 |
Tod'sFlamboyant Diego della Valle is the CEO of Tod's, the footwear company his grandfather founded in the early 1900s. The success of Tod's shoes and handbags is firmly grounded in the strong craftsmanship that characterises each and every stage of production and results in the creation of must-have items among glamorous people worldwide, like the ‘D' bag and Tod's driving shoes. Della Valle started in his family shoe business in earnest in the 1980s when he plunged into the fashion end of luxury goods, making fanciful creations for the runways of Azzedine Alaia and Gianfranco Ferré. He then added a small line of driving shoes called J.R Tod's. The pebble-sole moccasins were such a success that Della Valle decided to focus on Tod's. The firm went public in late 2000 and though analysts feared that there was no room for a new luxury brand, Della Valle has gone from strength to strength. Tod's now sells shoes, bags and luggage, and the stores are packed with customers. His other brands, Hogan and Fay, are also performing nicely. Tod's 2001 revenues rose 26.6% to $273 million. And although Della Valle lost to Prada Group in his bid to buy Church's shoes, the move made his aim clear-to establish a diverse and global business.
|
