by Alexandra Mas
In the vibrant heart of Venice, where the echoes of history resonate through winding streets, Tod’s embarks on an enchanting voyage, celebrating the essence of Italian craftsmanship and lifestyle. At the core of this narrative stands the iconic Tod’s Gommino, a timeless emblem of sophistication and artistic mastery.
Crafted from the finest leathers sourced from premier tanneries worldwide, each Gommino undergoes a meticulous process requiring mastery of over 100 steps. From hand-cutting the leather to delicately sewing each piece, artisans infuse every Gommino with their expertise and passion. With up to 35 individual leather components in a single model, each shoe becomes a testament to precision and dedication. Over the years, the Gommino has evolved, embracing new styles like the City Gommino with its robust rubber sole and the Gommino Bubble, a softer rendition adorned with oversized rubber pebbles in vibrant hues. Yet, perhaps the most captivating evolution lies in My Gommino, an exclusive customization service offering endless possibilities for personalization.
In a remarkable collaboration, Tod’s joins forces with eleven Venetian Masters to unveil a fusion of tradition and innovation.
Guided by the brand’s ethos, each Master crafts exquisite works of art that pay homage to the Gommino’s legacy while infusing it with contemporary allure.
Mario Berta Battiloro represented by Marino Menegazzo, the Goldbeater, his wife and daughter manipulating gold foil. On the background screen prints by Gianpaolo Fallani and the Gommino by Federica Marangoni
As guests arrive, they are greeted by an art installation conceived by Federica Marangoni, beckoning them forth with a crimson neon coil pulsating with vibrant energy. Leading through the door, the installation guides them towards a monumental Gommino profile. Along this journey, they encounter Marino Menegazzo, the last goldbeater, resurrecting an ancient Venetian technique that has adorned mosaics worldwide for centuries.
Among the artisans are Romuald Mesdagh and Alessandra di Gennaro, the solitary companion masters in mosaic, whose studio Artefact breathes life into stained glass, composing realistic portraits and avant-garde design concepts.
“Italy boasts thousands of historical monuments, scattered even in the most remote villages. Our mission is to breathe life into these monuments, making them visible and drawing visitors to their storied grounds. Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano’s efforts, supported by private enterprises, appear promising. Together, we can achieve even more.
The master artisans of Venice are the beating heart of craftsmanship, embodying extraordinary professions with remarkable dignity. We are honoured to have orchestrated such an event”
Diego Della Valle
The iconic master Sergio Boldrin and his brother Massimiliano Boldrin from the Bottega dei Mascareri transport guests into a world of intrigue and poetry with their Venetian masks, renowned for numerous Hollywood collaborations.
Amidst this symphony of artistry, a milliner, Giuliana Longo, chooses to express her craft through an art installation. Using only natural fibbers, she creates a centrifuge movement suspended with inserts of Gommino dots, bearing the typical Tod’s colours of orange and beige.
Massimo Boldrin working , over his head masks from la Bottega dei Mascareri and an installation by Giuliana Longo
Guests witness the harmonious union of heritage and creativity, celebrating the enduring allure of the Gommino and the artisans who bring it to life. The exhibition transcends a mere display, becoming a performative event where guests from across the globe marvel at the craftsmanship and innovation on display. From celebrities to dignitaries, each guest bears witness to the magic of Italian artistry, reaffirming Tod’s dedication to preserving the rich tapestry of Italian culture.
Through its collaboration with the Venetian Masters, Tod’s invites us to embark on a journey through time, where tradition meets innovation, and each step echoes with the footsteps of artisans past and present.
