Vince Camuto, designer and co-founder of Nine West, dies at 78

New York -- Women’s footwear designer Vince Camuto, who co-founded Nine West Group and then went on to establish his own successful namesake clothing and footwear business, has passed away at the age of 78. Camuto died Wednesday at his home in Greenwich, Connecticut, after a battle with cancer.



In 1978, Camuto and Jerome Fisher founded Nine West Group, which they grew into a retail powerhouse. In 1999, the company was acquired by Jones Apparel Group for nearly $900 million.



In 2001, Camuto launched Camuto Group, specializing in the design, development and distribution of women's fashion footwear. The privately held company gained footwear licenses for an array of designer brands including Tory Burch, and BCBG Max Azria. It also launched the Jessica Simpson brand, which has grown into a billion dollar business.



In 2005, Camuto Group launched three of its own labels: Vince Camuto, VC Signature and Louise et Cie. The lines are available at 30 company-owned specialty stores and are also sold by department stores and specialty retailers across the nation.



Over the past decade, Camuto expanded his company’s initial footwear-focus to include a wide range of product, ranging from apparel and watches to handbags, and sunglasses. The company also expanded into menswear.



News of Camuto’s death brought an outpouring of sympathy on social media. Camuto, a devoted family man with five children, was respected throughout the fashion and retail industry.



Designer Kenneth Cole tweeted: “Hearts out to a shoe industry icon and legend Vince Camuto. A man who consistently defied all odds. A role model for so many.”



Simpson took to Instagram to express her feelings for the designer, whom she often referred to as an “inspiration.”



"You are my mentor, my family, the creator of all my dreams. I will forever walk in your shoes … you made them,” Simpson posted.