Fashion designer Todd Snyder is set to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his eponymous brand this Sunday during New York Fashion Week. The milestone event will double as the launch of a new capsule collection developed in partnership with Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch whisky.
The upcoming campaign, titled “Time & Craft,” features “The Gilded Age” actor Ben Ahlers. Snyder and Ahlers, who were introduced approximately a year ago, discovered an immediate connection over their shared roots in Iowa. Despite living in New York City for over three decades, Snyder noted that he appreciates the simplicity associated with his home state, a sentiment mirrored by the actor.
Ahlers, who recently made his Broadway debut in the Tony-winning revival of “Death of a Salesman,” attended Snyder’s Spring 2026 runway show last September. He expressed that learning about Snyder’s background at Iowa State University made him feel that growing up outside of major cities offered a unique advantage rather than a disadvantage.
The Lagavulin collection, styled by Jim Moore and photographed by Boo George, was shot at the distillery on Islay, Scotland. Ahlers highlighted the suede stable jacket from the line as a personal favorite, praising its blend of unmistakable Snyder aesthetics with Scottish craftsmanship. The full collection will be available online and in select stores starting October 8.
Reflecting on the brand’s history, Snyder recalled his first interaction with celebrity clientele in 2013, just two years after launching. At the time, the company was small enough that orders were visible to the team. When Ryan Gosling placed an order through their e-commerce platform, it was a significant moment for the founders.
Since then, the brand has become a staple for high-profile figures, including Hudson Williams, Sterling K. Brown, Colman Domingo, Noah Wyle, Daniel Radcliffe, Brendan Fraser, Jim Parsons, and Aaron Tveit. Gosling’s stylist, Mark Avery, praised the designer’s ability to create work that is recognizable yet understated, noting a consistent eye for detail and fit.
Matt Bomer also stands out as an early and enduring supporter. Snyder met Bomer in 2012 while attending the CFDA Awards as a nominee. Bomer approached him to express his admiration for the clothes, sparking a lasting friendship.
Warren Alfie Baker, a stylist known for dressing clients such as Glen Powell and Regé-Jean Page, described the brand as offering a versatile mix of vintage style and Americana, covering everything from casual to formal wear.
For the anniversary party at Baretto, Snyder will welcome musician Matt Berninger of The National. Berninger reportedly reached out to Snyder three years ago, expressing a desire to meet for breakfast and asking the designer to handle his wardrobe exclusively. Snyder, a longtime fan of the band, described the request as a career highlight.
Finally, a brand milestone that doesn’t rely on shock value. The Lagavulin collab feels genuinely thoughtful, not just another celebrity endorsement cash grab.
Ben Ahlers looks phenomenal in those tailoring shots. The Iowa connection adds such a nice, grounded layer to the whole campaign narrative.