Designer Vince Camuto Dies at 78

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GREENWICH, Conn. — The fashion world has lost another great one. Famed women’s shoe designer Vince Camuto has died. He was 78.

Camuto passed away at his Connecticut home Wednesday following a long battle with cancer.

The iconic New York native built an empire by co-founding the Nine West brand and eventually selling it for $900 million in 1999.

He then founded Camuto Group in 2001, growing it into a multi-billion dollar empire with shoes, handbags and dresses in top department stores.

Camuto leaves behind a wife and five children.

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“It is never about one person. It’s the teams you put in place. Without the right people, you’re nowhere” -Vince Camuto Thank you, Vince, for the humble power that has taken me everywhere. You are my mentor, my family, the creator of all my dreams. I will forever walk in your shoes…you made them. #brokenheart

A post shared by Jessica Simpson (@jessicasimpson) on Jan 21, 2015 at 10:01pm PST

My prayers go out to @VinceCamuto's family, friends and colleagues. Thank you for showing us you don't… http://t.co/oY0Xgam4oD

— Giuliana Rancic (@GiulianaRancic) January 22, 2015

The world lost a fabulous designer today. I hope to one day represent a company with the same passion you had for your own. #VinceCamuto

— Becca McKinney (@becca__mckinney) January 22, 2015

Sad to hear about #VinceCamuto … he was one of the best designers…especially his shoes & bags!

— DeeDee Dalton (@DaltonD2) January 22, 2015

I am dressed head to toe in #VinceCamuto today. RIP to my favorite designer! No one does business professional plus flair better!

— Megan Cohill (@MeganCohill) January 22, 2015