Tod’s partners with the Italian Pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale to showcase the beauty and heritage of Italian Craftsmanship with Venetian Masters through a unique project titled “The Art of Craftsmanship. A Project by Venetian Masters.”
Eleven renowned Venetian masters were invited to reinterpret the iconic Tod’s Gommino shoe and the brand’s dedication to quality using their artistic vision and traditional techniques. The resulting exhibition, held at the suggestive Tese San Cristoforo venue, is a stunning display of how heritage and contemporary style can be seamlessly blended.
Celebration of Italian Craftsmanship with Venetian Masters and Legacy
This project embodies Tod’s commitment to promoting Italian artistry and the values it represents: meticulous attention to detail, exceptional skill, and a love for beauty. Each Venetian master brings their unique mastery to the table, creating pieces that pay homage to the Gommino and the Tod’s brand identity.
A Showcase of Italian Craftsmanship with Venetian Masters
The exhibition features works by a diverse range of Venetian talents:
- Roberto Beltrami: A renowned glassmaker, Beltrami crafted a life-size, glass-blown Gommino.
- Sergio Boldrin: This maestro mask maker created eight masks inspired by the Tod’s aesthetic, featuring warm tones and leather details.
- Federica Marangoni: A sculptor and designer, Marangoni’s contribution includes a neon artwork highlighting the iconic Gommino sole.
- Marino Menegazzo: The last true “battiloro” (gold leaf maker) in Italy, Menegazzo adorned a Gommino and its box with exquisite gold leaf.
- Gianpaolo Fallani: Fallani’s expertise in silk-screen printing translates into artistic prints showcasing Tod’s craftsmanship.
- Matteo Seguso: A skilled engraver, Seguso created a table featuring a concrete top with etched glass inserts and Tod’s tools.
- Giuliana Longo: This master hatmaker crafted a sculptural hat using natural agave fibers, subtly referencing the Gommino design.
- Romuald Mesdagh & Alessandra Di Gennaro: This artist duo created a unique mosaic artwork depicting the Gommino’s sole.
- Lucio Bubacco: A glass master specializing in lampworking, Bubacco sculpted a human face with a glass figure representing a craftswoman.
- Sebastiano Lunardelli: This wood artist crafted a 180 cm lamp showcasing traditional Venetian materials like Canaletto walnut wood.
- Saverio Pastor & Piero Dri: These oar-making masters collaborated to create a wooden sculpture depicting a needle and a leather gondola outline.
The Tod’s Gommino: A Symbol of Excellence
The exhibition centers around the Tod’s Gommino, a timeless shoe renowned for its elegance and functionality. This shoe, meticulously crafted by Tod’s artisans, embodies the brand’s dedication to quality and Italian heritage. The Gommino’s creation process involves over 100 manual assembly stages, resulting in a shoe that is both stylish and comfortable.
A Legacy of Reinvention
While the classic Gommino remains a beloved symbol, Tod’s continuously explores innovative materials and techniques. The project celebrates not just tradition but also Tod’s commitment to keeping the Gommino relevant for contemporary audiences.
Tod’s “The Art of Craftsmanship. A Project “Italian Craftsmanship with Venetian Masters” is a beautiful tribute to the enduring legacy of Italian craftsmanship. By collaborating with Venetian masters, Tod’s highlights the artistry and meticulous skill that continue to define Italian-made products.
Source: https://www.tods.com
