“This nonsense about us chasing Chinese labor — come on, get real.” Diego Della Valle launched a fierce attack on prosecutor Paolo Storari, the man who investigated Tod’s supply chain and called for the company’s judicial administration. “Today, I’m responding to two things,” said Della Valle. “First, to the lack of respect for our reputation — which is a disgrace. And second, to my concern for Made in Italy.” In an urgent press conference held in Milan, the entrepreneur defended his family’s business, its practices, and the integrity of the Italian manufacturing tradition — while sharply criticizing an investigative approach that, he said, “damages Made in Italy around the world.” Here are the three key points from Della Valle’s statement.
Della Valle defends Tod’s
“We have ethical values — a fundamental factor in any situation, especially in business. It must be clear that we are nothing like the filth we’ve been accused of being. Those who know us, know the truth. To spread such nonsense lightly, as if we were criminals — that’s shameful, in my opinion. This lie about us looking for Chinese labor — think about how absurd that is.” Della Valle underscored the importance of the Casette d’Ete headquarters as a symbol of excellence and corporate welfare, emphasizing Tod’s long-standing commitment to craftsmanship and ethical production.
The attack on Paolo Storari
“You can’t just wake up one morning, look at four little photos from your office, and accuse us in such a heavy-handed way. That’s absolutely unforgivable. I hope this gentleman has the courage and curiosity to come see our factories — then he can make a judgment. Before saying such serious things, one must be truly informed, and if a debate is needed, let’s have it. But don’t come around the corner with accusations based on things that happened a year ago, that we’re only now hearing about.” Della Valle went further, questioning Storari’s motives: “Sometimes I suspect he’s seeking a bit of popularity — but in this case, it hurts us badly. We cannot afford to stay silent. I say this to my fellow entrepreneurs too: staying silent now means becoming complicit in a system that harms us. Things must be reviewed in a far more serious and structured way.”
In defense of Made in Italy
“We cannot treat Made in Italy as something trivial, or as a chaotic mess. Made in Italy represents one of our nation’s greatest strengths and one of the most competitive industries in the world. If someone calls it into question — lightly — it causes enormous damage: to the country, to artisans, to young people looking for jobs in companies that may soon have none left.” Della Valle called for responsibility and respect: “Those with authority must understand that every word they say carries immense weight. Made in Italy is something excellent — let’s not touch it, let’s not ruin it. Let’s not give other countries the advantage. This is also a message to politicians: we must rethink the rules intelligently. And when they say we could be funding illegal labor — what an absurd claim! Check us thoroughly, not superficially. The norm is the thousands of companies that work properly.”
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