This strategy not only attracts diverse customer bases but also reinforces the brand’s identity across different regions.

Future Plans and Aspirations

Looking ahead, Snyder expressed a desire to venture into women’s wear and accessories, acknowledging areas where his brand can grow: “Accessories is an area... bags... it’s really hard.” ([36:40] Todd Snyder). Collaborations have served as a learning platform, providing him with the necessary insights to potentially develop his own line of accessories in the future.

Snyder also touched on his enthusiasm for sustainable fashion and longevity in design. “If you have 10 essential pieces... it’s about making sure that... it all fits in well.” ([41:59] Todd Snyder). His focus remains on creating timeless pieces that offer both style and functionality, catering to a wide range of customers.

Conclusion

The interview concluded with Todd Snyder reflecting on his journey and reaffirming his commitment to innovation and excellence in fashion. He lauded the importance of collaboration, continuous learning, and maintaining authenticity within the brand. “Keep doing what you’re doing,” Snyder advised, highlighting the essence of staying true to one’s vision while adapting to industry changes.

Notable Quotes

• “I think personal style is the ultimate self-expression. So it matters to me to find one of a kind designer items or vintage pieces that fit my style.” – Sarah ([52:00] Todd Snyder segment)
• “I love tailoring. And having Matt who really appreciates it, it's just amazing to be able to work with people like that.” – Todd Snyder ([17:02] Todd Snyder)
• “If you have 10 essential pieces that basically make up your entire wardrobe, you can mix those things and make up, like, 30 different outfits.” – Todd Snyder ([47:30] Todd Snyder)
• “Dressing well. I mean, I’m sure there’s some statistics out there, but people are better dressed.” – Todd Snyder ([44:33] Todd Snyder)
• “I have a really good team that I lean on a lot to do a bit of it. But when things get off the rails and that’s when I have to start leaning back in.” – Todd Snyder ([39:37] Todd Snyder)

Final Thoughts

Todd Snyder’s interview on Throwing Fits offers a comprehensive look into the mind of a fashion visionary. From his foundational beliefs about personal style to his strategic collaborations and expansive brand plans, Snyder exemplifies the blend of creativity and business acumen essential for success in the competitive world of fashion. Listeners gained valuable insights into his design process, the importance of authenticity, and the evolving dynamics of the fashion industry, making this episode a must-listen for fashion enthusiasts and aspiring designers alike.