Invincible: The Vince Camuto Story
Born into a family of artisans, Vince Camuto rose from humble beginnings to become a fashion luminary whose creative vision and entrepreneurial spirit forever changed America’s footwear industry.
"Some people dream things will happen. Some people want things to happen. Some people make things happen."
-Vince Camuto
1936
Vince Camuto is born in Queens, New York, the child of Italian immigrants. Raised in NYC’s bustling East Village, Vince gets his first job at age fourteen—in a 1st Avenue shoe store.
1959
Vince joins the luxury footwear company I. Miller in Manhattan. Working his way from the store’s complaint department to its fabled selling floor—a hub for the day’s actors, models, and socialites—Vince quickly becomes the company’s top salesperson.
1962
Wooed by a top US shoe wholesaler, Vince is hired to turn around their worst-performing factory. He swiftly pivots the business to make it profitable.
1983
With his finger on the pulse of newly empowered women consumers, Vince cofounds Nine West. He bucks the midcentury footwear industry’s mindset and identifies huge demand for fashionable, fine-quality—and accessibly priced—shoes.
2001
Vince Camuto and his wife Louise Camuto start Camuto Group. Visiting his father’s birthplace in Sicily, Vince gleans fresh inspiration from Italy’s cobbled streets, ancient architecture and artistic masterworks.
2005
Vince builds Camuto Group's shoe sourcing business and acquires the master license for Jessica Simpson Collection and the footwear license for Lucky Brand.
Present
Realizing a lifelong dream, Vince launches his namesake brand, Vince Camuto. An immediate hit, Vince Camuto goes on to introduce a long line of iconic, blockbuster styles.
Vince Camuto Today
Vince’s Italian roots, his craftsman’s eye, and genius for design remain at the heart of Vince Camuto. From artist to artisan, sourcer to shoemaker, we remain committed to our founder’s values.
