Husband and wife team Alex and Michael Toccin met 18 years ago. After moving to New York and establishing individual careers in fashion, they made the jump to working together. Each of their businesses served as the foundation for the next — they started with a digital platform, Stylist to a T, helping women talk about fashion and trends in an approachable way, which led to TOCCIN, their first collection, launched in September 2019. The direct-to-consumer brand is available at Toccin.com, as well as Saks, Neiman Marcus, and specialty stores.
We caught up with the Alex and Michael to learn more.
How did the two of you meet?
Alex: Michael and I met during our freshman year of college at George Washington University and hit it off instantly.
You started working together on a digital platform helping women talk about fashion and trends in an approachable way. Tell us about that.
Michael: We started our digital platform, Stylist to a T, to help women find the right medium between following trends and being comfortable with what they are wearing.
What inspired you to launch TOCCIN?
Alex: TOCCIN was launched through our daily conversations with women around us and following us. We wanted to create a line for the wants and needs of these women looking for approachable clothing that was fashion forward.
With TOCCIN, you offer a designer aesthetic at an approachable price, inspired by the wants and needs of real women. Why are these elements of the business so important to you?
Michael: It was very important to us to create a line that was designer quality but a more approachable price. We wanted there to be a line for women to look and feel as good as they would in the high-end designer pieces.
You describe your brand as being community-first. Talk a little about the importance of this.
Alex: Our brand is focused deeply on our community because it started with our Stylist to a T community. We create every piece with our followers and customers in mind.
You launched LDT with Dillards. Tell us more about this collaboration and how it differs from your namesake brand.
Michael: LDT, named after our daughter Liv Dakota Toccin, is a ready-to-wear line that mixes colorful prints with comfort and ease reflecting sophistication in a fun and affordable way. LDT recently expanded into a lifestyle brand with sunglasses and handbags.
How would you describe each of your own personal styles?
Michael: Timeless and put together.
What styles are you most excited for this summer?
Alex: This summer is all about wearing crochet pieces in ready to wear and accessories, white and floral dresses along with bright colorful pieces that show a little skin.
What do you enjoy most about the Hamptons? Any favorite places?
Alex: We love being outside with family, going on walks, going to the beach and having picnics. We have many favorite places in the Hamptons but Duryea’s, Sag Pizza, and Tutto Il Giorno are a few of our go-tos.
Are there any local or national charities that you support that you’d like to bring attention to?
Alex: We love to support the arts and children locally through Hamptons Community Outreach.
