Susan Itzkowitz, Dave Powers and Tacey Powers were inducted into the FN Hall of Fame at the 2024 FNAAs on Wednesday night.

The three exceptional leaders took the stage to reflect on their storied careers and thank those who helped them on their path to hall of fame status in the footwear industry.

In 2004, Susan Itzkowitz partnered with Marc Fisher to launch a new shoe venture, which has grown into a powerful player in the fashion footwear business, encompassing 14 brands, including licensed collections for Calvin Klein, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Hunter and others. And as a longtime board member for Two Ten Footwear Foundation, she has spearheaded efforts to increase representation and opportunities for women in the industry.  

“I overcame barriers I hadn’t even known existed, such as becoming one of the first women to hold senior roles in several male dominated companies,” Itzkowitz said. “It wasn’t always easy, and honestly, some of the toughest challenges came from other women. But their ruthless approach to leadership taught me a powerful lesson: women in business wield extraordinary strength when they lead with a balance of power and kindness, and embrace collaboration.”

Dave Powers made news this year as he announced he’d step down as chief executive officer of Deckers Brands in August, capping off an incredible 12-year run with the company. He joined Deckers as president of direct-to-consumer in August 2012, rising through the ranks to become CEO in 2016. Under his tenure, Deckers experienced explosive growth, led by its Ugg and Hoka businesses. For its last fiscal year, the company scored $4.3 billion in sales.

“It’s a tough world these days, and we’re grateful to have this opportunity to be with you all tonight and celebrate all of you,” Dave Powers noted. “I also want you to know it’s not lost on me how surreal this is for me. I mean, I grew up in a small, blue-collar town in New Hampshire, which actually at one point, was known for its shoe industry… But, I will leave you with a few words that is a motto that we use a lot at Deckers which is, ‘Stay hungry, stay humble and be kind.’ And that formula works every day.”

And for Tacey Powers, she joined Nordstrom in 1981, starting on the sales floor and working her way up to the executive level, where she now serves as executive vice president and general merchandise manager for shoes. In addition to overseeing the retailer’s stores in the U.S., she also has been committed to mentorship and giving back to the industry as a board member for Two Ten Footwear Foundation and Footwear Retailers and Distributors of America.

“To the Nordstrom family: I am grateful to have been part of your organization for over 40 years,” Tacey Powers said. And to my Nordstrom team: I work with a group of amazing people who bring joy and their special talent to work every day. I believe we have some of the best merchants in the business… I feel truly best blessed to sit in one of the greatest seats in the industry, and I will never take that for granted.”

For 38 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2024 event is supported by sponsors Listrak, Marc Fisher, Nordstrom and Vibram.

On Dec. 4, Susan Itzkowitz will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 38th annual FN Achievement Awards. Below is an article from the magazine’s Dec. 2 print issue about the president of Marc Fisher Footwear built a brand powerhouse and forged a path for women.

One special attribute has helped Susan Itzkowitz navigate almost any tough situation: her sense of humor.

“It’s something I’ve always relied on to keep me sane,” she told FN last month. “When you can inject some kind of humor, then you can stop and say, OK, this is not the crisis that’s going to take us down forever. This is a temporary situation.”

And her career path certainly wasn’t an obvious one. Born and raised in Bayside, Queens, N.Y., in what Itzkowitz described as a “very traditional household,” she wasn’t exposed to many examples of career women. While her father was a salesman in the Garment District, her mother stayed home. However, she did impart many important lessons to her daughter: “My mother instilled in me a great sense of integrity, of work ethic and compassion,” said Itzkowitz. “She was the one who taught me about caring for others outside of yourself.”

As a young woman, Itzkowitz was determined to succeed in her own right, studying communications at Cornell University. There, she said, she learned about herself and the power of collaboration, particularly through her extra-curriculars, including helping at a homeless shelter, a suicide hotline and a student counseling program. “I got to know myself through that,” she said. “I understood I had to take responsibility for my own life and figure out who I was, what I wanted to do and how I was going to get there,” she recalled.

Post-college, Itzkowitz entered the executive training program at JCPenney, which at the time was a heavily male-dominated organization. “I found it to be very challenging in many ways,” Itzkowitz recalled. “But when we’re young, we have to learn and then we move on.”

From there, she went on to positions at The May Co. and Federated Department Stores — and eventually made a fateful move to Nine West in 1986.

