Diego Della Valle’s friends call him D.D.V. And my word — what friends. Royals of every stripe, film stars from every era, jet setters on every continent. They come for the exquisite leather goods — but they stay for the conversation, the food, the wine; the mingling of philosophy and fun. This is the singular trick of the enigmatic, charismatic Tod’s chairman — that he has brought Italian style into a business, and his business into a lifestyle
There is a thread of good taste, good quality and good living that runs through Della Valle’s life, projects, and brand. Though his hometown remains Casette D’Ete, the billionaire mogul has homes all over the world. He donated a small fortune to the restoration of Rome’s Colosseum in 2013. Alongside duty, he believes that one of the most important thing in life is fun. His outlook is Italian but international; progressive but classical; sincere but playful. And you can see it in everything from his trademark look — a silk scarf tied around an upturned shirt collar — to a single pair of Tod’s shoes, plucked at random from the shelf. Here, the entrepreneur discusses the smell of leather, the importance of tradition, and the influence of the Beatles.
Image courtesy of Leonardo Rinaldesi
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