( CNN ) Vince Camuto , the iconic women 's footwear designer and co-founder of Nine West , has died . He was 78 . His namesake line paid tribute to the designer with a post on Twitter , citing a quote by Camuto that read , `` Life is an adventure . Seize the opportunity and find your passion . '' In 1978 , Camuto co-founded Nine West with Jerome Fisher . In 1999 , they sold what had become one of the country 's largest shoe companies to the Jones Group Inc. for nearly $ 900 million . Nine West , which has expanded into clothing and accessories , celebrated Camuto 's influence on its Facebook page : `` Thank you for making women look and feel more beautiful -- from our head to our soles . You will be missed . '' Camuto went on to create the Camuto Group in 2001 , acquiring licenses for brands like BCBG Max Azria , Lucky Brand and Tory Burch , helping the latter create her now-signature Reva ballet flat . Under the Camuto Group , he launched three of his own clothing and footwear lines -- Vince Camuto , VC Signature and Louise et Cie -- in 2005 . That year , he purchased the license for the Jessica Simpson Collection . Simpson mourned the loss of Camuto on Instagram , heralding him as a `` mentor '' and `` the creator of all my dreams . '' `` I will forever walk in your shoes ... you made them , '' she continued . Camuto is survived by his wife , Louise , and five children . People we 've lost in 2015 .
Vince Camuto has died at the age of 78 . Camuto co-founded Nine West in 1978 .