Todd Alan has spent more than 40 years weaving strands of gold, platinum and silver together by hand at his Sarasota studio. In September, his work will land on one of fashion's biggest stages: New York Fashion Week.
Alan, founder of Todd Alan Studios and a self-taught master goldsmith known as "The Ringmaker," will present eight original collections featuring more than 30 handcrafted pieces on the runway, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. The lineup includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings and statement jewelry.
"This is an incredible opportunity not only for our studio, but for Sarasota," Alan said. "I've spent more than four decades making jewelry by hand because I believe people can feel the difference when something is created with care. To have that work recognized on one of fashion's biggest stages is something I never imagined when I first sat down at a jeweler's bench."
No two pieces Alan creates are exactly alike.
He has never used molds or mass production. Alan's technique of handweaving precious metals has earned him a reputation as one of the only artists in the world working in that style, and over his career he has crafted more than 18,000 rings by hand.
The NYFW selection arrives in a milestone year for the studio. 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the family-run business, where Alan works alongside his daughter Lyra, his son-in-law Matt and his daughter-in-law Katie, WWSB reported. His three-month-old granddaughter is the newest member of the studio family.
Many of Alan's commissions start with heirloom jewelry. He melts down inherited gold and incorporates family gemstones into new handcrafted rings. His personal touch has helped him build an online following of more than one million across social media, with educational videos about gemstones and craftsmanship. One video alone has drawn more than 57 million views.
Despite that global audience, every piece is still made by hand in Sarasota. Alan's work is available online at ToddAlan.com and HandWovenBands.com.
Upcoming Sarasota arts events:
- Sept. 10: Sarasota Orchestra and the Van Wezel present "Summon the Heroes," commemorating the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Proceeds benefit Resilient Retreat, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Charitable Foundation, Sarasota Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund and Sarasota Police Foundation.
- Through Sept. 27: Sarasota Art Museum's "Something Borrowed, Something New" exhibition, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; $20 general admission for adult non-members.
- Nov. 6: SRQ Magazine's 11th Annual Women Who Roar Leadership Awards Luncheon, Michael's On East Ballroom, 1212 S. East Avenue.
