In a forever-changing luxury industry that’s increasingly driven by trends, digital engagement, and constant reinvention, Tod’s has retained its quiet power through consistency, quality and excellence.
With a heritage built on craftsmanship, authenticity, and timeless style, the house remains one of Italy’s most respected names in modern luxury, its products embodying the kind of understated sophistication that never goes out of fashion. Epitomising the meaning of “Quiet Luxury,” Tod’s reigns supreme when it comes to dressing the world’s elite, inviting its clients to discover the exceptional artisanal techniques and materials it takes to remain at the top of its game.
Today, Tod’s stands as a symbol of Italian lifestyle at its finest. Elegant yet effortless, refined yet rooted in substance. Its aesthetic speaks to the modern consumer who seeks longevity over loudness, substance over spectacle. From the buttery-soft leather of its iconic Gommino loafers to the sculptural silhouettes of its handbags and outerwear, every Tod’s creation is designed to age gracefully, telling a story of material integrity and human touch.
“Tod’s today represents the Italian lifestyle and great quality, where tradition meets modernity. Beyond our iconic Gommino, bags, and accessories, we have also added Ready-to-Wear, while keeping our fundamental values firm. For me, Italian craftsmanship and timeless style are our roots and should remain unchanged,” says Diego Della Valle, Chairman and CEO of Tod’s Group S.p.A.
The roots of the Tod’s story stretch back to the early 1900s, when the Della Valle family began producing handmade shoes in the Marche region of Italy. The brand’s global rise began in the late 1970s, when Diego Della Valle transformed the family workshop into an international business while keeping its artisanal foundations intact. His vision was to merge the meticulous tradition of Italian shoemaking with a distinctly modern sensibility, establishing Tod’s as a global ambassador for “Made in Italy.”
At the heart of this transformation was a single, now-iconic creation: the Gommino. Introduced in the 1970s, the driving shoe became an instant emblem of relaxed sophistication, its rubber pebble sole (made of 133 individual rubber nubs) and impeccable hand-finished leather offering both comfort and polish. It bridged the gap between casual and couture, embodying the Italian ideal of “sprezzatura”, or effortless elegance. “For me, a product becomes iconic thanks to a timeless design, impeccable functionality, and a universally recognised aesthetic: the Gommino is the perfect example,” says Della Valle.
Over the decades, the Tod’s brand expanded into handbags, accessories, and ready-to-wear, always retaining the artisanal focus that defined its origins. The Di Bag, once carried by Princess Diana, became a hallmark of quiet luxury, and in recent years, the brand’s aesthetic evolved toward a more contemporary, fluid expression of Italian craftsmanship, a balance of refinement and ease that appeals to the modern global audience. “It is my DNA: patience and precision, enduring values. I like to think of creating something destined to last,” he says.
For Della Valle, craftsmanship is not a marketing term but a philosophy of living. “In a world of mass production and artificial intelligence, I speak about Artisanal Intelligence: it is the hands that cut the leather, the nose that smells its scent, the eyes that check every single stitch, the knowledge handed down from generation to generation. It is very special, and for me, essential dedication.”
This idea of Artisanal Intelligence defines everything Tod’s does. The dialogue between innovation and human skill. Della Valle does not reject technology; he refines it to serve tradition. “For me, it means using new technologies to improve efficiency, exploring the use of new materials, or refining design processes, while always keeping the hands of our artisans at the centre of the creation. Innovation should serve to elevate our traditional techniques, not diminish them. This is what I call Artisanal Intelligence.”
The brand’s headquarters in Casette d’Ete, Marche, remains a hub of creativity and craftsmanship and home to La Bottega dei Mestieri, an in-house academy created to ensure the continuity of traditional know-how. “This is a topic I care deeply about. We have created a workshop called La Bottega dei Mestieri. Here we train the next generations, passing on the unique skills of our master artisans. All this while maintaining a very strong corporate culture that prioritises tradition, quality, alongside innovation.”
Through initiatives like this, Della Valle ensures that Tod’s is not just preserving heritage but nurturing it for the future. “The balance between traditional savoir-faire and innovation is delicate, but the commitment to their coexistence is maximum. In fact, innovation allows us to keep Tod’s legacy alive and current for new generations, ensuring that precious skills and techniques continue to exist and evolve.”
This approach to luxury – deliberate, human, and built to endure – stands in contrast to the short-term mentality of trend-driven fashion. “I believe that the failure of many brands stems from the pursuit of trends without solid foundations, or from compromising on quality to reduce costs. Tod’s, on the other hand, has always focused on creating luxury products, building our customers’ trust through reliability and authentic craftsmanship.”
Beyond business, Della Valle views Tod’s as a cultural ambassador for Italy itself. “‘Made in Italy’ for me means attention to detail and precious materials, and a sense of style that is typically Italian. It is a guarantee of quality, something that cannot be easily replicated.” He sees it as both a privilege and a responsibility. “It is great: Italy has a unique heritage in luxury manufacturing, and we have a duty to preserve this reputation. We are the custodians of a tradition of beauty, design, and quality. And Tod’s is continuously committed to preserving an invaluable part of our culture.”
Looking ahead, the Tod’s Group continues to expand globally, including in the Middle East, where it has established a loyal client base, while staying true to its principles. “We work to continue being a global leader in the Italian luxury lifestyle, recognised for its craftsmanship and timeless style,” says Della Valle. And at the core of his leadership is a simple yet enduring life lesson: “I was fortunate to have a family that taught me a lot, both personally and professionally, all based on solid principles.”
For over a century, Tod’s has proven that true luxury is not about excess or reinvention, but refinement, the constant pursuit of excellence, guided by integrity, patience, and respect for craft. It is this belief, stitched into every seam and polished into every leather finish, that ensures Tod’s remains not just relevant, but timeless.
