tastemakers & trendsetters - style

In this week’s Tastemakers and Trendsetters, we meet the founders of Toccin (NY) and LDT, Alex and Michael Toccin. After studying at Parsons, they each went on to work for well-known fashion brands before deciding to start their own digital platform, Stylists to a T.

While building Stylists to a T, they also discovered that women needed more versatile, comfortable, flattering, and size-inclusive options. They launched Toccin (NY) to provide a collection of approachable fashion that will take women from meetings to evenings, and everywhere in-between. The Toccin (NY) Spring Collection features simple statement pieces, easy dresses, and “it” coats. The newest launch is LDT, a collection inspired by their daughter.

Can you share a little about your journey to getting into the industry?

Alex: Michael and I met the first day of college at George Washington University over 17 years ago. Although we initially had different interests, I majored in marketing at the Business School and Michael in criminal justice at the college of Arts & Sciences, but together we had a passion for fashion. In fact, Michael taught me everything that I know about fashion and continually pushes me to this day to have confidence in anything that I wear.

Michael: I grew up being surrounded by three powerful and inspiring women including my grandmother, mom, and older sister. Specifically, my grandmother is the one who pushed me to go into fashion. She always saw that I was extremely creative and had a good eye when it came to clothing. When the opportunity came to get a summer internship while in college, I worked for KAUFMANFRANCO, which ended up being the fashion house that I spent 10 years working for in a variety of jobs including public relations, marketing, styling, and sales. 

What inspired you to launch your collection and the name LDT?

Michael: For the past 10 years, I have been traveling to Arkansas a lot to meet with styling clients, visiting Dillard’s, and have been able to get to know the first family of Arkansas well. I was introduced to the Dillard’s family and one thing led to the next, which led to the creation of LDT. 

Alex: Dillard’s loved what we were doing with Toccin so we were thrilled to have the opportunity to work together with them on something unique and exclusive. When naming this new collection, we came up with our daughter’s initials, LDT. We love that the messaging behind LDT evokes a sense of youth and joyfulness in all of the pieces that we are designing and similarly that is brought out through our child. 

Tell us more about your new line. Do you have a favorite style from your collection? 

MIchael: We really designed LDT to dress everybody. She’s a working mom, a girl in college, a young woman starting in the professional world, etc. The one thing that ties it all together is really the feelings of youthfulness and joy. 

Alex: After coming out of 2020, we are so excited to introduce a line of colorful and fun designs that compliment a woman’s body. In New York, color is not something we often play on or see too much of, especially in the colder months, so we want to add some sunshine to your wardrobe!  When we created our logo and even the mannequins for the stores, we were inspired to start off in a bright way.  

There are so many options and designs so it’s hard to choose favorites—I love the parachute fabrics, they’re timeless and so flattering. Also, the button-down shirt dresses with the drawstring waist.

Michael: Color blocking is part of our LDT DNA. We really wanted to launch with joyfulness and happiness, which is why we chose to go with brighter, feminine colors. We’re from the Sunshine State and we want you to bring that home to your closet too!

Any style or fashion tips that you can share? 

Alex: “Carry yourself with confidence.” There are often times as women we are insecure as to if something looks good on us or not. Michael has always influenced me to carry myself with confidence and that insecurity will go away. 

Michael: “Less is more.” Whether I am designing a new dress or styling a client, I always think that less is more. You only need one major focus to your look and really make that focus be the key driver the rest of your look. For example, take our new LDT Midi Colorblock Dress. It is available in ultraviolet, rouge, and magenta. I would suggest that the dress be the focus of your look and your accessories can pick up the different colors from the dress (i.e. a pink suede shoe and pink hoop earring).

Who inspires you? 

Alex: On a daily basis it is our community on our Instagram platforms  @alexandmichaeltoccin , @shoptoccin, and @ldt.official. We not only love to see how woman style our different collections, but to receive their immediate feedback over DMs. 

Oprah. She is an incredible role model on so many fronts. Oprah has opened the doors to so many businesses, communities, and individuals, and she knows how to make herself heard in a powerful successful way. 

Michael: I am constantly inspired by the fashion trends that I am surrounded by, whether it is via Instagram, online shopping, or in store. I also love to see our different collections on our clients, and of course, my muse, Alex. 

Jeff Bezos. He is a genius—he was able to take one concept of selling books and adapt the business plan quickly. 

Wellness tips?

Alex: I am someone who has always liked to be on the go. With our pace slowing down due to COVID-19, I have found it extremely important for me to get in 45 minutes to an hour of exercise whether it be yoga, weight training, dancing or walking. Also, I strive to get a good 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Typically I am nonstop all day, and it’s so important for me to wind down to get good sleep at night. 

Michael: No matter what is going on each day, I always like to get dressed. I am not someone who will hang out in sweats all day even on the weekends. By getting dressed for the day, it helps my well-being to wake up and get moving. 

Favorite ways to relax? 

Alex: Now being a mom of two kids, an entrepreneur, and a wife, I think it is super important to find an hour each day for some “me” time in order to relax. This past year, I often joked that “me” time is taking a shower, but have really found that this time even less than an hour has helped to reset me for the day or at the end of the day. 

Michael: This may sound strange, but I love to get in my car and drive as a way to relax. It allows me some time for myself, especially this past year, and gives me an opportunity to think and get my myself to relax. 

Secret to success?

Alex & Michael: It is so important to listen, read, communicate, and be open. We have had the opportunity to get to where we are in both our life and business by meeting some incredibly talented individuals and clients, listening and educating ourselves through feedback and experience, keeping up and understanding the industry needs and trends, and building an incredible team that works with us who provides us with great insight and support in order to maintain growth. 

Best advice?

Alex & Michael: Everything in life happens for a reason. It is super hard to practice this in the moment, but don’t be discouraged. Everything in life happens for a reason and it all comes back to timing. 

Where can people purchase your collection?

TOCCIN is available on our site toccin.com and LDT is available exclusively on dillards.com/brand/LDT

Where can people find you on social media?

 @alexandmichaeltoccin , @shoptoccin , @ldt.official

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy