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Remembering Vince Camuto

January 25, 2015March 15, 2019 by Blissful Style, posted in fashion, fashion designer, Fashion News, in memoriam, shoes

Vince Camuto passed away last Wednesday, January 21, 2015. He died before his time, succumbing to prostate cancer at the age of seventy-eight. During his lifetime Camuto was a legendary force in the footwear industry, founding the brands Nine West (1978), Gianni Bini (2002), Antonio Melani (2002), Michelle D. (2002), Nurture (2002), Jessica Simpson Collection (2003), Vince Camuto (2005), and Two by Vince Camuto, VC Signature, and Louise et Cie thereafter. He is known for injecting style and variety into middle market women’s shoes, and for making high platform heels walkable with his innovative use of foam rubber. Today the Vince Camuto brand encompasses women’s shoes, handbags, accessories, ready-to-wear, and even jewelry. He was in the midst of planning a menswear line before his untimely death.

Yet before his illustrious career in design, he learned about women’s footwear and fashion merchandising as a salesperson at I. Miller in Manhattan. He was quickly ranked #1 in sales, not only for his acumen but also for his personality. He made many, many friends in the fashion industry, all of whom are sad to see him go. This is what they had to say:

“He was a unique man. I’ve never worked with anyone like him, and I’ve worked with a lot of people.” — Calvin Klein

“I can’t say we had a collection until Vince came on board.” — Tory Burch

“Vince Camuto was my mentor, my friend, and my constant inspiration. I will be forever grateful to him for changing my life for the better.” — Jessica Simpson

“What was so inspiring about Vince was that he was constantly evolving and reinventing himself.” — Reed Krakoff

“He was a shoe god. There is no other way to say it.” — Steve Madden

“He was dedicated to his business, but most of all, to friendship. ” — Max Azria

“His passion for the footwear business and his vision for style meeting function were unmatched.” — Alex Dillard

“When it came to product, he was absolutely the best merchant in the business, period.” — Pete Nordstrom

“Vince has been a true partner and a fashion leader.” — Tony Spring, Chairman and CEO at Bloomingdale’s

“Vince was one of the most magical people I have ever had the pleasure to work with.” — Muriel Gonzalez, EVP of Shoes at Macy’s

“Vince had a warmth with all those he touched and the greatest of humility in all he did.” — Neil Cole, Former Chairman, CEO and President at Iconix Brand Group

Kase, Kiotio, Graydin, Fairlee, Cresida, Melisha, and Celindan from Vince Camuto; Carolyn, Haines, Sukey, Lamont, and Yvonne from VC Signature

Standouts from Bridal Fall 2015

January 22, 2015July 16, 2016 by Blissful Style, posted in fall 2015, fashion, Fashion News, high fashion, runway

Yes I am unmarried, and single at that, but I can still appreciate a beautiful wedding gown! In my opinion, the bridal runway collections and magazines are more fun to look at than their ready-to-wear counterparts. So much of fashion is “effortless” and nonchalant, so it is beautiful to see gowns, veils, jewelry, and accessories used with great effort and care to facilitate such a joyous and life-changing celebration. Yet like any other runway setting, the bridal shows are a place for designers to play with convention. The following short (yes, short) wedding dresses do just that!

Angel Sanchez ~~~ Delphine Manivet

Honor for Stone Fox Bride~~~ Houghton

Houghton ~~~ Oleg Cassini

Oleg Cassini ~~~ Pronovias

Standouts from Pre-Fall 2015

January 18, 2015July 16, 2016 by Blissful Style, posted in clothing, fashion, Fashion News, high fashion, runway

While I understand that the planning and execution of a single seasonal collection involves more time and work than the average end consumer could even imagine, the idea that the fashion world has two seasons per year, while the weather and our lifestyles have four, is still a bit of an odd idea to wrap one’s head around. Even more trippy is the fact that technically, February is the first month of “Spring/Summer” and August is the first month of “Fall/Winter”. It is as if the fashion world is proof that a parallel universe does indeed exist.

Thankfully, Resort and Pre-Fall collections are here to (somewhat) normalize the annual cycle, so that, just as we plan our year around four seasons, we can plan our fashion calendar around four different points of reference. Pre-Fall collections are the epitome of “short and sweet”; they do not involve as many looks as the average Fall collection, yet the looks are more wearable than the theatrical ensembles one might see on a Fall runway. Here are ten such looks that caught my eye: