Tod’s

Summary

Tod’s is recognised for luxury footwear and leather goods, with styles that have became icons of tradition, quality and modern style. Each product is handcrafted with highly-skilled techniques, and some styles like Driving Shoe and D bag are cherished by people worldwide, and have become icons and forerunners of a new concept of elegance, for both women and men.

History

Filippo Della Valle launched a modest shoemaking business out of a basement, from the Marche region in central-eastern Italy, during the Twenties. However, by the Sixties, he solely produced private label shoes “Made in Italy” for American department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue.

The luxury footwear brand began its ascent towards the pinnacle of success when the founder’s grandson, Diego Della Valle, cut short his law course in Bologna and took the reins as Chairman of the company in the Seventies and gave it the name ‘Tod’s’. For long, it was rumoured that the name, Tod’s, was found in a Boston directory but Diego denied it, claiming he researched an Anglo-American name, which would be easy to pronounce!!

How did the brand carve a niche in the luxury goods space? At Tod’s, only quality pieces of leather are selected, cut by hand, treated and thoroughly inspected before being assembled by artisans. In fact, some of the brand’s best-selling shoes take years to handcraft because certain shades and textures are delicate to treat.

During his travels to New York, Diego Della Valle found inspiration in the popular casual styles and the seed of handcrafting beautiful, well-made shoes that could be worn in a professional, elegant, or casual environment, took birth as The Gommino Shoe. Once it became one of the ‘it’ shoes among the A-list set, Tod’s turned its attention to handcrafting luxury handbags. In 1997, the “D-bag” was the first edition of Tod’s handbags. Interestingly, this bag was dubbed after Lady Diana.

That said, Diego brought in innovative marketing strategies in the early Eighties while maintaining the handmade manufacturing process and went on to create lifestyle brands Tod’s, Hogan and Fay. Roger Vivier, maker of luxury shoes, was acquired in the Nineties, and shortly Italian designer Bruno Frisoni came on board as Roger Vivier’s Creative Director. Pretty soon, Tod’s had a number of stores world-wide, including flagships in Europe, the U.S., China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Australia.

In 2008, Tod’s licensed its name and branding to Marcolin Group for optical frames and sunglasses and in 2018 extended its licensing agreement through 2023. In late 2015, Tod’s acquired further stock in Roger Vivier  for an estimated €415 million. It previously owned a 57.5 per cent stake, now up to 60.7 per cent.

In April 2021, the luxury brand got Italian influencer Chiara Ferragni to join the board and within a month, the market value of Tod’s was estimated at €1.6 billion. In early 2021, LVMH raised its investment in the group from 3.2 per cent to 10 per cent for reported $89,9 million.

However, the luxury brand is now attempting to revive itself by buying out investors and making it private. Per Business Of Fashion, “Sales at Italian fashion group Tod’s in 2021 rose by almost 40 percent, the first increase after five years of consecutive declines, beating market expectations… Tod’s founder and chairman Diego Della Valle and his brother Andrea are offering to buy out other investors in Tod’s at €40 a share, for an up to €338 million investment.”

Vision

Tod’s envisions itself as a global leader in luxury craftsmanship, acclaimed for its dedication to artisanal excellence and timeless style. With a focus on producing high-quality leather goods and footwear, Tod’s strives to preserve the tradition of Italian craftsmanship while integrating modern design into its collections. The brand aims to continue setting the standard for luxury by creating products that reflect both refined aesthetics and functionality, allowing customers to enjoy pieces that are not only beautiful but also enduring in quality. Tod’s vision is to blend tradition with innovation, offering luxury that transcends time and trends.

Central to Tod’s vision is a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. As the fashion industry evolves, Tod’s recognizes the importance of incorporating eco-friendly materials and sustainable production methods into its business model. The brand seeks to minimize its environmental impact while maintaining the exceptional quality that defines its products. By embracing responsible practices, Tod’s aims to contribute to a more sustainable future, ensuring that its legacy of craftsmanship is carried forward in harmony with the planet.

Tod’s also envisions itself as a luxury brand that fosters connection and loyalty with its customers. By creating products that become cherished pieces in their customers’ lives, Tod’s aspires to build a sense of lasting trust and emotional resonance. The brand’s vision is to offer more than just luxury goods—Tod’s seeks to create experiences that celebrate the artistry of Italian craftsmanship and the beauty of everyday elegance. Through its commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer relationships, Tod’s strives to maintain its place as an iconic leader in the world of luxury fashion.

Mission Statement

Tod’s mission is to uphold the tradition of Italian craftsmanship while delivering luxury products that embody both elegance and functionality. The brand is dedicated to creating timeless pieces, from its iconic footwear to its refined leather goods, using only the finest materials and artisanal techniques. Tod’s seeks to offer products that are not only beautiful but also long-lasting, ensuring that each item becomes a cherished part of the customer’s wardrobe. By blending tradition with innovation, Tod’s remains committed to producing goods that reflect the highest standards of quality and design.

At the heart of Tod’s mission is a focus on sustainability and responsible business practices. The brand is dedicated to minimizing its environmental impact by adopting sustainable materials and ethical production methods without compromising on luxury or craftsmanship. Tod’s strives to lead the way in promoting positive change within the fashion industry, ensuring that its operations align with the evolving needs of both its customers and the planet. By staying true to its values of quality, sustainability, and timeless design, Tod’s aims to create a lasting legacy of excellence in the world of luxury fashion.

Key Team

CEO: Andrea Della Valle (Oct 2021–), Diego Della Valle (Oct 2000–)

Products and Services

Tod’s collections are renowned for their signature blend of timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship, with a primary focus on luxury footwear, leather accessories, and ready-to-wear fashion. Each collection reflects the brand’s dedication to artisanal quality, featuring its iconic driving shoes, moccasins, and leather handbags that have become synonymous with understated sophistication. Tod’s takes pride in using the finest materials and employing traditional Italian craftsmanship to ensure that each piece is meticulously designed and built to last. The collections embody a perfect harmony between form and function, allowing customers to experience luxury in everyday life, whether through versatile footwear or sleek, contemporary leather goods.

In addition to its exquisite product offerings, Tod’s provides personalized services aimed at elevating the customer experience. With a commitment to exclusivity and attention to detail, the brand offers bespoke services such as custom-made shoes and personalized accessories, allowing clients to tailor pieces to their unique tastes. Tod’s also provides premium customer care, ensuring a seamless and luxurious shopping experience, both in-store and online. Whether through personal consultations, exclusive product launches, or after-sales services, Tod’s is dedicated to delivering an experience that reflects the brand’s core values of quality, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance.

References

• Tod’s Sales Jump 40 per cent in 2021, Beating Expectations BoF
• Tod’s CEO On China And South America Forbes
• Official website Tod’s
• The future of Tod’s Vogue Business
• Tod’s renews eyewear licence with Marcolin until 2023 Fashion Network
• Facebook page of Tod’s Facebook
• Tod’s Reuters
• Tod’s Family to Launch $344 Million Bid to Privatise Company BoF
• Instagram page of Tod’s Instagram
• Luxury group LVMH raises stake in iconic Italian brand Tod’s BoF
• China, Roger Vivier and E-commerce Boost Tod’s Group in Q1 WWD
• Twitter page of Tod’s Twitter
• Tod’s Library Is A New Retail Concept Focusing On The Pleasure Of Hospitality BoF
• LinkedIn page of Tod’s LinkedIn
• A shoemaker that walks but never runs NY Times
• Youtube page of Tod’s Youtube