Diego Della Valle

The chairman of Italian shoemaker Tod's steps into billionaire status as the luxury fashion market continues its post recession comeback: shares up more than 65% since last February. Tod's shoes and bags are hand-made in Italy, but he gets his growth from Asia where sales surged 20% over the past year. Tod's Group also controls the Hogan and Fay fashion brands. Along with billionaire brother Andrea, he is the largest shareholder of Saks, with a 19% ownership stake in the posh U.S. department store. This January the proud Italian pledged $34 million to restore Rome's ancient Coliseum, and called for other entrepreneurs to join in. A huge fan of John F. Kennedy, he hangs a portrait of the 35th president in his office; owns The Marlin, the 52-foot yacht once owned by Joseph Kennedy and used by the president for important cabinet meetings.