H
e's one of the most revered
footwear designers in the world,
but Gianvito Rossi almost walked
away from shoes. Growing up as
the son of Sergio Rossi in San
Mauro Pascoli, Italy, he was smitten from an early
age. "When I was four or five, I went down to the
factory and the shoes were my toys," says Rossi.
"It's always been natural to be involved with
them." Learning firsthand the intricacies of design
and complexities of production, Rossi helped his
dad build the brand into a footwear powerhouse
before they sold the company in 2005. "I found
myself for the first time in my life without shoes,"
he recalls. "I was thinking I would do something
else, but I realized that's my life. I couldn't really
understand how much it meant until I lost it."
Fortunately for well-heeled women everywhere,
he launched his eponymous line shortly thereafter.
Today, the elegant, edgy feminine designs are
coveted on every continent and worn by the likes
of Gwyneth Paltrow, Gigi Hadid and Carine
Roitfeld, who serves as an inspiration to the
designer. "She's super elegant, super
52 BAL HARBOUR
PHOTO
COUTESY
OF
GIANVITO
ROSSI
Italian shoe maestro
Gianvito Rossi discusses his
elegant creations, including
a cocktail-inspired spring
collection at the new
Bal Harbour Shops boutique.
BY JESSICA MEHALIC LUCAS
Pumped Up Kicks