Though the gender gap at Nine West was still stark (Itzkowitz was the company’s first female executive hire), she spent nearly 20 years at the footwear company, describing it as an “incredible experience,” working alongside company leaders like Jack Fisher, Vince Camuto and Wayne Weaver. And it was there she met Marc Fisher, who would later become her business partner.

However, being a trailblazer meant there was no roadmap. “It was a time where many people of my generation had a lot of firsts and we had to figure out how to navigate the situation and learn,” she said.

Fueled by frustrations in her own career, Itzkowitz took steps to improve the situation for the next generation, particularly through the Two Ten Footwear Foundation. “She’s been a changemaker throughout her tenure on Two Ten’s board of directors, championing our programs to advance women in the industry,” said Two Ten president and CEO Shawn Osborne.

After Nine West was sold to Jones Apparel Group Inc., Itzkowitz and Fisher started Marc Fisher Footwear in 2005 with a different business model in mind.

“The idea was it was going to be about product, people and passion, and it was not going to be run like a corporation,” she said. “It was going to be run like an interactive company where people were empowered. We were going to be something different; we were going to make a difference.”

The firm launched with the Guess license and has since built an enviable portfolio. Aside from Guess, it produces shoes for PVH Corp.’s Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger labels. Its in-house lines include Marc Fisher LTD, Marc Fisher and Easy Spirit. And it is a go-to partner for Authentic Brands Group’s Rockport, Nine West, Hunter and Frye labels, plus many others.

That success is based on the strong partnership between its leaders. “I am the luckiest guy in the world to have had Susan as my partner in building Marc Fisher Footwear over the past 20 years,” said Fisher. “Susan leads with unwavering integrity, a steady hand and an unmatched ability to inspire, connect and elevate her teams.”

Their licensing partners are equally laudatory.

Fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger said, “Susan Itzkowitz is a true industry legend — a well-respected, seasoned pro whose dedication and expertise have elevated the footwear industry and inspired countless in the business. I’ve had the privilege of working with Susan throughout my career, and her unique blend of vision and integrity is unmatched.”

Added Carlos Alberini, CEO of Guess Inc., “I’ve witnessed firsthand how [Susan’s] insight, drive and commitment continually push boundaries and inspire those around her. She possesses a rare blend of strategic foresight and style that has shaped a culture of excellence and loyalty.”

In looking to the future, Itzkowitz sees no limits for the company. “We have a huge opportunity based on our product ability, our sourcing capability, our logistics ability — all those things that are really hard,” she said.

As for her own achievements, the exec is quick to credit others. “I don’t think my journey would be possible without the support of all the people I work with — my colleagues, my partners. Nobody does anything alone. It’s a group effort,” she said.

And while her list of accomplishments is lengthy — outside of Marc Fisher Footwear, she also sits on the boards of Two Ten, Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America, the Shoes for a Cure breast cancer fundraiser and other charitable organizations — she is most proud of her son and daughter, as well as her two grandchildren. “I learned early on to put things in perspective,” said Itzkowitz. “There’s life and there’s work — and it’s great when you can bring it together and you have friends from work — but we all know what’s really important.”

Here, more colleagues and partners discuss the experience of working with Itzkowitz:

Nata Dvir
Chief Merchandising Officer, Macy’s
“Susan Itzkowitz is an incredible partner to Macy’s. She understands how to build strategy and make
an impact. Her transparency, drive to win and collaborative spirit make her an absolute pleasure
to work with.”

Jay Schmidt
President & CEO, Caleres
“[Susan] has set a high standard through her unwavering commitment, business acumen and hard work, building an impressive business alongside Marc. But beyond these accomplishments, it’s Susan’s inspiring optimism — the belief that anything is possible — that truly stands out.”

Nick Woodhouse
President & Chief Brand Officer, Authentic Brands Group
“Susan is a true powerhouse in the industry. Her passion, vision and relentless dedication have driven incredible success at Marc Fisher Footwear. Susan’s ability to build impactful partnerships, transform brands and uphold core values of passion and integrity is nothing short of inspiring.” 

Tacey Powers
EVP & GMM of Shoes, Nordstrom
“Susan has always been a true partner to me. We can have transparent conversations, ask for advice from each other and build successful businesses together. I admire her tireless work to give back to the shoe industry.” 

