Style Edit: Tod’s latest exhibition, ‘The Art of Craftsmanship, a Project by Venetian Masters’, shows its unwavering support for Italian artistry, with a nod to the brand’s iconic Gommino shoe

Apr 22 , 2024

Tod’s latest exhibition showed its unwavering support for Italian artistry, featuring craftsmen including glass artists and gold-leaf beaters, and nodding to the brand’s iconic Gommino shoe. Photos: Handout

Ever since it was founded as a small shoe factory in Casette D’Ete, over a century ago, luxury brand Tod’s has been synonymous with Italian style and expert craftsmanship.

Tod’s logo pendant textured-leather shoulder bag

In keeping with these values, the brand has made it its mission throughout the years to promote and support the deep-rooted artistic traditions and cultural heritage of its native Italy through a wide range of initiatives that support local communities, as well as larger-scale national and artistic heritage sites. These high-profile projects have included the restoration of historic landmarks such as the Colosseum in Rome and Milan’s Palazzo Marino.

Tod’s “The Art of Craftsmanship” exhibition

Last year Tod’s began a new chapter in its story with “The Art of Craftsmanship”, a collaboration with renowned photographer Tim Walker, which celebrated the time-honoured tradition of Italian craftsmanship and know-how through a series of stunning images and videos.

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The second chapter in this story recently ran at the Venice Biennale.

A still life from Tod’s “The Art of Craftsmanship”

“The Art of Craftsmanship, a Project by Venetian Masters” highlighted the artistry behind the brand’s most celebrated and iconic shoe, the Gommino, through Venetian masters, and their art and instruments.

Renowned Venetian masters such as glassblower Roberto Beltrami and woodworker Piero Dri have taken inspiration from the Gommino and Tod’s DNA to create original masterpieces that showcase the enduring style and allure of these revered, traditional skills.

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Glass art from Murano-born Lucio Bubacco

This special collaboration between Tod’s and Venice’s skilled artisans strengthens the brand’s commitment to preserving and protecting the Made in Italy label and the art of traditional craftsmanship – a value that is shared by countries across the globe.

Venetian gold-leaf beaters Mario Berta Battiloro

Alongside the exhibition, Tod’s is also the main partner of the Venice Biennale’s Italian Pavilion, which will showcase the stunning art installation Due Qui / To Hear, created by Massimo Bartolini and curated by Luca Cerizza.

By upholding and preserving Italy’s unique heritage and culture, Tod’s has created an inspiring footprint and leading example for others to follow.

Style Edit

Recently on show at the Venice Biennale, the second edition of Tod’s ‘The Art of Craftsmanship’ highlighted the artistry behind the brand’s most celebrated shoe, the Gommino
Venetian masters featured in the exhibition included glass artists Lucio Bubacco and Roberto Beltrami, woodworker Piero Dri, and gold-leaf manufacturers Mario Berta Battiloro and Marino Menegazzo