The Shoe Fits: Matthew Chevallard Creates A Multi-Million Dollar Shoe Company Out Of His UM Dorm Room

Shoes on the Del Toro online store. The multi-million dollar company was created in a University Of Miami dorm room.

BY RACHEL HAAS

“Started from the bottom now we’re here.” These simple yet inspiring lyrics by Drake bring one person to mind: Matthew Chevallard. A man who just a few short years ago could be found designing custom velvet slippers in his dorm room at the University of Miami, is now running a multi-million-dollar shoe company. Something that started as a simple hobby turned into a spectacular business venture for Chevallard. Realizing how much potential the business had, Chevallard made a brilliant move. He customized a pair of blue velvet slippers with “Lopez Tonight” written on the front, and shipped the shoes over to the George Lopez Show, where Lopez himself wore them on air in 2011.  Del Toro got major publicity from this, permitting the company to grow much larger since its start in 2005. Chevallard’s customizable velvet slipper is now becoming a highly sought-after pair of shoes among the young and rich.

Chevallard’s Italian heritage greatly influenced him in choosing the name “Del Toro” Shoes.  Fans of Italian Torino Football, which Chevallard embodies, are known as “Del Toro.” As his shoes became more and more sought after, not only did he expand his product line, but he also opened his first store in Wynwood located at, 2750 NW 3rd Ave, in the middle of the design district of Miami.

The expansion of his company showed positive feedback, resulting in an ever-growing customer base. Just some of the new items he started to sell included chukka boots with giraffe pony hair, and zebra print cowhide shoes with leather shoelaces, all of which are manufactured in his factory in Italy. Broadening his targeted consumers to include women boosted Chevallard’s business even more. With all the new customers brought in, Del Toro is constantly updating his product line. With items such as Black Interecciato Woven Belts, Navy Pony Hair Weekender Bags, and Camo Perforated Wallets, costumers feel the heart of Italy’s highbrow fashion upon entering Del Toro’s store. Freelance art displayed on the walls inside enhances the unique vibe Chevallard wants his clientele to experience.  Del Toro has even caught the attention of several A-listers. Celebrities like Drake, Justin Bieber, Dwyane Wade, 2 Chainz, Gabrielle Union, Kevin Hart, and Chandler Parson are just some of the famous faces that have rocked Del Toro’s limited edition sneakers.

Not only is the business taking off from well-known people promoting the brand, but Del Toro’s publicity has sky rocketed over night. Esquire, GQ, NY Daily, Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and The Miami Herald are just some of the publications Del Toro has been featured in the past couple months. With Del Toro in the process of moving locations to a larger location, the company is soon to capture even more attention from the public eye. With the expansion of his work moving quickly, Chevallard has started to conquer high-end department stores. Barney’s New York, Saks Fifth Ave, and Bloomingdales are just some of the places Del Toro is featured in. When I met up with Chevallard at his store in Miami he had nothing but motivating advice to pass on.

“Never let anyone influence or shoot down any idea you have. Always believe in your ideas and in yourself,” Chevallard said.