WWD Digital Daily

Gianvito Rossi Marks 10th Anniversar­y of Portofino Sandal

A limited-edition capsule, which launched Monday, comes in 10 new metallic shades inspired by the colors of the Italian jet-set destinatio­n.

- BY SANDRA SALIBIAN

Gianvito Rossi's signature Portofino sandal is turning 10.

To mark the milestone, the essential style was reinterpre­ted in 10 new metallic shades in a limited-edition collection dropping Monday in selected boutiques of the brand in Europe and the U.S., as well as on its online store.

Inspired by the colors of the Italian jetset destinatio­n the sandal is named after, the colorful limited-edition range will be available in two heights, both retailing at 790 euros.

Still one of the label's bestseller­s, the Portofino sandal best expresses Rossi's less-is-more aesthetic and contempora­ry approach to design, which blends purity of lines and high craftsmans­hip to offer feminine styles that defy trends and can stand the test of time.

“The Portofino sandal embodies the essence of my vision: beauty in simplicity and quality, as well as in the attention to proportion­s. Its design is conceived to enhance a woman's silhouette rather than prevail over her,” Rossi said. “After 10 years, our customers keep looking for it: I like to think that its lines have somehow got out of time to stay, becoming a cherished object women can always have within reach in their wardrobe.”

Launched in 2014 after Rossi spent a weekend in Portofino, the style also rose as a go-to accessory to complete red carpet looks ever since, with celebritie­s seen wearing the sandal ranging from Jennifer Lawrence, Nicole Kidman and Diane Kruger to the Kardashian-Jenner clan.

Rossi founded his namesake brand in 2006 in San Mauro Pascoli, Italy, after spending years studying shoemaking under his footwear-guru father Sergio Rossi. Best known for his sophistica­ted heels and the signature muted shade of powder pink of their interior soles, the shoe designer sold a controllin­g stake in the company to Compagnie Financière Richemont last year. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but Rossi retains a stake in the firm.

The deal further encouraged Rossi to expand the distributi­on footprint with new store openings, as well as widen the product assortment. Last year, the brand stepped into handbags with the introducti­on of the Valì style, after Rossi toyed with the category in the past with some clutch designs.

 ?? ?? Diane Kruger wearing the Portofino sandal to attend the amfAR's 22nd Cinema Against AIDS Gala in Cap d'Antibes in 2015.
Diane Kruger wearing the Portofino sandal to attend the amfAR's 22nd Cinema Against AIDS Gala in Cap d'Antibes in 2015.
 ?? ?? Gianvito Rossi is celebratin­g the 10th anniversar­y of its Portofino sandal with a limited-edition capsule collection.
Gianvito Rossi is celebratin­g the 10th anniversar­y of its Portofino sandal with a limited-edition capsule collection.

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