Tod's History

Tod's history begins in the early 1900s thanks to the dedication and passion of Filippo Della Valle. Rooted in tradition and artisanal quality, year after year, the evolution of Tod's is marked by the creation of iconic footwear, such as the famous Gommino, as well as handbags and clothing.
Thanks to the vision of Diego and Andrea Della Valle, Tod's represents a global icon of the Italian lifestyle and embodies tradition and innovation while blending the past and present and looking toward the future.
Today, Tod's continues to honour its origins, supporting Italian savoir-faire and fine craftsmanship, and is committed to sustaining the territory and cultural heritage of the country.
Filippo Della Valle's work table

Early 1900s

The origins: Filippo Della Valle opens his artisanal workshop

Tod's story begins in the early 1900s in a small town in the Marche region of central Italy, where Filippo Della Valle opened a cobbler workshop. On a small workbench, exquisite leather shoes were meticulously handcrafted.

The Expansion: Dorino Della Valle founds the first artisanal company in Sant'Elpidio in the Marche region.

Dorino, Filippo Della Valle's son, transformed his father's shoe workshop into a small company with skilled artisans and began producing women's footwear for some of the most important Italian companies and designers.

Circa 1940

Corso Venezia, Milano
Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

1970

Opening of the Milan office

The company's offices find their space in the heart of Milan, accompanying the transformation and evolution of the family business.

From left, Andrea Della Valle, Dorino Della Valle e Diego Della Valle

1975

Diego Della Valle joins the family business

Diego, Dorino Della Valle's son, officially becomes part of the company, furthering the growth and expansion processes while upholding the values emblematic of Made in Italy, such as tradition, craftsmanship, and excellence.

Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

'70

Launch of the Tod's Gommino

The driving shoe par excellence, the Tod's Gommino, was born from an intuition of Diego Della Valle and the desire to create footwear that could be both elegant and versatile. Upon returning from a trip to the United States, Diego was fascinated by a shoe used by drivers he had spotted in a vintage boutique and began working on a first prototype: an ultra-light, flat, and soft loafer, entirely hand-stitched and characterised by 133 small rubber pebbles - the gommini - on the sole.

Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

Boutique exterior, Via della Spiga

1984

First Boutique in Milan, Via della Spiga

The first Boutique was inaugurated in Via della Spiga, right in the heart of Milan, and the iconic Quadrilatero della Moda, an area known worldwide for its exclusive luxury retail activities.

Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

1984

The brand is registered under the name J.P. Tod's

With a name internationally inspired, J.P. Tod's was born. The brand continues its process of growth and expansion, recognised worldwide for its quality and unmistakable style.

Autumn-Winter 1989 Collection, Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

Late 80s

Launch of Some of the Most Iconic Footwear

The late 1980s marked the launch of models destined to become Tod's icons: the “gommino” leather loafer with raised rubber pebbles on the sole, the models in suede with rubber soles for the warmer season and the Tod's Winter Gommino Ankle Boot, presented in the finest leather and with the iconic rubber pebbles on the sole.

Autumn-Winter 1989 Collection, Courtesy of Tod’s Archive
Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

1992

Launch of the Tod's Competition shoe

The Tod's Competition shoe was born from a collaboration with Paul Cayard, the famous skipper, who wore it during the 1995 America's Cup with the rest of the crew. Characterised by a unique design developed by Cayard, and an innovative mix of canvas and water-repellent leather, it is Tod's first shoe suitable for use during regattas.

Courtesy of Tod’s Archive
Boutique exterior, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris

1994

First Boutique in Europe opens in Paris on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré 

Located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, the brand's first European Boutique finds its place on one of the most luxurious streets in the French city, home to the most historic ateliers and art galleries worldwide.

Boutique exterior, New York

First Boutique in the United States opens in New York

Following the exclusive spaces of Milan and Paris, the first Boutique in the Big Apple was opened, marking the beginning of the company's expansion in the United States. The city of New York becomes the reference point for Italian lifestyle enthusiasts, featuring the footwear and craftsmanship. 

1997

Launch of the Tod's D Bag 

The Tod's bag pays homage to its most famous admirer, Princess Diana of Wales. Born from the skilled craftsmanship of our artisans, the Tod's D Bag represents a perfect balance of savoir-faire and femininity. Over the years, it has become a true icon of the brand, achieving success thanks to its famous clientele, such as Naomi Campbell, Nicole Kidman, and Anne Hathaway. Embodying the refined and discreet luxury that most distinguishes the 1997 model, the Di Bag is relaunched for the 2022/2023 Fall-Winter season.