Jennifer Jones
SVP & GMM of Women’s Accessories, Bloomingdale’s
“In my nearly 10 years of working with Susan, she’s consistently brought strong ideas, great taste and a genuine interest in her partners. She’s honest, passionate and always fosters a collaborative and successful partnership.”

For 38 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2024 event is supported by sponsors Listrak, Marc Fisher, Nordstrom and Vibram.

Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc. and Marc Fisher Footwear Company are teaming up for men’s footwear.

As part of the new partnership, Marc Fisher Footwear Company will be responsible for the development, sourcing, production and sales of all Kenneth Cole men’s footwear under the Kenneth Cole New York and Kenneth Cole Reaction labels.

The first market where retailers can see the new styles will be December 2024, where the fall 2025 seasonal range will be showcased. The collection, which will include both dress and casual shoes, will be sold at better department stores and select specialty stores globally, the fashion company said.

Kenneth Cole, chairman and chief creative officer of Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc., said in a statement on Monday that he is “excited” about this next chapter of his brand’s footwear business.

“After growing our brands side by side as peers in the industry for many years, I am looking forward to working closely with Marc, who I have great respect,” Cole said. “[He] is equally passionate and devoted to redefining how men dress from toe to head and is committed to how men look and feel below the ankles. With this unwavering dedication and remarkable success over the decades, I have complete faith in entrusting him with my brand.”

Marc Fisher, founder of Marc Fisher Footwear, noted that he is “very much looking forward” to partnering with Cole. “Together, we aim to create a comprehensive range of footwear that truly resonates with today’s versatile men, aligning with their diverse lifestyle needs,” he said.

“We are thrilled to partner with Kenneth Cole as its exclusive men’s footwear license,” added Susan Itzkowitz, president of Marc Fisher Footwear. “Working alongside Kenneth and his team as partners to celebrate, elevate, and build its iconic men’s business is a welcomed opportunity to continue solidifying Marc Fisher Footwear in the men’s footwear space.”

This is the latest footwear partnership for Marc Fisher Footwear, which inked two shoe licensing deals with Authentic Brands Group-owned labels last year.

In June 2023, Marc Fisher became the core footwear partner for Hunter in the U.S. after Authentic acquired the British heritage footwear and outerwear brand for a reported $124.8 million. With this deal, Marc Fisher took on Hunter’s footwear design, wholesale and e-commerce operations in the territory.

And just one month later, Marc Fisher became Rockport’s U.S. footwear partner after Authentic scooped up the heritage shoe brand out of bankruptcy. Marc Fisher also partners with Authentic for its Nine West and Bandolino brands.

Separate from Authentic’s range of brands, Marc Fisher also produces footwear for companies such as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Guess, in addition to its in-house labels Marc Fisher, Marc Fisher LTD and Easy Spirit.

Close to 650 footwear industry professionals gathered last night for an evening of networking, celebration and philanthropy at the Two Ten Footwear Foundation’s annual gala at Pier Sixty on the Hudson River in New York.

The gala returned to a cocktail format that allowed attendees to make the most of out of networking opportunities. The fundraising event raised over $600,000 by the end of the evening, which included a series of pledges and gifts announced during the event. Donations are still rolling in online, so the final tally is still to be determined.

“Our industry has changed a lot, but Two Ten’s commitments to lifting lives remains constant,” said Two Ten board chair and CEO of Birkenstock Americas David Kahan at the event. “The foundation has helped generations of footwear employees weather hard times, rise from crisis, pursue college degrees and advance their careers. But this is only possible because the footwear community comes together to support our work.”

The event also featured Kamaria Davis, a former Two Ten scholar and current Women in the Footwear Industry (WIFI) grant recipient, who discussed how the organization supported her journey to become a footwear designer.

“As I build my career, I know for a fact that Two Ten is going to be there for me — and many, many others like me,” Davis said.

Two Ten also recognized two industry veterans for their personal and professional contributions to the organization and to their communities through the years. Susan Itzkowitz, president of Marc Fisher Footwear, received the A.A. Bloom Memorial Award for extraordinary service advancing the Two Ten mission of lifting lives in footwear. Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, founder and president of Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design, was honored with the T. Kenyon Holly Memorial Award for humanitarian achievement.

