In the heart of Venice, Tod’s (Instagram) put on an exhibition titled “The Art of Craftsmanship – A Project by Venetian Masters” to cast a spotlight on the refined skills of artisans whose expertise shapes the very essence of Italian luxury. Along the way, they might have reinvented an icon.
Hosted last month at the historic Arsenale – Tese di San Cristoforo, the event not only showcased artistic brilliance but also reinforced Tod’s commitment to upholding and celebrating traditional craftsmanship.
This latest chapter in the saga of artisanal mastery revolves around Tod’s iconic Gommino loafer. Known for its understated elegance, the Gommino served as a canvas to eleven Venetian Masters, each bringing their unique flair and interpretation to this emblematic piece. This collaboration between the revered brand and Venice symbolized a confluence of tradition, expertise, and aesthetic beauty, qualities that resonate globally as distinctly Italian.
The exhibit coincided with the 60th International Art Exhibition of Venice, an illustrious setting where craftsmanship and fine art converged. Notable artisans such as glassblower Roberto Beltrami, goldbeater Marino Menegazzo, and mask maker Sergio Boldrin, among others, presented their inspired creations, transforming the humble Gommino into expressions of contemporary style fused with ancient techniques.
Each artwork at the exhibition stood as a testament to the meticulous processes that define luxury craftsmanship. For instance, Roberto Beltrami’s life-sized glass-blown Gommino reimagined the leather classic with the fragile beauty of Murano glass, symbolizing the delicate balance between durability and elegance. Meanwhile, Marino Menegazzo covered the iconic shoes in gold leaf, adding a layer of opulence to the functional form of the footwear.
Giuliana Longo elevated the traditional hat-making art with a hat/sculpture of natural agave fibers, incorporating Gommino-style elements in an innovative design that floated and moved like a propeller. This piece, among others, beautifully illustrated the fusion of traditional materials and modern design thinking.
Tod’s sponsorship of this exhibition is part of a broader initiative to support and preserve Italian art and craftsmanship. Previous projects have included the restoration of the Colosseum and the sponsorship of the Teatro alla Scala. This year, Tod’s extends its patronage to the Italian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale Arte, featuring an installation by curator Luca Cerizza and artist Massimo Bartolini titled “Due qui / To Hear.”
For visitors, the exhibition offered more than a display of artistic talents—it was an immersive experience into the ethos of Italian craftsmanship, where every stitch and blow of the glassblower’s pipe tells a story of heritage and innovation. Each piece not only stands as an object of beauty, but also as a beacon of the enduring relevance of skilled handwork in an increasingly automated world.
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