Style icon Diego della Valle is, among other things, President and CEO of Tod's, maker of the iconic "gommino" driving shoe with 133 rubber pebbles on the sole. His signature look is comprised of Caraceni suits, the adopted idiosyncracies of L'Avvocato Gianni Agnelli (including the way he wears his watch outside his shirt sleeve and his necktie outside his vest), and a pair of his company's shoes on his feet.
I'm not sure about the shoes but the rest of him is usually impeccable.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Style Icon: Diego Della Valle
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9 comments:
This is a great photo, Will. I have come to observe that one's hairstyle and eyeglasses are as much a part of one's overall look than simply a nicely tailored suit and shoes. I usually cringe at seeing the small part of the tie not tucked in the loop, but somehow it works with him.
If Tod's did not have those ghastly logos plastered all over their shoes, I'd buy them but I will not buy them on principle. I mentioned this to the saleperson at Tod's on Madison Avenue, but she did not want to hear it. As if it was blasphemy to denigrate Tod's shoe. I wouldn't wear that shoe if they paid me all the money in the world.
Will, I'm seeing this look more and more of not placing the back half of the tie into a tie loop and, instead, letting it "float." It looks a little sloppy to me. Like he just came in from a strong Santa Ana wind. Any thoughts?
Logos cause any garment to become questionable.
The tie waving in the breeze is an "I'm in the fashion industry and even though I'm otherwise perfectly dressed I understand that a man needs to come across as relaxed about it" statement.
I notice he has neglected to button the jacket of his DB suit. I guess it's another example of 'studied carelessness.' It's hard work trying to appear so relaxed.
Laguna, if we had to choose between his studied nonchalance and the more common approach of dressing like a Gap shopper (for my European readers, that's a chain that sells khakis and casual shirts), we'll both probably take his style every day.
Agreed, Will. I meant it more in amusement than anything else.
He is no doubt a stylish man, and I believe that so called fashion rules should be bent know and then. However, I believe his disheveled look is best suited for the collegiate/professorial look. Tweeds, Oxford buttondowns, and Repp ties would be better suited for the look.
I bought a pair of the driving shoes years ago when Mrs. E. and I lived abroad. They've held up beautifully and are my preferred summer casual shoe. In a natural suede with a silver buckle -- my slippers aren't as comfortable. But they are only worn with canvas jeans or shorts. I dread the day when they are retired.
The logo takes some looking for to spot. Has it gotten worse? That would be a shame.
Diego della Valle is also the owner of the Italian football team Fiorentina. He and his brother can often be seem in the stands on match day. Every time I wear my Tod's I think of the Fiorentina kit, which, by football standards, is pretty stylish.
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