At the heart of all craftsmanship, is the spirit of play. The desire to perfect one’s craft has roots in first a genuine appreciation of its inherent beauty, and then a further curiousity in understanding the materiality of the trade, understanding all the ‘how’s and ‘why’s. Tod’s Gommino has long been an icon of this pure spirit, not just embodying joy in its make, but also simply in its wake. This is what the Italian Diaries is all about; in the latest campaign for the Gommino, five young talents find themselves in front of the camera lens, at ease as portraits capture and archive their love for their various artistic pursuits — each a contemporary expression of the Gommino’s timeless, jubilant elegance.
Featuring the signature rubber pebble sole, the Gommino in its latest evolution is available in the rich textures of suede or calf leather, offered in the brand’s natural hues as well as a palette of bold colours of yellow, light blue, and orange.
This contemporary vibrancy of the legacy silhouette is expanded in the charming visual narrative of the campaign. Overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany, renowned photographer Oliver Hadlee Pearch sits with actress and singer Ella Bleu Travolta, musician Lennon Gallagher, writer and director Stella Banderas, model and artist Roberto Rossellini and singer and actor Leo Gassmann in historical residence Villa Talamo. The mix of black-and-white with colourful images capture self-confidence and the energy of Italian lifestyle, the contrasting timelines of the setting and individuals a commentary on the essence of heritage as a living, evolving force — read on for a series of short interviews that uncover how each talent is testament to Tod’s and the Gommino’s timeless appeal.
This campaign celebrates Tod’s iconic Gommino and the essence of contemporary Italian lifestyle. What impressed you most about your experience with the brand, and what does it mean to you to be part of this story?
Leo Gassmann: The campaign was shot in a typical Tuscan farmhouse by the sea. The people who worked on the campaign were all great professionals, and I immediately felt at home. Even my colleagues, whom I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time thanks to this campaign, were all special people I will always carry in my heart. What impressed my the most was the brand’s great ability to create a sense of family and belonging.
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: I would easily wear the loader as an everyday shoe. Very comfortable but also has a sense of elegance. I would wear it with some jeans and a nice shirt on a regular day. If I was going out, I would pair it with a nice suit.
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: There’s an ease and elegance to Italian style I really admire. It feels polished and refined but never forced. There’s no need to overcomplicate anything. There’s an air of casualness that I love. This plays out in the Italian lifestyle in general and that’s something I hope I embody in both style and way of living.
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: Growing up, my parents always supported me, my style and any endeavour that I wanted to do. This allowed me to take influence from different styles and things I saw around me. I grew up watching and listening to a lot of classic film and music which gave me such a strong appreciation and love for a more timeless style while also adding in beautiful modern designs which I think Tod’s does very very well.
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 think fashion will always take inspiration from the past, like now a lot of people my age are drawing from the 90s and early 2000s while still having modernity. My generation definitely aren’t just looking for things that look cool but are going to last a long time and that’s where craftsmanship will play a huge role in the future of fashion.
This article first appeared in Men’s Folio Malaysia.
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