“I have always been guided by the belief that service is not merely a duty, but it is just something that we know we all need to do, something to contribute to the greater good,” said Itzkowitz during a speech accepting her honor.

Edwards, who was recognized for his vast contributions in the education realm of footwear, spoke about his efforts to improve diversity in the footwear industry.

“We’ve slowly made a dent into this industry as it pertains to diversity,” he said, adding that the Pensole Lewis College, along with brand and organization partners, have helped place over 800 young people into jobs in the last 13 years.

“If this industry didn’t embrace me, I wouldn’t be standing here in front of you,” Edwards said.

Two Ten was founded by a group of local Boston footwear businessmen in 1939 and is dedicated to helping individuals and families in the shoe industry.

The organization’s work has recently grown to span emergency and hardship relief, as well as educational scholarships and professional development grants. In addition to monetary aid, Two Ten also provides other support like counseling to those facing unexpected life-changing issues. Two Ten also hosts networking and skills coaching opportunities to help female leaders advance via its WIFI group.

The award, which was created in honor of one of the original founders of the foundation, recognizes an individual who has helped further the mission of the organization through personal dedication, initiative and hard work.

“We are delighted to recognize Susan for the immeasurable contribution she has made to the industry community over the years, both through distinguished service on the Two Ten Board of Directors and as a passionate champion for increased representation of women in the industry,” said Shawn Osborne, president and CEO of Two Ten, in a statement. “She’s been a mentor and role model for so many women now in leadership roles across the footwear industry.”

Over the past 14 years, Itzkowitz has spearheaded a number of initiatives at Two Ten to advance diversity and inclusion in the footwear industry, including advocating for greater representation of women on the board and instituting a Board Nominating Committee to ensure that diverse candidates are considered for open positions. She also has been champion of Two Ten’s Women in the Footwear Industry (WIFI) community, and this year was instrumental in launching the WIFI Professional Development Grant to help women upskill and advance in their careers.

“All of us on the board at Two Ten share a commitment to lifting lives in footwear and I’m fortunate to have been in a position to advance that mission,” said Itzkowitz in a statement. “It’s deeply satisfying to be able to offer hope to colleagues in need and I’m proud of what Two Ten does to provide opportunity, especially for women in the industry.”

In 2004, Itzkowitz partnered with Marc Fisher to launch a new shoe venture, which has grown into a powerful player in the fashion footwear business. Marc Fisher Footwear‘s portfolio now encompasses 14 brands, including licensed collections for Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and others, as well as its namesake labels (Marc Fisher and Marc Fisher LTD).

The Two Ten Annual gala will take place June 6 in New York City, during the FFANY Market Week. More details about the event will be announced in the coming weeks.

On Sept. 1, the footwear brand, which is a division of New York-based Marc Fisher Footwear, will mark its entry into the U.K., starting with a dedicated e-commerce site, Easyspirit.co.uk. There it will debut its fall 2022 offering, including the new EMove collection of performance shoes featuring max cushioning, support and shock absorption. Prices for the entire line will range from 75 pounds to 150 pounds.

In keeping with its omnichannel strategy in the U.S., Easy Spirit will also wholesale in the U.K., with the goal to establish a high street distribution network over the next two years. Charles Clinkard and HB Shoes are two of the first partners already set to carry the brand there.

Susan Itzkowitz, president of Marc Fisher Footwear, said, “Easy Spirit believes that comfort is a universal spirit shared by all, which is why international expansion continues to be at the top of the agenda for the future. Our customers’ desire for an Easy Spirit brand presence in the U.K. has surpassed our expectations and we are excited to be continuing to expand our presence abroad.”

Easy Spirit already operates internationally in several countries outside North America, including Israel, Mexico, Taiwan, South Korea, Greece, Hong Kong and the Philippines. Looking ahead to 2023, Itzkowitz said the company is exploring additional markets, such as the Middle East.

For Easy Spirit’s U.K. entry, Marc Fisher Footwear is working with a local distribution partner, Brand Collaboration Company (BCC), based in Staffordshire, England.

“BCC is passionate about delivering a first-class service to the Easy Spirit customer,” Itzkowitz told FN. “With over 40 years’ experience in footwear, they offer the perfect partner for brands looking to launch in the U.K. with a one-stop solution.”

She added that Easy Spirit’s merchandise will be housed in BCC’s facility in Northamptonshire, England, in order to offer U.K. customers “fast, efficient, regional delivery and service.”

