Todd Snyder's 15-Year Fashion Journey: From Iowa to Hollywood

From Cornfields to Runways

When I first met Todd Snyder, it was in the most unlikely of places — a small company office in New York City. It was 2013, just two years after he launched his eponymous menswear brand following career-making turns at Ralph Lauren, Gap Inc., and J. Crew. Back then, we were all sitting together, five people in the entire company, when our e-commerce manager burst in with news that Ryan Gosling had ordered from us. The moment was both surreal and transformative.

"We were small enough that we could see orders when they came in," Snyder recalls. "It was a magical moment that made me realize we weren't just another label."

What started as a humble beginning has since blossomed into something truly extraordinary. Today, Snyder's brand is synonymous with understated elegance and timeless design — a style that resonates with celebrities from the Hollywood elite to the stage.

The Celebrity Connection

Celebrities have been drawn to Snyder's aesthetic ever since. Among his early fans were Hudson Williams, Sterling K. Brown, Colman Domingo, Noah Wyle, Daniel Radcliffe, Tom Francis, Brendan Fraser, Jim Parsons, and Aaron Tveit — all of whom have worn his designs on red carpets and at high-profile events.

"In my mind Todd Snyder's work is simultaneously instantly recognizable and yet never has the stink of screaming for attention," Gosling's stylist Mark Avery tells me. "An eye for detail, fit and fabric that never leans on spectacle. I'm forever a fan."

Celebrity stylist Warren Alfie Baker, who has dressed several clients including Glen Powell, Matt Bomer, and Regé-Jean Page, says: "He has a great mix of vintage style pieces with cool Americana vibes. It really covers all the bases from amazing casual wear to formal wear."

It's clear that Snyder's aesthetic isn't just about clothing — it's about storytelling. His brand embodies a certain cultural narrative, one that speaks to both sophistication and authenticity.

A Friendship With Fame

Snyder met Matt Bomer at the CFDA Awards in 2012, where Bomer, then known for his roles in 'True Blood' and 'The Normal Heart,' turned around and told Snyder he loved his work. "The fact that he even knew who I was, let alone that he likes the clothes and would say that, it was awesome," Snyder says. That moment led to a lasting friendship and an enduring loyalty to the brand.

Now, as he celebrates his brand's 15th anniversary, Snyder is bringing his aesthetic to a new audience through a collaboration with Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch whisky. The campaign features “The Gilded Age” actor Ben Ahlers, who was introduced to Snyder about a year ago — and immediately bonded over their shared Midwestern roots.

"I didn't know at the time he was from Iowa," Snyder says. "We went right to what we both remember and what we love about Iowa. We have a similar kind of feeling about Iowa and how it kind of centers us and cuts through the noise a little bit."

Ben Ahlers, who made his Broadway debut earlier this year in the Tony-winning “Death of a Salesman” revival, tells me: "I remember learning Todd was from Iowa. He had gone to Iowa State, which has been part of my family for generations, and his success and mastery made me feel like I wasn't at a disadvantage by growing up outside of the city. In fact, it turned out to be what made me feel like I had something unique to offer."

The capsule collection, styled by Jim Moore and photographed by Boo George, was shot at the whisky company's distillery on Islay, Scotland — a fitting setting for a collaboration that bridges two distinct yet complementary worlds: fashion and fine spirits.

Designing for the Soul

The full Lagavulin collection will be available online and in select Todd Snyder stores on October 8. Ahlers's favorite piece from the collection is a suede stable jacket — a design that perfectly embodies Snyder's ethos of blending timeless elegance with modern craftsmanship.

"It feels unmistakably Todd Snyder, but has this real piece of Scottish craft built into it," Ahlers says. And indeed, that's exactly what makes Snyder's work so compelling — it's not just about clothing, but about creating experiences and connections.

As the fashion world turns its attention to New York Fashion Week for his anniversary party at Baretto, I'm reminded of how a brand can transcend its boundaries. From a small company in New York City to global acclaim, Todd Snyder's journey is one of creativity, authenticity, and an unshakable belief in the power of design.

And as the evening unfolds with performances by Matt Berninger of The National — a longtime fan of both Snyder and the band — it will be clear that this celebration is not just about fashion, but about artistry, legacy, and the enduring influence of one man's vision.

The Future of Fashion

Looking ahead, Snyder's story continues to evolve. His brand is a testament to how a unique perspective — rooted in simplicity and authenticity — can shape not only a fashion label but a cultural movement.

As I reflect on his journey, one thing becomes clear: Todd Snyder isn't just designing clothes — he's crafting a narrative that celebrates the beauty of everyday elegance. In an industry often defined by excess, Snyder's quiet confidence and thoughtful approach stand as a refreshing counterpoint to the noise.