WALK OF FAME; OVER THE COURSE OF HIS LONG CAREER, HALL OF FAMER DIEGO DELLA VALLE HAS PROVIDED SHOES FOR THE WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS PEOPLE. BUT THE TOD'S DESIGNER IS A CELEBRITY IN HIS OWN RIGHT.(Statistical Data Included)

Footwear News, December, 1999 by Carmichael, Celia

Hillary's got them. So does Madonna and Denzel Washington. But who doesn't have pair of J.P. Tod's signature driving mocs, a look that's helped catapult designer Diego Della Valle into a celebrity status of his own.

Born December 30, 1953, in the Italian province of Macerata, Della Valle's love of footwear began at a young age. His grandfather, Fillipo Della Valle, founded the company prior to World War I out of a desire to craft fine handmade shoes. Dorino Della Valle, his son, was able to expand the business while continuing the bespoke tradition.

So steeped in footwear, the ...