Aside from geographic expansion, Easy Spirit has been in serious growth mode in 2022. In April, for instance, the comfort brand unveiled the first men’s styles in its 35-year history. That same month, it announced the launch of the EMove collection featuring new technical innovations that could help meet the continuing demand for plush cushioned performance sneakers.

In a statement at the time, CEO Marc Fisher said, “We’re constantly looking for new ways and innovations to outperform while maintaining the comfort and support the brand is synonymous for.”

Longtime shoe exec Susan Itzkowitz knew she was taking a risk 15 years ago when she joined forces with Marc Fisher to launch a new shoe venture. But the move paid off, and the company continues to expand its reach. Here, Itzowitz sounds off on cultivating a strong culture and shares her advice for women negotiating a difficult situation at work.

Can you name a powerful leadership moment you have experienced?

“Fifteen years ago, I took a risk and launched Marc Fisher Footwear with Marc and a very small group of people — it is what one would call a start-up today. While risk-taking in your career can be a difficult decision, it was the best and most rewarding career decision that I ever made. I am proud of the work we have done together over the past 15 years. We have grown our start-up into a great company that is passionate about our product and about our people. By design, we have created a supportive culture that focuses on developing and mentoring our employees while delivering great product to the marketplace.”

What are the biggest challenges for the generation of women behind you?

“I believe that the next generation will continue to struggle with the challenges of work-life balance. Technology, while it in many ways makes our life easier, also made it harder and more demanding as everything is now 24/7. At Marc Fisher, we are committed to continually implementing policies and benefits to make the work-life balance a little easier for our employees.”

What advice do you have for women asking for a raise or promotion?

“Do not be afraid to ask for what you want or what you think you deserve. But don’t think of this as a one-time event or something you get for showing up every day or being in your position for a long time. Rather, consider it as a strategy with benchmarks. Set up regular one-on-one meetings with your supervisor to set goals, and regularly communicate and evaluate your performance. By tracking your own performance and bringing analytics to the table, you will be able to better highlight your work and accomplishments and make a strong case for your promotion or raise.”

With 20-plus years in the shoe industry and now at the helm of a footwear powerhouse firm with popular brands such as Kendall + Kylie, Ivanka Trump and Guess in its stable, Marc Fisher Footwear president Susan Itkowitz has a few tried-and-true tactics for getting things done.

The executive previously sharpened her shoe acumen and leadership skills as group president of Nine West before helping former colleague Marc Fisher get his new venture, Marc Fisher Footwear, off the ground in 2005.

Here, Itzkowitz talks career milestones and mentoring other women in the workplace.

What was the biggest breakthrough moment in your career?

“Joining Marc in starting Marc Fisher Footwear was a very special opportunity. To build a great company from the ground up has been exciting and hugely fulfilling. Building a team and a culture has been the most rewarding. Marc Fisher Footwear has proven to be the most important venture in my professional life thus far.”

Is there anything you would have done differently? 

“I’m sure there are things that I could have done differently, but it may not have led me to the same outcome.  I’m very happy where I am, so I have no regrets.”

Do you think women do enough to support other women in the workplace? Why or why not?

“I think there’s always an opportunity to provide more support and mentorship. We’ve made significant strides in the workforce lately. By mentoring young women on the rise, we’re bound to see even greater progress. It’s important that we lead by example and foster a community of collaboration rather than one of competition.”

What is the biggest challenge you faced in the last year, and how did you overcome it? 

“We recently acquired Easy Spirit, a comfort footwear brand.  The acquisition has given us the unique and challenging opportunity to reinvigorate and refocus an iconic brand. Our team has gone above and beyond to successfully navigate the transition and to begin moving Easy Spirit forward in a new and very positive direction.”

Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self?

“I would remind my younger self that your career path doesn’t always go as planned. Don’t be afraid to take a risk — sometimes it leads to a more exciting place.”

The event, held in New York on Monday night, also honored Andrew Rosen, founder and CEO of Theory (person of the year); Stuart Vevers of Coach Inc. (Designer of the Year); Nick Graham (Fashion Maverick); and former WWD editor-in-chief Ed Nardoza (Lifetime Achievement Award).

Marc Fisher, founder of Marc Fisher Footwear, and the company’s president Susan Itzkowitz were on hand to accept the company of the year honors.

