Sergio Rossi (Italy), shoes and other footwear

 Sergio Rossi (1935-2020) was an Italian fashion designer who specialized in footwear. He was known for his elegant, feminine, and high-quality shoes.

Rossi was born in San Mauro Pascoli, Italy, a region known for its shoemaking tradition. He learned the trade from his father and opened his first shoe store in 1951. He also made sandals and sold them to beachgoers in Rimini and at Bologna boutiques.

In 1966, Rossi began selling his shoes in Bologna stores, and in 1968, he launched his eponymous brand. His shoes quickly gained popularity for their unique designs and attention to detail. Rossi was known for his use of high-quality materials and his innovative construction techniques.

Some of Rossi's most famous designs include the Opanca sandal, a simple yet elegant shoe with a round sole and straps that wrap around the foot, and the Godiva pump, a classic more... high-heeled pump with a pointed toe. Rossi's shoes were worn by celebrities such as Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor.

In 1999, the Sergio Rossi brand was sold to the Gucci Group, which is now part of the Kering Group. Rossi continued to serve as the brand's creative director until 2009. It was then sold by Kering to Investindustrial in 2015. He retired from shoe design in 2015, but his brand continues to produce high-quality footwear that is prized by women around the world.

Rossi was a visionary designer who helped to elevate the status of footwear from a functional item to a fashion statement. His shoes are known for their timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Rossi's legacy continues to inspire shoe designers around the world. less...