Vince Camuto, Shoe Designer, Dies At Age 78

Today, the world is mourning the loss of yet another fashion icon.

Shoe designer Vince Camuto died on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at his Greenwich, Conn. home surrounded by his wife and five children after battling cancer, ‘WWD’ confirmed. He was 78-years-old.

The footwear couturier’s wife, Louise Camuto — who serves as creative director of her husband’s company, Camuto Group — reportedly announced the news of Vince’s passing to the fashion house’s nearly 1,300 employees via email last night.

Vince and Louise Camuto in Osctober 2011.

In 1978, Vince co-founded the popular Nine West Group Inc. before creating his own shoe line in 2001. He launched his successful, worldwide label, Vince Camuto, in 2005.

The designer is also known for helping to establish singer Jessica Simpson’s multi-million dollar fashion brand in 2005. After learning of his passing, the 34-year-old star posted a touching tribute to her mentor on her Instagram page.

“Thank you, Vince, for the humble power that has taken me everywhere. You are my mentor, my family, the creator of all my dreams. I will forever walk in your shoes… you made them. #brokenheart,” she wrote.