New York, Winter 2015 – RobertoVasi announces launch of men’s fashion footwear e-commerce site.

Former Kenneth Cole designer Roberto Mingione and FIT professor Vasilios Christofilakos take the RobertoVasi brand to the next level.

The RobertoVasi brand was launched in 2012 after two established names in the footwear world formed a partnership based on their mutual passion for beautifully made, fashion forward men's shoes. With several successful FN Platform shows under their belt, and shoes already available in DSW, Nordstrom.com and SAKS Off Fifth, RobertoVasi is very excited to announce the launch of their e-commerce website. Featuring androgynous model of the moment Elliott Sailors, they now bring collections directly to their style focused customers for the first time.

Footwear industry veteran Roberto Mingione met accessory designer and Professor Vasilios Christofilakos while attending his Accessories Design class at FIT where Vasilios helped him hone his sketching skills. 

 “My God we had fun!” Vasilios recalls. “He left Bally and was seeking more know-how. He was putting together a portfolio for a position at Kenneth Cole. I asked him to develop a men’s line. It was fun and passionate. He got the job."

To say shoes have always been in Mingione’s blood is an understatement. He fondly remembers playing in his grandfather’s shoe repair shop in Brooklyn as a child. Shoes were his toys. After 12 years at Kenneth Cole, beginning as a men's assistant designer and growing into the role of group VP over men's, women's and children's footwear, and with ideas for a shoe line of his own, it seemed a natural next step for Roberto to call on Vasilios's energy and spicy fashion flair.

For Vasilios, it was a prior meeting with Italian design icon Miuccia Prada that led him to seize this opportunity. 

'Well, need I say, Ms. Prada received an award at FFANY '96 and I was introduced to her. I felt like I was greeting one of my Aunts from Greece, even though she's Italian. She shook my hand, kissed me on both cheeks after I congratulated her and she then said to me in her sexy Italian accent, " Thank you so much...I hear of you and am told you know how to sketch...  (as her hand motions a drawing in the air on invisible paper), I said, "yes, I do". "Oh, very very nice... I need to learn to sketch too - you show me?" She burst out laughing, as I did too. What a night. As I walked out of the venue and stepped into my car, I thought of our conversation, and thought to myself: that was my opportunity to drop what I was doing and tell her I'm willing to go to Italy and sketch for her. When opportunity knocks, open the door and step right in.’

Roberto and Vasi stayed in close contact over the years. Whenever Roberto needed a student intern, he called on his friend at FIT. “I always called Vasi when I needed an intern and FIT was a great source for young talent. Together we mentored many students who are today successful designers at some of the biggest footwear companies in the industry,” added Roberto.

RobertoVasi

25-25 Borden Ave, Suite 205

Long Island City,

NY 11101

Contact: info@robertovasi.com

Tel: 718 729 1075

About RobertoVasi:

RobertoVasi is a New York based footwear brand launched in 2012, specializing in men’s contemporary fashion. Combining both classic craftsmanship and on-trend design, they share their vision of ‘military meets luxury’. The line's modern masculinity is reflected in its contrasting use of materials and bespoke approach. Their love of military tailored uniforms is translated into rugged detailing and rich texture. For more information visit www.robertovasi.com

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