From Cobblers to Catwalks: How TOD’S Became the Quiet Giant of Italian Luxury 

Inside the brand’s century-long journey, its global cult following, and the artisanal revolution powering its Autumn/Winter 2025 campaign.

TOD’S Autumn/Winter 2025 unveils a masterclass in tactile refinement—merging timeless tailoring with modern edge. Xiao Zhan leads the campaign, spotlighting elevated menswear amid Italian architecture and poetic textures.

TOD’S began in the early 1900s, when Filippo Della Valle opened a small shoe workshop in Italy’s Marche region. His son Dorino expanded the business, and by the 1970s, Filippo’s grandson Diego Della Valle transformed it into a brand with international ambitions. In 1978, the company was named J.P. Tod’s—chosen from a Boston phonebook for global appeal—and officially became TOD’S in 1997.

The Gommino driving shoe, launched in 1979, was an instant icon. With its 133 rubber pebbles and buttery leather, it defined understated elegance. The Di Bag, famously carried by Princess Diana, reinforced TOD’S position as a purveyor of quiet luxury—favored by style insiders, royalty, and business elites.

Today, TOD’S is a multibillion-euro fashion house encompassing shoes, bags, clothing, and accessories. Its presence spans more than 270 stores worldwide. The brand’s clientele consists of global tastemakers—those who value craft over logos and gravitate toward timeless design. Under creative director Matteo Tamburini, TOD’S embraces a lifestyle of slow fashion and enduring sophistication.

The Autumn/Winter 2025 campaign, titled “Artisanal Intelligence,” bridges heritage with modernity. Shot at the historic Villa Palazzetto in Monselice, the setting underscores the brand’s commitment to Italian artistry. Global ambassador Xiao Zhan headlines the campaign, representing the label’s appeal to a new generation of culturally attuned consumers.

As Editor of StyleLujo and Professor of Advanced Menswear Styling at the Fashion Institute of Technology, I have spent my career exploring the relationship between sartorial choices and social ascension. In today’s competitive corporate and creative landscapes, dressing well is far more than aesthetic—it’s a strategic act of self-definition. Clothing is a language. It conveys confidence, discipline, and cultural awareness before one ever speaks. For men seeking upward mobility, whether in business or lifestyle, their wardrobe must do more than meet expectations—it must shape perceptions.

The resurgence of elevated conservatism in menswear, particularly in the Autumn/Winter 2025 season, signals a return to intentional dressing. Fine tailoring, muted palettes, and luxurious textiles are reasserting themselves as symbols of sophistication and focus. Footwear, in particular, is an underestimated cornerstone of a refined look. Comfort is essential, yes—but when comfort is fused with craftsmanship, it transcends utility and becomes an extension of personal integrity. A well-made shoe reinforces the quiet strength of a man who knows where he’s going.

Teaching menswear styling to the next generation, I emphasize that authenticity and craftsmanship must go hand in hand. The garments we wear should align with our values and aspirations, not disguise them. Dressing for success isn’t about being flashy—it’s about being intentional, polished, and prepared. In classrooms and boardrooms alike, I see how styling affects confidence and performance. When my students dress for who they aim to become, their demeanor shifts—and people notice.

At casual events and social outings, the man dressed with care and purpose stands apart. There’s an inherent respect extended to those who present themselves well—those whose wardrobes reflect refinement rather than rebellion. Good styling is an act of courtesy. It shows you value the setting, your peers, and yourself. And in an age still recalibrating from fashion chaos, it’s reassuring to witness brands and individuals reclaim style not as spectacle, but as substance.

This season’s collection focuses on texture and tailoring. Suede trench coats, fringed tweeds, ribbed knit ensembles, and python-detailed accessories create a wardrobe that is tactile and refined. Reimagined classics like the Di Bag Folio and Winter Gomminos highlight a return to elevated basics with sculptural twists.

Rather than chasing fleeting trends, TOD’S seeks to build a global design language rooted in Italian culture and artisanal excellence. In Tamburini’s vision, style is not about spectacle—it’s about substance.


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Joseph DeAcetis

Acclaimed American Journalist and International Editor. My interest lies in the pace and direction of trend adoption in luxury fashion and lifestyle, access to real-time fashion through top influencers and how disruption and social-intelligence have transitioned the trend landscape through the democratization of the marketplace

See more Blogs from Joseph DeAcetis
Picture of Joseph DeAcetis

Joseph DeAcetis

Acclaimed American Journalist and International Editor. My interest lies in the pace and direction of trend adoption in luxury fashion and lifestyle, access to real-time fashion through top influencers and how disruption and social-intelligence have transitioned the trend landscape through the democratization of the marketplace

See more Blogs from Joseph DeAcetis

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