Tod's Italian Diaries Honors Five Up-and-Coming Artists in the Gommino Tradition

The spirit of play lies at the core of all handicraft. The drive to master one's craft stems from a sincere admiration for its intrinsic beauty as well as a curiosity about the materiality of the trade and all of its "hows" and "whys." For a long time, Tod's Gommino has been a symbol of this unadulterated spirit, exuding joy both in its creation and in its aftermath. This is the essence of the Italian Diaries; in the most recent Gommino ad, five young artists are shown relaxed in front of the camera as their passion for their diverse artistic endeavors is captured and preserved in portraits, each of which is a modern manifestation of the Gommino's classic, joyous elegance.

The Gommino's latest iteration, which features the brand's iconic rubber pebble sole, comes in a choice of striking colors, including yellow, light blue, and orange, as well as the rich textures of suede or calf leather.

The campaign's endearing visual narrative accentuates the legacy silhouette's modern brightness. Famous photographer Oliver Hadlee Pearch sits in the historic Villa Talamo with singer and actor Leo Gassmann, singer and actress Ella Bleu Travolta, musician Lennon Gallagher, writer and director Stella Banderas, model and artist Roberto Rossellini, and others, overlooking the undulating hills of Tuscany. Read on for a series of brief interviews that reveal how each talent is testament to Tod's and the Gommino's timeless appeal. The combination of black-and-white and colorful images captures self-confidence and the energy of Italian lifestyle, while the contrasting timelines of the setting and individuals offer a commentary on the essence of heritage as a living, evolving force.

Tod's distinctive Gommino and the spirit of modern Italian life are celebrated in this campaign. What aspects of your interaction with the brand most impressed you, and what does it mean to you to be featured in this narrative?

Leo Gassmann: The campaign was filmed in a typical seaside Tuscan farmhouse. I felt quite at home with the campaign team, who were all excellent professionals. Even my coworkers, whom this campaign allowed me to meet for the first time, were unique individuals that I will always cherish. The brand's exceptional ability to foster a feeling of family and belonging was what most impressed me.

The Gommino loafer is a symbol of timeless elegance that transcends trends and suits every generation. Do you have a personal connection to it? How do you incorporate it into your everyday style?

Roberto Rossellini: The loader would be comfortable for me to wear every day. really cozy yet elegant at the same time. On a typical day, I would pair it with a decent shirt and jeans. I would wear it with a decent suit if I were going out.

Italian lifestyle is synonymous with effortless chic and a deep appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. What aspects of the Italian lifestyle resonate most with you, and how do they influence the way you life and dress?

Stella Banderas: I'm a huge fan of Italian style because of its sophistication and comfort. It feels polished and refined but never forced. Nothing needs to be overly complicated. I adore the laid-back vibe there. This is reflected in the Italian way of life generally, and I aim to emulate it in both my fashion sense and my manner of life.

You all come from families with strong ties to the worlds of art, cinema, and music. How has this heritage influenced your relationship with fashion and your personal style?

Ella Bleu Travolta: My parents always encouraged me as a child, my sense of style, and any endeavor I set out to undertake. This made it possible for me to draw inspiration from many fashions and objects I observed in my surroundings. I was raised on a lot of vintage movies and music, which instilled in me a deep admiration and respect for classic styles that incorporate stunning current designs, which I believe Tod's achieves brilliantly.

Your generation is redefining elegance, blending heritage with innovation. How do you imagine the future of fashion, and what role do you think craftsmanship plays in luxury today?

Lennon Gallagher: I believe that fashion will always draw inspiration from the past. For example, many people my age are still current while borrowing inspiration from the 1990s and early 2000s. Craftsmanship will be crucial to fashion in the future since my age isn't simply interested in trendy items; they also want long-lasting items.

This article first appeared in Men’s Folio Malaysia.

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