The Way of the "Modern Gentleman"

“Right now… yes, I’m incredibly excited to be realizing something I’ve always dreamed of. For instance, when someone asks, ‘Who is Todd Snyder?’ I want the shop to speak for itself.—It’s a shop that encapsulates my entire lifestyle. A "TOWN HOUSE" where everything a modern gentleman needs can be found. At the same time, it’s an open club, accessible to everyone. That’s the concept behind this shop.

If I had to describe the people who gather here in one word, it would be “modern gentlemen.” Through my travels across the three fashion capitals—Tokyo, London, and New York—I’ve gathered a feeling, the culture of the people living in each city, and a mix of their styles. What emerged from this is… modern gentlemen who skillfully blend the classic and the contemporary without distinction, making them their own, and who are full of smart playfulness.”

Born and raised in Iowa, Todd Snyder's aesthetic is deeply rooted in the grooming and lifestyle of his grandfather, a farmer who would dress formally for church on Sundays.

“Working hard in T-shirts and shorts, with muddy boots, yet sometimes donning a well-tailored jacket and polished dress shoes. Possessing both masculinity and humility was, since my grandfather’s time, an essential condition for a gentleman. And a little drink, too (laughs). Enjoying dressing up with modern techniques, like pairing a suit with sneakers. And not neglecting meals. That is the way of the “modern gentleman.”

While based in New York, Todd Snyder chose to open his first namesake store in Tokyo. This unexpected decision has a clear reason, very much in his style.

“I love Japanese culture very much. The food, the cherry blossoms, the people, the temples and shrines—everything is wonderful. I’ve visited more than 30 times, and each time I discover something new and surprising, encountering sources of creative inspiration. I am particularly drawn to the immensely long history and traditions. For us Americans, whose country has a short history since its founding, it’s an eternal aspiration (laughs).

The Art of Mixing

The store opening in Jingumae, Tokyo, is named "Todd Snyder Townhouse." Spread across three floors, from the basement to the second floor, each level presents a different "story." Examining these closely will provide a clear answer to the question, "Who is Todd Snyder?"

“The basement floor is the sports floor, named 'CITY GYM.' It offers a range of sports items, both nostalgic and new, linked to the pop-up shop of the same name in New York (until the end of March 2014). Champion, where my friend Ned Munroe is director, is not just a brand I like; it's a very important one. We have a collaboration line with Champion, created in cooperation with Ned, as well as sneakers from New Balance and PF Flyers, bags for basketball and baseball, and goods and decorative items for the office or home.”

“The first floor primarily features Todd Snyder’s signature collection. While the main collection is, of course, important (laughs), we also have an extensive selection of lifestyle items essential to the person that is Todd Snyder, such as cosmetic items, vintage watches, books and photo collections, and stationery and leather goods from Postale. I also want to draw attention to the shop-in-shop for Moscot (eyewear), the first in Japan.”

“The second floor has a more authentic image. We offer tailored wear in collaboration with Southwick, hats from Bates of England, and a rich selection of fine leather shoes from Alden, Tricker's, and Crockett & Jones. Alden, in particular, features carefully selected one-of-a-kind items from a private collection of deadstock, and I personally consider it the world’s best shoe store.”

This store, where sports, tailoring, and lifestyle elements converge to create a unique atmosphere. However, the brand's world view is not solely expressed through its products.





“For example, the interior design of the first floor is strongly influenced by Mid-Century Modern, while the basement has an industrial feel. The second floor is a mix of Mid-Century and contemporary. This reflects my design philosophy.

To me, architecture is very close to fashion. I love both Bauhaus and industrial styles, and the most authentic expression for me is to fuse and coexist them. Similarly, in fashion, I believe that a unique style is created by mixing different elements such as vintage, classic, sports, casual, luxury, and tailored wear.

On the second floor, we have established the whiskey bar 'OLD TOWNE BAR' to provide a relaxing space and, at the same time, present that dining and drinking are also important aspects of lifestyle. The true essence of this shop, and the signature of Todd Snyder, lies in the mixing of various styles and elements, wouldn't you agree?”

A townhouse in Jingumae, Shibuya. While not large, it is sure to become a new landmark in Tokyo.

“I originally intended to create a small shop and had been searching for various locations. I thought it would be ideal to be next to a popular large store to reach more people. Then one day, I learned that a vacant property had become available along Meiji Dori, next to the Paul Smith shop. I literally jumped at the chance and persistently negotiated (laughs). To be able to open a one-of-a-kind shop, exactly as I envisioned, in my ideal location. It truly feels like a dream. After all, Paul Smith is one of my heroes.”


Todd Snyder Townhouse
6-18-14 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (B1F–2F)
Tel. 03-6418-6076 (Shop)
Tel. 03-3409-9070 (Cafe, Bar)
Hours: 11:00–20:00, Irregular holidays
Cafe "Padder's Coffee": 11:00–19:00
Bar "Old Town Bar": 18:00–23:00 (Open Wednesdays–Saturdays only)
Opening March 15th (Saturday)

Anglobal
Tel. 03-5467-7874