American Anthem

Diego Della Valle, Tod’s charismatic chief, seems to have developed quite a fondness for American designers recently. After naming Derek Lam creative director of Tod’s in 2006, Della Valle announced in October that he’d handpicked Thakoon Panichgul to develop a special collection for his Hogan label. “I feel confident he will endorse this project with the great energy of the Hogan brand,” Della Valle said in a statement. Panichgul, a rising star on the fashion scene, is known for creating soft, feminine clothes under his Thakoon label. His work for Hogan, which offers primarily accessories and only a few pieces of outerwear, will debut in fall 2008. Details remain shrouded in secrecy, but word is that the collaboration, slated for one season, will include at least some clothing. Panichgul, for his part, said he plans to bring “surprise to a sporty sensibility.”