TAMOTSU TODA

Tamotsu was a great friend and kind human being. He was also talented and focused on his career as designer and his successful fashion business. His humor was unique and appreciated by his many friends. As a colleague in the fashion industry, I appreciated his rigorous and meticulous care about his production which was appreciated by his many clients. When he retired after many years of success, he moved to Hawaii and pursued other creative outlets such as painting. After a few years of not...

Tamostsu was my client at Definitions Gyms for over 25 years. He was always warm,funny and exceedingly kind to me and my staff. He often brought me gifts from his travels and even gave me a beautiful drawing of his. I will miss him so much. Truly one of the most big hearted men I have even know.

Tamotsu and I were friends for 38 years. Talented, warm, funny, kind, loyal, inappropriate, loving. In my mind and heart he'll never be gone. He'll be traveling the world in spirit, as always.

I had the honor and joy of working with Tamotsu for almost 10 years as the photographer of choice for all of his advertising and collateral needs. Having worked with him gave me an opening to experiment with my art and commerce in the Fashion world. Tamotsu trusted my vision and never once asked me to back off or try a different approach from the one I'd delivered. I haven't felt more seen or respected by any client I've ever worked with. For sure, No other client sent me thank you notes and...

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Tamotsu. He was a special man and a very talented artist. The FIT Alumni Association was honored to have known him and celebrated his talent at the 2000 Star Salute.
We are the better for having known him.
With sympathy,
John Jones, President
Vicki Guranowski, Executive Director
FIT Alumni Association.

Tamotsu Toda designed fashionable clothing for working women that was chic yet wearable and comfortable. In the 1970‘s and 1980‘s his jumpsuits, pleated trousers and soft jackets were a retail sensation. I sold his clothing in my New York City store Lonia for over 20 years and we remained friends until his passing.  

Tamotsu worked for designers Norma Kamali and Hiroko at the start of his career and started working out of his apartment in the early 1970's. That is when I spotted his...