Sergio Rossi. A name that conjures renaissance, couture, avante garde footwear and absolutely gorgeous heels!

A paternal influence is obvious; as Sergio Rossi spent an extensive amount of time learning the craft of shoemaking in his father’s boutique in Romagna in the 1950’s. A short time later, Sergio would travel to Milan, where he would intensively study and labor over the perfection of techniques and shapes Just over a decade later Sergio would begin to emerge with his own level of taste and design when he first collaborated with the brand Genny.

The perfection and collaboration of art and technique was just beginning for Rossi; a meeting with master Gianni Versace would lead to a future collaboration .  Further evidence of his unique perspective, Sergio Rossi sought his shoes to be an extension of the female body, not a separate piece.  Of course, the heel had to be at least three inches high. (source)

A proud moment for Sergio Rossi, the first boutique to bear his name opened in Ancona (source). The 1980’s and 90’s would never be dressed the same.  This humble beginning soon became dwarfed by shops in the epicenters of couture such as Milan, Florence, Rome, Paris and New York.   The rapid expansion of this Italian brand did not go unnoticed by the fashion conglomerates already in place in Europe.  The Gucci Group acquired an interest in 1999 and full ownership in 2004.

Sergio Rossi collections follow no rules but his own. In face, he might be called a maverick of fashion (please forgive any terrible political memories this words may dredge up).  His cutting edge and jaw-dropping designs have become the darlings of shoe divas everywhere, including notorious Hollywood glamour girls such as Jennifer Garner, Halle Barry and Eva Herzigova.

In keeping with this vein of rule-breaking and forward-thinking; the label of Sergio Rossi has barreled full steam ahead; going places in fashion that are untested waters for most. A bit too raw and a bit too dangerous.

Puma

For the Spring/Summer 2009 collection, Sergio Rossi design a capsule for the traditionally athletic inspired brand Puma.  Of course, these sneakers aren’t the typical ‘soccer sneakers’ of the every day.  Of course not. Sergio Rossi is here to surprise and provoke.  For the woman that likes to take the athletic sneaker and go several steps beyond the norm, these street-savvy and heeled sneakers are the way to go. A prime example is the normally classic style Clyde.  The silhouette is must more streamlined than a traditional shoe of the same type and the materials are much more refined, with a satin upper.

The Eco Shoe.

Sustainable and luxury are not words mentioned often in mixed company.  A glamorous stacked heel shoe that looks fabulous and is, gasp, green?  Throw away those ideas of Birkenstocks and frumpy frocks, these shoes are far beyond what you might imagine.

Created by Creative director Franco Russo and members of the Fraunhofer Institut; the Eco Pump has almost completely replaced the traditional shoemaking materials with sustainable products (source).  An essential element of this new ‘green’ shoe is Liquid Wood; a bi-product of the paper making process that is usually discarded.  The heel and sole are both composed of Liquid Wood.  A low percentage of leather waste and eco sensitive tanners round out this fundamentally fashion-forward and eco-conscious shoe.  Finish off this goodwill shoe with a portion of the proceeds benefiting GoodPlanet.Org and you have the perfect balance of soulful fashion.

Sergio Rossi.   The fall 2009/10 collection promises to be more of what we know from the Sergio Rossi brand and again nothing we would expect.  Creative Director Francesco Russo promises to continue breaking rules, banishing tradition and moving forward all with the blessings of the world of couture fashion and beyond. — MICHELE McKIRDY