NEW YORK, NY.- Christies announces Vince Camuto: Designer and Collector, a testament to the connoisseurial vision of one of the most noted American footwear designers, the founder of both Nine West and an eponymous brand. Housed at the magnificent Château Ridge in Greenwich, Connecticut, the interiors reflect the brilliant interweaving of Camutos historical and aesthetic interests: the beauty of the Italian Renaissance, the opulence of the French Court, and the movement and grandeur of Baroque art, which he experienced through his frequent travels. The online sale is open for bidding from June 15-29, and includes Italian and European furniture, Old Master and 19th Century European paintings, French carpets and textiles, Chinese porcelain, and European porcelain glass and silver.
Vince Camuto was a pioneer of the modern footwear industry, marrying style and quality with comfort and accessibility. His discerning eye, intuition, and ability to understand women translated into an empire of eponymous labels and myriad of successful collaborations. The taste and elegance Vince Camuto displayed in his career extended to his Connecticut home, Château Ridge, where the beauty of the decor rivaled that of the most storied homes in Europe.
Gemma Sudlow, Head of Iconic Collections and Brian Evans, Head of Sale comment: Rarely does one have the chance to see a home that so masterfully represents the vision and style of its owner as Château Ridge. It was truly an autobiography in objects Vince Camuto selected each piece for its history, elegance, and design. A testament to his style and connoisseurship, the objects are united in their quality, sophistication, and in many cases, exquisite provenance.
The undeniable highlight of Château Ridge was the living room, often called the Constellation Room. With a sweeping, 20-foot barrel-vaulted ceiling, tapestried walls, and delicate stained glass windows, the room was reminiscent of the apse of a cathedral. The ceiling, studded with hundreds of individual lights, depicted the night sky as it would have appeared on Camutos birth date during the sixteenth century.
Vince Camuto lived up to the ideals of his favorite period, embodying the true spirit of a Renaissance man: a titan of business, an avid collector and traveler, a champion of beauty, a self-educated scholar and, most importantly, the patriarch of a close-knit and loving family.