Princess Diana of Wales, Getty Images
Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

1997

The brand is officially named Tod's

Year after year, the brand became increasingly known internationally and officially took the name Tod's. Led by Diego and Andrea Della Valle, the Tod's brand represents a lifestyle that combines timeless elegance and craftsmanship. A lifestyle inherently linked to the concept of Italian essence, good taste, and savoir-vivre.

Headquarter exterior, Tod's Group

1998

Inauguration of the Tod's Group Headquarters in Casette D'Ete

Immersed in the green hills of the Marche region, the Group's production headquarters was inaugurated in March 1998. Located in Casette d'Ete, near Civitanova Marche, it is a building with large windows reflecting the synthesis of tradition and innovation that is part of Tod's DNA. Unique for its particular architectural research and enriched by an extraordinary collection of contemporary artworks, the headquarters boasts a structure of 55,000 square meters spread over two floors, overlooking an extensive green space.

Boutique interior, Sloane Street, London

1999

First Boutique in London opens on Sloane Street

The brand's expansion in Europe continues with the opening of the first Boutique in the heart of London, on the iconic Sloane Street, followed by the opening of the Bond Street boutique.

Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

2000

Creation of the Tod's "Greca" Belt

The "Greca" belt, a symbol of the brand, was born for the Fall-Winter 2000 collection. Characterised by a leather closure reminding of bookbinding straps, it is entirely made of leather and hand-finished. Season after season, the belt will be interpreted with new shades, always remaining faithful to its casual and refined style.

Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

2001-2021

Collaboration with Ferrari

Tod's collaborates with the automotive house Ferrari for a special collection of footwear featuring the iconic Gommino, the driving shoe par excellence, interpreted with unique details and offered in numbered series. 

Courtesy of Tod’s Archive
Courtesy of Tod’s Archive
Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

2003

Creation of the T Timeless symbol

The T Timeless symbol was introduced in the Spring-Summer 2004 season and relaunched in 2019. Depicting an iconic T in metal, it enhances the most iconic shoes and bags, becoming the true protagonist of Tod's products season after season.

Courtesy of Tod’s Archive
Boutique interior, Ginza, Tokyo

2005

First Boutique in Japan in Tokyo, Omotesandō

Also known as the Champs-Élysées of Tokyo, this iconic avenue, famous for its refined elegance, houses Tod's first Japanese boutique, followed by the opening of the Ginza boutique.

Boutique exterior, Omotesandō, Tokyo
Fall-Winter 2006 Collection, Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

2006

First Ready-to-Wear Collection

Tod's launched its first clothing collection to consolidate its value and international appeal. The brand's passion for details, research for the most sophisticated materials, and high-quality craftsmanship merge into a Ready-to-Wear selection that complements the most iconic shoes and accessories.

Fall-Winter 2006 Collection, Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

Boutique exterior, China World Mall, Pechino

2008

First Boutique in China at China World Mall in Beijing

Tod's first boutique in Beijing finds space in the China World Mall, one of the city's most prominent luxury shopping destinations.

Villa Necchi Campiglio House-Museum, Milan

Since 2009, Tod's Group has supported the Villa Necchi Campiglio house-museum, part of the FAI - Italian Trust Fund, in the heart of Milan, contributing to promoting and enhancing Italy's historical and cultural heritage worldwide.

Since 2009

Partnership with Fondo Ambiente Italiano (the Italian National Trust)

Villa Necchi Campiglio House-Museum, Milan
Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

2010

"An Italian Dream": the event in Milan and Beijing to celebrate the collaboration with the Teatro alla Scala

Tod's celebrates its collaboration with the Teatro alla Scala with two exclusive events in Milan and Beijing, during which the video ""An Italian Dream"" was presented. The principal dancers of La Scala Theatre interpreted, through dance, the many stages of making a Tod's product. Since 2011, Tod's Group has been a founding member of the Teatro alla Scala Foundation.

Courtesy of Tod’s Archive
Facade of the Colosseum, Rome

Tod's Group proudly participates in the restoration of the Colosseum in Rome. Through a multi-phase intervention plan in collaboration with the Special Superintendency for the Colosseum and the Roman Archaeological Area, Tod's Group is helping to restore the main symbol of Rome and our country's history to its splendour.

