Tod’s Diego Della Valle Unveils ‘Italian Hands’ Book Celebrating Artisanal Excellence, Opines on Tariffs

MILAN — Tod’s unveiled its latest book, “Italian Hands,” at the brand’s Via Montenapoleone flagship and chairman Diego Della Valle was eager to highlight the country’s artisanal tradition, especially at a time when the country’s supply chain is challenged by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

“Once again, with this book we continue to promote the Italian lifestyle of the brand, the excellence of Made in Italy and the skills and quality of the artisans that no other country in the world has,” Della Valle said.

Asked to comment on the tariffs, the entrepreneur said that “we are told they are expected to strengthen the production of certain countries, the U.S. in particular, but what you see here and in the book can be done only in Italy because there is a tradition that goes back centuries. Adding tariffs to products such as these has no purpose except that of making them more expensive for American customers. I hope there will be a quick reconsideration because companies are deeply impacted, and instability and lack of confidence do not help to sell.”

Della Valle said customers, “including Americans who love our country,” are already familiar with Italy’s products and “the urgency now is to avoid interrupting the wonderful pipeline of these magnificent artisans.”

He chose to unveil the book during Design Week, which with Salone del Mobile “is the center of the world, where fashion, culture and furniture meet,” to highlight these issues “because it’s an excellent moment to talk about this. I also hope the week will promote visits around the city, which offers so many beautiful opportunities.”

The Tod’s Group, which in addition to Tod’s comprises the Roger Vivier, Hogan and Fay brands, last year delisted from the Milan Stock Exchange, allowing it to avoid being caught up in the current storm of volatility. “Friends with excellent publicly listed companies have seen shares fall dramatically and this is unfair and dangerous, as these companies deserve to be valued for what they do and for their real assets,” Della Valle said.

Starting with Tod’s signature Gommino — an expression of Italian craftsmanship and artisanal intelligence, Della Valle likes to say — the book pays tribute to the work of artisans — with photos zooming in on their hands — and a selected group of “figures of great elegance and good taste,” he said, who collaborate with the artisans and “every day, with passion and commitment, contribute to keeping a fundamental part of our cultural identity alive. It is a recognition of those who know how to enhance craftsmanship, making it a symbol of authentic, timeless quality, even for new generations.”

These include, among others, Giberto Arrivabene and Bianca di Savoia-Aosta with Gianni Seguso, master glassblower from Murano; Lola Montes Schnabel with Rosario Spina, master of terracotta; Antonio Sciortino and puppet-maker Alfredo Mauceri; Madina Visconti with Ernesto Carati, artisan of brass and bronze; Allegra Hicks and leather artisan Rosario Amato, and Carlo Clavarino with Christian Belforte, master of pesto.

“Italian Hands” is prefaced by Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, who reflects on the value of craftsmanship as a deep connection between past and future. “She has a deep knowledge of the quality of the products and she is in love with Italian products,” said Della Valle who, ever eagle-eyed and catching site of the display of books in the store, asked his team to add to the pile for more impact.

“I hope this book will also tickle customers around the world to try these products,” concluded Della Valle.

This is the latest book by Tod’s following, over the years, “Italian Touch,” “Italian Portraits,” “Timeless Icon,” “Silicon Valley. No_Code Life,” “The Art of Craftsmanship — A project by Tim Walker” and “Aria d’Italia.”