A signature that connects thousands of collectors around the world.
A world of handcrafted figures, furniture and accessories — designed in Germany and brought to life by skilled artisans. Behind it all is the vision of Thomas Hoffmann: “Art behind glass is observed. Art in the middle of life is experienced.”
It all began with a single brushstroke by Thomas “Tom” Hoffmann. From it grew something unmistakable that is now collected around the world.
1988
The Beginning
Thomas “Tom” Hoffmann and Arno Müller founded Tom’s Company GmbH in Germany’s Saarland region, near the French border. In the early years, the company worked closely with artisans and workshops across Asia, bringing handcrafted furniture and distinctive decorative objects to Europe. Along the way, lasting relationships were formed and a deep understanding of craftsmanship, materials and extraordinary design developed — the perfect foundation for something entirely new: Tom’s Drag.
One of the first fairs in 1988 — Tom's presenting the craft of artisans from around the world.
2001
The Birth of a New World
The autumn of 2001 changed the world. Thomas Hoffmann, too, was deeply affected by the events of September 11. He responded to this dark period with what came most naturally to him: he began to paint — in the most vivid colours he could find. From this impulse came the hand-painted figures that would later lay the foundation for Tom’s Drag. Created with the desire to bring a little joy back to friends and family, they were never initially intended for sale, but as personal gifts. What began as a personal gift quickly attracted interest far beyond his circle of friends. Collectors and designers took notice — and as demand grew, the figures began to become something much bigger.
The first characters — painted by hand, in vivid colour.
2002
The New World Gets a Name: Tom’s Drag
In 2002, Tom’s Drag was officially launched as a brand. What had begun as personal gifts now had a name and a visual language of its own — and began reaching more and more people. From the very beginning, Tom’s Drag was different: the figures were never simply decoration. They had names. They had attitude. They had personality.
Premier Editionthe first catalogue
Ginger · Puffycatalogue spread
Norma · Marycatalogue spread
the 2000s
a universe takes shape
Throughout the 2000s, Thomas Hoffmann refined the visual language of Tom’s Drag, making it increasingly unmistakable. Eccentric crowns, eye-catching jewellery, expressive eyelashes, gold-coloured accents and confident details such as extravagant shoes or a cheeky cigarette became recurring elements of this world. The more distinctive Tom’s Drag became, the more attention it attracted. Before long, the figures could be found in galleries, boutiques, hotels and private collections across Europe.
The cigarette
A cheeky detail with attitude.
The extravagant shoes
Made for an entrance.
The crown
Flamboyant. Confident. Unmistakable.
The eyelashes
Expression down to the smallest detail.
Gold-coloured accents
For an unmistakable gleam.
Black & white patterns
Graphic contrasts with character.
the 2010s
Loss and Legacy
The 2010s were marked early by a profound loss: in 2012, Thomas Hoffmann passed away completely unexpectedly in Bali — the place where many of his figures had been brought to life by artisans and long-standing companions. Arno Müller took on the responsibility of carrying the legacy of Tom’s Drag forward. Under his stewardship, the spirit of the brand remained intact: the familiar workshops, the long-standing artisans and the commitment to crafting and painting every character individually by hand.
Thomas Hoffmann with his life partner Arno Müller on one of the limited-edition Tom’s Drag Vespas.
the 2020s
Grown, Without Reinventing Itself
In the 2020s, Tom’s Drag continued to evolve — with the same character, but an even more confident presence. The brand showed more clearly than ever what it had long since become: a design brand with an unmistakable identity, a story of its own and genuine collector appeal — cherished by thousands of collectors around the world.
Goat LouisLimited to 300 pieces
Cow SoniaLimited to 300 pieces
2026
The Story Continues
Tom’s Drag continues to evolve — with new characters, new stories and the same unmistakable signature.
ThenTom's Drag — the premier catalogue
The Story Continues
NowTom's Company
2027
25 Years of Tom’s Drag
For a quarter of a century, Tom’s Drag has stood for hand-painted characters, colour, personality and attitude. What once began with a single brushstroke by Thomas Hoffmann now inspires thousands of collectors around the world.
Anniversary collection · coming soon
Our values
what we stand for
Character, joy, craftsmanship and collectability — four things that have always defined Tom’s Drag.
every room needs a character
Our pieces are never simply objects. They have names, personality and an attitude of their own. They are made to give a room character — and start conversations.
A signature that connects thousands of collectors around the world.
Beauty does not need to be quiet to be taken seriously. Tom’s Drag brings colour, personality and joy into everyday life — confident, surprising and anything but ordinary.
Made by Hand
Our pieces are brought to life in the hands of skilled artisans. Depending on size, material and design, different crafting techniques are used before each piece is painted and finished by hand. Small variations remain visible — giving every piece a character all its own.
desirable, not everywhere
Tom’s Drag was never meant to be everywhere. An unmistakable signature, carefully curated collections and limited editions make many of our characters pieces you do not simply own — but keep and collect.
A room becomes more itself when something in it has the courage to wear a crown.
Become Part of Our World
Be among the first to hear about new characters, limited editions and collaborations — and the stories from art, nature and culture that inspire them.
