MILAN — Footwear designer and entrepreneur Cesare Paciotti has died. He was 69.
Details about the cause of death were not disclosed. A statement issued on Sunday night said Paciotti died in Civitanova Marche, in central Italy, surrounded by his family and children.
Together with his sister Paola, “he wrote a fundamental page in the history of Made in Italy shoes,” the statement said. It continued: “The iconic pointed-dagger, the brand’s symbol, will remain as a declaration of identity and courage. He will be remembered for his seductive style and his extraordinary human generosity.”
Paciotti’s namesake signature brand is known for its sexy and feminine footwear designs. At Milan Fashion Week last month, the dagger heel was in the spotlight once again as the label doubled down on its heritage.
The company was founded in 1948 in Civitanova Marche — one of Italy’s main shoes manufacturing hubs — by Giuseppe and Cecilia Paciotti, Cesare and Paola’s parents. Their mission was to create artisanal footwear made by hand.
Cesare Paciotti launched his namesake brand in 1980 and turned it into an established and international business, with its sharp stilettos and innovative designs garnering success with the likes of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Paris Hilton to name a few. Fur-lined or crystal-embellished sandals and boots were some of the hits. The brand became a fixture at Milan and Paris Fashion Week.
In 2007, the designer debuted a full apparel line under the Paciotti 4US label.