“The shoe business is a tough business — especially these days,” Fisher said when he took the stage. “All I do is work on product 24/7 non-stop — that’s all I do. I’m lucky because I have a team that takes care of everything that needs to get. It’s all about the passion, dedication, drive and everyone in our company that really makes it work.”

Marc Fisher is also the footwear licensee for the first daughter’s namesake label the Ivanka Trump Collection, which Trump stepped away from in January to join her father in Washington.

“We work endlessly to figure out what women want to wear — and it’s really a challenge,” said Fisher, who is fourth generation shoe maven and the son of Nine West co-founder Jerome Fisher, who passed away in 2016. “We’re all about making fashionable, beautiful and let’s not forget comfortable shoes. Our commitment to working and collaborating with our customers has been pivotal to our success.”

Like Marc Fisher, Itzkowitz also noted that the current retail environment has been challenging but that the company had found ways to forge ahead.

“We believe first and foremost in a commitment to quality — quality first of our people [and then] quality of design, quality of manufacturing and quality of fit,” Itzkowitz said. “Behind each and every shoe deliver, there is a hugely talented and passionate group of individuals — from our design teams to our sourcing team to our sales team and our marketing team. This has helped us to thrive despite the ever-changing retail environment.”

The AAFA represents more than 1,000 footwear and apparel brands as a public policy and political advocate in Washington. Its annual Image Awards celebrates innovation and leadership throughout the fashion industry.

This year’s event benefited the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative, a program within the Council of Fashion Designers of America Foundation that supports domestic production by connecting fashion designers to local manufacturing.

Last night’s soiree — hosted by award-winning actor Alan Cumming — brought out designers, fashion industry executives and celebrities, including Kenneth Cole, Ruthie Davis, Cynthia Rowley, Emma Roberts, super model Niki Taylor, Bill Nye “The Science Guy” and retail execs from Neiman Marcus, Macy’s and Bloomingdales.

Nine West co-founder Jerome “Jack” Fisher, who died last week in Palm Beach, Fla., at age 85, dramatically changed the footwear business during his legendary career. The patriarch of one of the industry’s most storied shoe families built Nine West into a powerhouse brand and paved the way for many who followed in his footsteps, including his beloved children and grandchildren.

“My dad was a incredible man — my best friend, my mentor and best of all, my dad. We loved each other very much,” said Marc Fisher, founder and CEO of his namesake company. “His passion was always shoes, always trying to be the best at what he did, always pushing everyone he worked with to be the best. He was truly a visionary in the ladies’ shoe industry.”

Fisher said his father brought his entire family together and “made magic.” “His wife, kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to him,” he said. “I will miss his daily phone calls, his concerns [for me, sister Jodi and brother Jeffrey], his love and support. He was an amazing guy, truly the best.”

The shoe business has been in the family blood for many decades. Jack’s father, Sam Fisher, was a founding member of the Two Ten Footwear Foundation, so it’s no surprise that Jack Fisher became hooked on the business at a young age.

He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1953 with a degree in industrial engineering — and the sharp student’s thesis on the demise of the U.S. shoe industry didn’t stop him from opening a footwear factory in Derry, N.H. Fisher quickly recognized the opportunity to expand by importing shoes.“Jerome’s passion, eagerness and trailblazing ambition to globalize were always in the back of his mind,” said his wife, Anne Fisher.

In 1968, Jack Fisher became a partner with Sumitomo Shoji, a Japanese trading company — where he first worked with Vince Camuto. By 1977, the duo had formed the precursor to Nine West. Fisher and Camuto — along with Wayne Weaver — grew the company into a formidable global player, took it public in 1993 and snapped up rival U.S. Shoe Corp. in 1995. (Nine West was sold to Jones Apparel Group in 1999 for $900 million; the brand is now owned by Sycamore Partners.)

“Getting together with Vince for Nine West was unique at the time. They created this terrific enterprise,” said Dick Jacobson, the former FFANY president, who first met Fisher during his New England factory days.

“When Nine West went public, he said to me, ‘Dickie, I can’t believe this could happen to me.’ He was a humble guy down deep and very open with people who knew him. If you were a friend, he would go to [great lengths] for you.”

