Just like Hermès has the Birkin bag and Burberry, its trench coat, Tod’s leading icon is none other than the Gommino moccasins. First made in the ’70s, it was a eureka moment for Diego Della Valle who stumbled upon an old driving shoes model at a New York flea market and decided to reinvent it at his cobbler grandfather’s small workshop. Valle named it Gommino after the 133 rubber pebbles — gommini — embedded in the sole.
Fast-forward to the 21st century, the Gommino moccasins are now the go-to slip-ons that royals such as Lady Diana to celebrities like Harrison Ford and Kate Bosworth wear day-to-day. The shoes are known to be comfortable, stylish and most importantly, classic. Can the Gommino possibly get much better than that?
Turns out, yes, it can. Launching My Gommino, Tod’s is letting you have your say on your favourite footwear. You can either drop by its store or navigate its nifty microsite to customise your very own pair of loafers.
It’s pretty easy. Select your silhouette of choice, from the streamlined Mocassino to the fancy Double T. Then be spoilt with choice as you get to pick the leather from a mélange of exotic offerings — ranging from alligator to python — or plush suede in popping colours. From deciding on the colours of the stitching, pebbles and lining to initial-stamping and positioning, the Gommino will be your very own creation down to the last detail.
My Gommino is available in Tod’s boutiques and online.