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Cristina
Rossi
Dior, YSL, Fendi...The Secrets Behind Iconic Shoes
Today, Cristina oversees Villa Foscarini Rossi, a 17th-century Palladian estate that serves as both a cultural hub and a Shoe Museum. The villa and its lush surroundings embody her philosophy on luxury as a balance of beauty, harmony, and well-being. In this exclusive interview, Cristina offers her thoughts on what luxury truly means, how her personal journey has been shaped by her family's legacy, and the interplay of nature, craftsmanship, and personal growth.
Villa Foscarini Rossi was commissioned in the 1600s by Jacopo Foscarini, a Venetian doge and sea captain. Like many nobles of the time, he sought to build a stunning villa as a reflection of his status. Designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi, a student of Palladio, the villa is a masterpiece of its era.
The estate includes three main structures: the stables, the guesthouse, and the manor house. Originally, it served as both a farm and a holiday retreat. The grand ballroom was once a place for hosting illustrious guests—Venetian doges, nobles, and other prominent figures. Over time, the villa evolved beyond its agricultural origins to become a symbol of hospitality and prestige.
My father, Luigino Rossi, played a pivotal role in restoring this estate to its former glory. In the 1960s, he founded Rossimoda, a high-end shoe manufacturing company, collaborating with iconic fashion houses such as Dior and Yves Saint Laurent. With his success, he revitalized the villa, turning it into a venue for grand events and establishing a Shoe Museum in the manor house.
The Riviera del Brenta district, where the villa is located, remains globally renowned for luxury footwear production. It’s a region where beauty, tradition, and craftsmanship converge to embody the essence of la dolce vita—a lifestyle centered on aesthetics, harmony, and well-being.
Can you share with us the story of Villa Foscarini Rossi and its significance?
Today, Cristina oversees Villa Foscarini Rossi, a 17th-century Palladian estate that serves as both a cultural hub and a Shoe Museum. The villa and its lush surroundings embody her philosophy on luxury as a balance of beauty, harmony, and well-being. In this exclusive interview, Cristina offers her thoughts on what luxury truly means, how her personal journey has been shaped by her family's legacy, and the interplay of nature, craftsmanship, and personal growth.
Villa Foscarini Rossi was commissioned in the 1600s by Jacopo Foscarini, a Venetian doge and sea captain. Like many nobles of the time, he sought to build a stunning villa as a reflection of his status. Designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi, a student of Palladio, the villa is a masterpiece of its era.
The estate includes three main structures: the stables, the guesthouse, and the manor house. Originally, it served as both a farm and a holiday retreat. The grand ballroom was once a place for hosting illustrious guests—Venetian doges, nobles, and other prominent figures. Over time, the villa evolved beyond its agricultural origins to become a symbol of hospitality and prestige.
My father, Luigino Rossi, played a pivotal role in restoring this estate to its former glory. In the 1960s, he founded Rossimoda, a high-end shoe manufacturing company, collaborating with iconic fashion houses such as Dior and Yves Saint Laurent. With his success, he revitalized the villa, turning it into a venue for grand events and establishing a Shoe Museum in the manor house.
The Riviera del Brenta district, where the villa is located, remains globally renowned for luxury footwear production. It’s a region where beauty, tradition, and craftsmanship converge to embody the essence of la dolce vita—a lifestyle centered on aesthetics, harmony, and well-being.
How has your personal journey been shaped
by this environment?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to grow up in a setting that blends natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. My work at the villa and the museum has deepened my appreciation for Venetian craftsmanship, which dates back to the 1200s with the Caleghéri, a brotherhood of shoemakers who catered to Venetian noblewomen.
Luxury, to me, is a concept that inspires self-improvement and evolution. Take a beautifully crafted shoe or dress, for example—it represents not only artistic vision but also meticulous research and unparalleled craftsmanship. These pieces are born from the skilled hands of artisans who bring designers’ ideas to life.
That initial attraction to beauty often sparks a deeper journey of growth and refinement, much like the elegance we see in the design of historic villas. For me, the ultimate inspiration comes from nature. It’s the purest form of beauty and serves as a constant reminder to strive for balance and harmony in life.
The Shoe Museum is a tribute to this region’s craftsmanship and its role in shaping the global luxury industry. It features 1,350 shoes from 21 international brands Rossimoda has collaborated with since the 1960s. The collection includes everything from ancient Venetian footwear to contemporary designs, showcasing the evolution of women’s roles and styles across cultures and eras.
The ground floor highlights Nordic designers, characterized by minimalist lines and muted tones, while the upper floor celebrates Mediterranean designers, known for their bold shapes and vibrant colors. It’s fascinating to see how these styles contrast yet complement one another, reflecting the diversity of creative visions.
My father’s entrepreneurial spirit was instrumental in shaping this legacy. A chance meeting in Paris with Dior’s manufacturer led to Rossimoda’s first collaboration with Dior, and later, a long partnership with Yves Saint Laurent. These experiences elevated the quality of production in the district, solidifying its reputation as a global center for luxury women’s footwear.
How do designers’
visions of femininity come through in their creations?
Each designer interprets femininity in their own way, whether through elegance, boldness, or innovation. For example, Dior’s designs celebrate a timeless, refined woman, while Yves Saint Laurent brought a daring edge, dressing women in tuxedos to challenge gender norms without compromising femininity. It’s remarkable to see how these creative visions empower women by redefining traditional roles.
One iconic example is Roger Vivier’s stiletto heel, known as the ‘virgule.’ Its 7-centimeter comma-shaped design revolutionized women’s footwear, emphasizing elegance and silhouette. Similarly, Ferragamo’s boots from the 1970s redefined style for the dynamic, modern woman, combining comfort with sophistication
What are some standout pieces from the museum’s collection?
