Some people say they would rather spend money on experiences than the accumulation of objects. To those people, I say that the act of shopping is a beautiful experience.
Model: Sasha Pivovarova
Jimmy Choo pumps. Stuart Weitzman heels. Chanel heels, handbags and clutches. Charlotte Olympia heels. Sergio Rossi shoes. Christian Louboutin heels. Dolce & Gabanna shoes and handbags. Salvatore Ferragamo heels. Versace shoes. Rochas pumps. Valentino platforms. Brian Atwood heels. Haider Ackermann shoes. ShopBop handbag. Judith Lebier handbags and coin purse. Kotur purse. Arunashi ring. Monique Pean ring. Bulgari bracelet. Pandora brooches. Buccellati brooch.
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
As the saying goes, these boots were made for walking. However, in my opinion the best shoes were made primarily to stop people in their tracks. Here are some standout, high-quality investment pairs guaranteed to attract attention:
Tod’s, $5,610, harrods.com ~~~ Jimmy Choo, $4,225, mytheresa.com
Emilio Pucci, $4,160, luisaviaroma.com ~~~ Alexander McQueen, $3,895, luisaviaroma.com
Dolce & Gabbana, $3,995, luisaviaroma.com
Julia Haart, $3,784, farfetch.com ~~~ DSquared2, $3,640, luisaviaroma.com
It is common knowledge that walking long distances in heels is bad for your feet…but, perhaps even more unfortunately, it is bad for your shoes. Though they may very well catch the eye of passersby on the city streets, beautiful stilettos were not designed to take as many steps as their heelless counterparts. I learned this the hard way, and have spent a lot of money getting heel nails replaced over the years. The best solution, in my opinion, is to carry a large handbag, walk the long distance in chic flats (no need for sneakers!), and change into your more delicate shoes at a discreet location nearby.
Here are some pairings of flats and heels that would work well together to compliment the same outfit…
Charlotte Olympia Dellal has been inspired by fairy tales, burlesque, Mexico, and of course, cats…but my personal favorite is her recent collection, which takes cues from traditional Chinese aesthetics.
Mei Xiang pumps, Martial satin sandals, Eternally Dolly suede pumps
Ming Blue Koi pumps, The Great Wedge of China sandals, Ying Yang minaudière
Pandora Carp clutch, Lantern tasseled satin bag, Take Me Away box clutch
Blissful Style 