Ariana Grande, Rihanna and Beyoncé loved his designs: 5 things to know about Sergio Rossi, Italian shoemaker who died from Covid-19 complications
A victim of coronavirus, Sergio Rossi’s Opanca sandal, high-heeled Godiva pump and square-heeled Virginia all played a role in earning the shoe designer red-carpet acclaim
Sergio Rossi was more than just a shoemaker and a luxury brand. The Italian was one of the legendary footwear designers who knew how to capture and highlight a woman’s feminine side. His designs were revolutionary and they gave women a boost in confidence without going over the top.
Rossi’s death at the age of 84 because of Covid-19 complications in Cesena, northern Italy on April 2, shook the fashion industry and Amina Muaddi and Sophia Webster were among the many designers to pay tribute to him. Earlier, his company donated €100,000 (US$108,025) to the hospital ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco in Milan as well as 100 per cent of the sales on SergioRossi.com from March 14-20.
1. The beginning
Growing up in one of Italy’s main shoemaking regions, San Mauro Pascoli, Rossi picked up the skills from his father in the 1940s before taking over his father’s business in 1956.
He started by selling some of his designs to shops in Bologna and his talent was immediately recognised. Sergio Rossi officially launched the brand in his name in 1968.
One of Rossi’s most memorable designs was the Opanca sandal in the 1960s. The strappy and round-soled sandal which holds the foot perfectly was said to be inspired by the Slavs.
The classic high-heeled Godiva pump and the square-heeled Virginia also played significant roles in the brand’s growth.
2. Turning point
Sergio Rossi’s stock began to rise when he started working with designers such as Gianni Versace and Laura Biagiotti in the seventies. Later, leading fashion brands Azzedine Alaïa and Dolce & Gabbana used his shoes in their collections.