2011

Announcement of the Restoration of the Colosseum, Rome

Courtesy of Tod’s Archive
Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

2012

Creation of La Bottega dei Mestieri

La Bottega dei Mestieri was created to guide young people on the "path of crafts." Since 2012, it has continued to train a large group of young people, introducing them to the world of craftsmanship. The aim is to facilitate generational renewal and ensure the survival of the skills needed to support Made in Italy.

Courtesy of Tod’s Archive
Spring-Summer 2014 Collection, Courtesy of Tod's Archive

2013

First Spring-Summer 2014 Fashion Show

The PAC - Pavilion of Contemporary Art in Milan, served as the backdrop for Tod's first Women's fashion show: a collection of rigorous and essential garments, elegant and meticulously crafted, a worthy representation of the Italian lifestyle philosophy that has always animated Tod's world.

Exterior, Arquata del Tronto factory

2017

Opening of the Production Hub in Arquata del Tronto

In the heart of the area affected by the 2016 earthquake, Tod's Group established its new Arquata del Tronto production hub. An entire facility dedicated to footwear production, built in less than a year, immediately after the earthquake, to give work, hope, and a future to people and families affected by the seismic events. Thanks to their commitment to the territory, Diego and Andrea Della Valle received the Honorary Citizenship of the city of Arquata del Tronto.

Alessandro Dell'Acqua, Courtesy of Tod’s Archive
Alber Elbaz, Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

2018

Launch of the Tod's T Factory Project

Tod's T Factory is the brand's creative laboratory: a workshop of style and experimentation where collaborations with creative talents from the international scene develop and thrive. Alessandro Dell'Acqua, Alber Elbaz, Mame Kurogouchi, Hender Scheme, and 8 Moncler Palm Angels interpreted the brand according to their vision, enriching Tod's imagery with new stylistic contaminations.

8 Moncler Palm Angels, Courtesy of Tod’s Archive
Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

2020

Foundation of the Tod's Academy

In collaboration with some of the most important international fashion and design schools, Tod's Academy was born: an educational project aimed at reinterpreting the brand's values and stylistic codes through the minds, creativity, and talent of the new generations. The first two chapters featured Central Saint Martins, the University of the Arts London, and Istituto Marangoni Milano.

Tim Walker, Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

2023

Birth of the project The Art of Craftsmanship

The artistic project celebrating Tod's craftsmanship tradition and Italian know-how was born. A narrative of images and videos retracing the creation phases of the brand's icons comes to life through the collaboration with photographer Tim Walker, a visual tale evolving over the years with new and unprecedented interpretations.

Tim Walker, Courtesy of Tod’s Archive
Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

Since 2023

Beginning of the collaboration with Automobili Lamborghini

Tod's for Automobili Lamborghini is a special collaboration celebrating Italian craftsmanship and excellence. Two great research and innovation icons, symbolising the Italian lifestyle, unite their identities in a collection where the iconic Gommino and Tod's sneakers meet the stylistic features of the car manufacturer in details and logos.

Courtesy of Tod’s Archive
Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

2023

Tod's Joins Aura Blockchain Consortium

Tod joins the Aura Blockchain Consortium, announcing the availability of the Digital Product Passport for all models of the personalised iconic Di Bag. Using Aura Blockchain technology and the NFC tag to guarantee its authenticity and traceability, it is possible to learn about the bag's information and the entire production chain.

Facade of Palazzo Marino, Milan

2024

Tod's Group Finances the Restoration of Palazzo Marino in Milan

Continuing to support and promote Italian art and culture, Tod's Group finances the restoration of Palazzo Marino, the seat of Milan's municipal administration and a symbol of the city. The works, which started in the spring of 2024, will involve all the facades of the historic building facing the Teatro alla Scala.

Interior of the Italian Pavilion, Courtesy of Tod’s Archive

Alongside works such as the restoration of the Colosseum in Rome, Palazzo Marino in Milan, and the commitment to Teatro alla Scala, Tod's is a partner of the Italy Pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale for the installation "Due qui / To Hear", featuring curator Luca Cerizza and artist Massimo Bartolini.

2024

Partnership with the Italian Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale 2024

Tese San Cristoforo, Courtesy of Tod’s Archive