The patriarch of the Italian accessory empire passed away in Italy on Thursday.
This morning, a representative from the brand confirmed that acclaimed shoe designer Sergio Rossi passed away Thursday, April 2nd in Cesena, Italy.
The designer, who began designing shoes in 1950s after learning the trade from his father, launched his namesake label in 1968. Italy is renowned the world over for their exceptional accessories craftsmanship, and Rossi was a key player in transforming the area of San Mauro Pascoli into a world epicenter for luxury shoe design. Throughout his career, Rossi collaborated with many of fashion’s greats, including Azzedine Alaïa and Gianni Versace. In late 2019, an archive of Rossi’s iconic designs was collected and displayed in San Mauro Pascoli. Rossi’s innovation in the world of women’s shoes was undisputed; one of his most notable design, the Opanca sandal, featured a curved sole, which flows seamlessly into the heel.
He continued, “He loved women and was able to capture a woman’s femininity in a unique way, creating the perfect extension of a woman’s leg through his shoes. Our long and glorious history started from his incredible vision and we’ll remember his creativity forever.”
The footwear legend designed a multitude of shoes, including his most innovative work — the Opanca sandal with a curved sole.