Vince Camuto, American fashion designer and businessman, co-founded Nine West (b. 1936)

John Vincent "Vince" Camuto (June 4, 1936 – January 21, 2015) was a pivotal American figure in the women's footwear industry, renowned not only as a distinguished designer but also as an astute business executive. His enduring legacy is perhaps most widely recognized through his co-founding of the iconic global fashion brand, Nine West.

Born in New York City, Camuto began his career working in footwear factories, gaining an intimate understanding of shoe construction and manufacturing processes. This hands-on experience, combined with his innate design sensibility, laid the groundwork for his future success. In 1978, he co-founded Nine West Group Inc. with Jerome Chazen. The brand quickly revolutionized the women's shoe market by offering fashionable, trend-driven footwear at accessible price points. Nine West became a ubiquitous name in American retail, expanding beyond shoes into handbags and accessories, eventually operating hundreds of retail stores worldwide and generating significant annual revenues. Its rapid growth and widespread appeal cemented Camuto's reputation as a visionary in the accessible luxury segment of the fashion industry.

A significant turning point in Camuto's career came in 1999 when Nine West Group was acquired by Jones Apparel Group for a staggering $900 million. This monumental sale marked the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another. Following the acquisition, Camuto, with his relentless entrepreneurial spirit, did not retire. Instead, in 2001, he founded the Camuto Group, a new fashion powerhouse designed to leverage his extensive experience in product development, sourcing, and distribution. As CEO and Chief Creative Officer, Camuto envisioned the group as a multi-brand platform.

Under his leadership, the Camuto Group became a significant player in the fashion landscape, notably responsible for the highly successful Jessica Simpson Collection, which launched in 2005. This groundbreaking collaboration extended beyond footwear to encompass apparel, handbags, and other lifestyle products, proving the viability of celebrity-driven fashion lines when backed by strong design and production capabilities. Beyond Jessica Simpson, the Camuto Group also developed and distributed its own proprietary Vince Camuto brand, which expanded into various categories including footwear, handbags, apparel, and fragrances. The group also held licenses for other prominent brands, demonstrating its broad reach and strategic importance in the fashion industry.

The strategic trajectory of the Camuto legacy saw another major development following Vince Camuto’s passing. On October 10, 2018, Authentic Brands Group (ABG), a global brand development, marketing, and entertainment company known for acquiring, managing, and building long-term value for consumer brands, finalized an agreement. This involved ABG purchasing a majority stake in the intellectual property of the Camuto Group's proprietary brands. This acquisition was executed in a strategic partnership with DSW Inc., now known as Designer Brands Inc., one of North America's largest designers, producers, and retailers of footwear and accessories. The collaboration aimed to optimize brand development and retail distribution, ensuring the continued presence and growth of the Vince Camuto brand and other related labels in the market.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vince Camuto

Who was Vince Camuto best known for co-founding?

Vince Camuto is most widely recognized for co-founding Nine West, a highly successful women's fashion brand that offered trendy and affordable footwear and accessories.

What company did Vince Camuto found after selling Nine West?

After the sale of Nine West in 1999, Vince Camuto founded the Camuto Group in 2001, where he served as CEO and Chief Creative Officer. This company became known for developing and managing multiple fashion brands.

Which popular celebrity brand was produced by Camuto Group?

The Camuto Group was instrumental in the creation and success of the Jessica Simpson Collection, a prominent celebrity-driven lifestyle brand that includes footwear, apparel, and accessories.

When and by whom was the Vince Camuto brand acquired?

On October 10, 2018, the intellectual property of the Camuto Group's proprietary brands, including the Vince Camuto brand, was acquired by Authentic Brands Group (ABG) in partnership with DSW Inc. (now Designer Brands Inc.).

What was Vince Camuto's overall impact on the footwear industry?

Vince Camuto significantly impacted the footwear industry by making fashionable and high-quality designs accessible to a broader consumer base. His entrepreneurial vision led to the creation of multi-billion dollar brands and innovative business models, solidifying his legacy as a titan in accessible luxury fashion.