Weaver, former co-owner of Nine West, said Fisher was an iconic figure from his factory shoe days. “He was a good man and did good things for it,” said Weaver. “Jack was one of the early pioneers who recognized Brazil was the next major shoe source for moderate-price leather footwear. I had met him in those early days when I was at Brown Shoe, and we bought shoes from him. I had 16 great years working with him and have great admiration for his contribution not only to the industry, but our company.”

As Fisher, Camuto, Weaver and team developed the business, they found a distinct opening in the market — for fashion-style footwear at price points that didn’t break the bank.

“He had a tremendous impact on the shoe industry,” said Scott Meden, EVP of the Nordstrom shoe division. “Jack had a unique knack for developing on-trend product with great quality and fit at an accessible price. He and Vince were truly pioneers in so many aspects of the business as we know it today. Jack’s legacy and our relationship live on with his son Marc.”

In an interview with FN last year, Fisher recalled introducing his son to the business at a young age as a way of spending time together: “Soon my passion was Marc’s passion, and he was off to Brazil to study shoemaking. He was a natural — always listening, learning and becoming fluent in both the art and business of shoes.”

The elder Fisher relished the opportunity to work as a consultant for his son’s business during his retirement years, and he also made a deep impact on many other members of the industry along the way. “Jack advised, supported and mentored me over the many years we worked together,” said Susan Itzkowitz, president of Marc Fisher Footwear. “He was a visionary who forever changed the footwear business. While he was a valued mentor, more importantly, he was a good friend.”

During his retirement years, Fisher was perhaps most stimulated by his far-reaching charity work, which was always a central part of his life. He was a major force in one of the footwear industry’s biggest charity events, Shoes on Sale — which was launched in 1993 by daughter Jodi Fisher, who died in 2009.

Her father, a co-founder of the event, served on the FFANY board, often attended the annual fundraising gala in New York and was a major contributor to the cause since its inception. “When I came to my dad with the idea for Shoes on Sale, he looked at me and said, ‘This is such a huge idea, but I really believe you can do this,’ ” Jodi Fisher recalled in 2007. “He taught me to never give up.”

Jack Fisher — who was honored with Two Ten’s Humanitarian award — was a steadfast supporter of his alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania.
In 1991, he and Anne were the primary donors for the Anne and Jerome Fisher Fine Arts Library, and he also endowed what became the Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology.

In 2002, the Fishers teamed up with former Hasbro CEO Alan Hassenfeld to give an $11.5 million donation to Penn to update student dormitories and residential services. More recently, the couple gave $3 million to fund the Jodi Fisher Horowitz Professorship in Leukemia Care Excellence at the university’s Abramson Cancer Center.

The Fishers also made significant contributions to many other hospitals and arts organizations, including the Israel Museum.

Also during his retirement, Fisher — who had a lifelong passion for yachting — decided to build his dream boat, “The Lady Anne,” a 225-foot elegant, modern mega-yacht. “She’s a beautiful vessel, and I’m very proud,” Fisher said in 2007.

But nothing made him happier than to see his family love the shoe industry — and thrive in it. Today, his grandchildren (and Marc’s children) Adam, Amanda and Lauren, fourth generation family members, are all active at Marc Fisher Footwear. Last week, the young leaders saluted their grandfather and his contributions.

“My heart is so broken, yet so filled with all the love and passion my grandfather instilled in me. He lived his life every day for his family,” said Lauren Fisher. “For such an accomplished man, he was so humble, so full of love and support. My grandfather set the bar high in all aspects of his life. At a very young age, we learned the importance of working hard, commitment, as well as being a close-knit family. I will miss him every day, but feel blessed to have had him in my life.”

Adam Fisher recalled daily calls with his grandfather about family, shoes and trends. “He never lost interest for an industry that’s been in our
family for so long. I have been blessed to have learned from him in both life and business, and will always try to emulate his incredible successes,” he said.

Amanda Fisher called her grandfather an incredible leader and innovator “whose vision helped transform the footwear industry.” Above all else, she said, he was a family man. “His greatest achievement was in his role as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His love and dedication to our family will continue to bring us together for years to come. I am proud to carry on his name and legacy within our business.”

A few years ago, Jack Fisher marveled at his family’s long run. “In a short time, our family will have been in the business for 100 years, dating back to 1919, my father’s time,” Fisher said a few years ago. “We’re all very proud of that.”


—With contributions by Barbara Schneider-Levy