Sergio Rossi Has Died From COVID-19 Complications

The founder of the famed Italian women’s footwear company passed away in Italy on April 2

The novel coronavirus has claimed the life of an industry legend. Iconic footwear designer Sergio Rossi, 84, passed away from COVID-19 complications this past Thursday, April 2.

According to WWD Sergio had “contracted the coronavirus and had been hospitalized for days in the intensive care unit of the Bufalini hospital in Cesena,” a region in Italy which has reportedly been hit hard by the virus.

“Today everyone at Sergio Rossi joins me in remembering our dear Sergio, the inspiring founder of our dream. Sergio Rossi was a master, and it is my great honor to have met him and gotten to present him the archive earlier this year,” Sergio Rossi Group CEO Riccardo Sciutto shared in a statement.

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“Today everyone at Sergio Rossi joins me in remembering our dear Sergio, the inspiring founder of our dream. Sergio Rossi was a master, and it is my great honor to have met him and gotten to present him the archive earlier this year. His vision and approach will remain our guide in the growth of the brand and the business. He loved women and was able to capture a woman’s femininity in a unique way, creating the perfect extension of a woman’s leg through his shoes. Our long and glorious history started from his incredible vision and we’ll remember his creativity forever.” Riccardo Sciutto, CEO Sergio Rossi Group

A post shared by Sergio Rossi Official (@sergiorossi) on Apr 3, 2020 at 5:55am PDT

“His vision and approach will remain our guide in the growth of the brand and the business. He loved women and was able to capture a woman’s femininity in a unique way, creating the perfect extension of a woman’s leg through his shoes. Our long and glorious history started from his incredible vision and we’ll remember his creativity forever.”

The Italian footwear company recently pledged to donate all proceeds generated by online sales to the fight against the virus.

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Thank you everyone of you who believed, supported and joined the #shoesmakeadifference initiative! Together we have been an active part of the fight against Covid–19, please keep being mindful of others, respectful of the rules and stay home! #ShoesMakeAdifference #IoRestoAcasa #StayHome

A post shared by Sergio Rossi Official (@sergiorossi) on Mar 21, 2020 at 1:47am PDT

Notable designers and industry personalities took to Instagram to remember the man best known for inventing the Opanca sole.

Amina Muaddi

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RIP to the legend that Sergio Rossi was and will forever remain. This is such a sad day for me, for the fashion industry and for women across the globe who he has graced with his creations for entire decades. My sincerest condolences to the Rossi family for their loss. When I went to the Sergio Rossi factory back in December because I was going to start producing my collection in their factory, I was taken to the museum built in his honor inside the factory. I felt so much emotion going through his incredibile work and looking at the archives that I could barely focus on my meeting. The legacy he left behind is immeasurable. Thank you Master, may you rest in peace.

A post shared by AMINA MUADDI (@aminamuaddi) on Apr 3, 2020 at 4:10am PDT

Sophia Webster

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Our deepest condolences to Sergio Rossi’s family. The world has lost one of the greatest shoe designers of our time. #SergioRossi

A post shared by SOPHIA WEBSTER (@sophiawebster) on Apr 3, 2020 at 8:47am PDT

Olivia Palermo

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We lost a true creative force in the accessories world today. My thoughts are with the Rossi family, friends, and team at this difficult and unprecedented time.

A post shared by Olivia Palermo (@oliviapalermo) on Apr 3, 2020 at 9:55am PDT

Born in San Mauro Pascoli in 1935, Sergio followed in the footsteps of his father and began producing footwear in the early 1950’s with his brother, Franco. He launched his company in 1968 and since then has collaborated with other notable Italian luxury fashion houses – including Versace, Dolce & Gabanna and Azzedine Alaïa. 

Lead image courtesy of Instagram/GianvitoRossi