Another fascinating piece is Fendi’s suspended heel, designed by Karl Lagerfeld. It creates the illusion of floating, thanks to a steel fiber heel that can support up to 150 kilograms. It’s a perfect example of how craftsmanship and technical innovation come together to push boundaries.
How does the museum inspire contemporary designers?
The museum acts as a bridge between the past and present. For instance, Christian Lacroix’s collection for Emilio Pucci was inspired by Pucci’s love for Tuscany and Capri. Lacroix blended the unicorn flag of Siena with Capri’s vibrant colors—the turquoise of the Blue Grotto, the lilac of bougainvillea, and the yellow of lemons—to capture Pucci’s artistic DNA. By preserving these stories, we provide today’s designers with a rich tapestry of inspiration.
"Beauty is more than what we see—it’s a way of living, rooted in craftsmanship and nature."
Cristina Rossi’s insights reveal how luxury transcends material wealth to embrace a philosophy of harmony, beauty, and personal growth. Through her stewardship of Villa Foscarini Rossi and its Shoe Museum, she continues to celebrate her family’s legacy while inspiring a new generation to appreciate the artistry and heritage that define true luxury.
ristina Rossi has spent her life immersed in the world of luxury and craftsmanship. As the daughter of Luigino Rossi, the visionary founder of Rossimoda—a shoe production company that collaborated with legendary fashion houses like Dior and Yves Saint Laurent—Cristina grew up with a deep appreciation for design and artistry. In 2003, Rossimoda was acquired by LVMH, further cementing its place within the global luxury industry.
C
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to grow up in a setting that blends natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. My work at the villa and the museum has deepened my appreciation for Venetian craftsmanship, which dates back to the 1200s with the Caleghéri, a brotherhood of shoemakers who catered to Venetian noblewomen.
Luxury, to me, is a concept that inspires self-improvement and evolution. Take a beautifully crafted shoe or dress, for example—it represents not only artistic vision but also meticulous research and unparalleled craftsmanship. These pieces are born from the skilled hands of artisans who bring designers’ ideas to life.
That initial attraction to beauty often sparks a deeper journey of growth and refinement, much like the elegance we see in the design of historic villas. For me, the ultimate inspiration comes from nature. It’s the purest form of beauty and serves as a constant reminder to strive for balance and harmony in life.
How has your personal journey been shaped
by this environment?
The Shoe Museum is a tribute to this region’s craftsmanship and its role in shaping the global luxury industry. It features 1,350 shoes from 21 international brands Rossimoda has collaborated with since the 1960s. The collection includes everything from ancient Venetian footwear to contemporary designs, showcasing the evolution of women’s roles and styles across cultures and eras.
The ground floor highlights Nordic designers, characterized by minimalist lines and muted tones, while the upper floor celebrates Mediterranean designers, known for their bold shapes and vibrant colors. It’s fascinating to see how these styles contrast yet complement one another, reflecting the diversity of creative visions.
My father’s entrepreneurial spirit was instrumental in shaping this legacy. A chance meeting in Paris with Dior’s manufacturer led to Rossimoda’s first collaboration with Dior, and later, a long partnership with Yves Saint Laurent. These experiences elevated the quality of production in the district, solidifying its reputation as a global center for luxury women’s footwear.
Tell us about the Shoe Museum and its role
in preserving the legacy of Rossimoda and
this region.
Each designer interprets femininity in their own way, whether through elegance, boldness, or innovation. For example, Dior’s designs celebrate a timeless, refined woman, while Yves Saint Laurent brought a daring edge, dressing women in tuxedos to challenge gender norms without compromising femininity. It’s remarkable to see how these creative visions empower women by redefining traditional roles.
How do designers’ visions of femininity come through in their creations?
One iconic example is Roger Vivier’s stiletto heel, known as the ‘virgule.’ Its 7-centimeter comma-shaped design revolutionized women’s footwear, emphasizing elegance and silhouette. Similarly, Ferragamo’s boots from the 1970s redefined style for the dynamic, modern woman, combining comfort with sophistication
What are some standout pieces from the museum’s collection?
Another fascinating piece is Fendi’s suspended heel, designed by Karl Lagerfeld. It creates the illusion of floating, thanks to a steel fiber heel that can support up to 150 kilograms. It’s a perfect example of how craftsmanship and technical innovation come together to push boundaries.
The museum acts as a bridge between the past and present. For instance, Christian Lacroix’s collection for Emilio Pucci was inspired by Pucci’s love for Tuscany and Capri. Lacroix blended the unicorn flag of Siena with Capri’s vibrant colors—the turquoise of the Blue Grotto, the lilac of bougainvillea, and the yellow of lemons—to capture Pucci’s artistic DNA. By preserving these stories, we provide today’s designers with a rich tapestry of inspiration.
How does the museum inspire contemporary designers?
"Beauty is more than what we see—it’s a way
of living, rooted in craftsmanship and nature."
Cristina Rossi’s insights reveal how luxury transcends material wealth to embrace a philosophy of harmony, beauty, and personal growth. Through her stewardship of Villa Foscarini Rossi and its Shoe Museum, she continues to celebrate her family’s legacy while inspiring a new generation to appreciate the artistry and heritage that define true luxury.
Can you share with us the story of Villa Foscarini Rossi and its significance?
Tell us about the Shoe Museum and its role
in preserving the legacy
of Rossimoda and
this region.
A gateway to community of women who value the art of living beautifully.
