Capezio
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Capezio is a trademarked name used by a privately held United States company, Ballet Makers, Inc., which specializes in dance apparel and dance shoes, including ballet pointe shoes.
The company markets dance accessories worldwide, focusing mainly on the USA and Europe.
Ballet Makers, Inc., of Totowa, NJ, is owned and operated by the descendants of Salvatore Capezio, the founder of the shoe empire. The head of Capezio from the 1950s through the 1980s was Ben Sommers, a non-family member whom the childless Salvatore Capezio thought of as a son. During his tenure Sommers branched into high fashion, and the company eventually won the coveted Coty Award for its contributions to the industry, including its mainstream ballet flats. Also during this time, the company hit hard financial times and Sommers made the decision to sell the Capezio name to the U.S. Shoe Corporation. (U.S. Shoe subsequently was purchased by Nine West, which was sold to Jones Apparel, which continues to own the Capezio name.) Ballet Makers, Inc., the company created in the wake of the sale of the Capezio name, currently licenses the use of this name on its dance products.[1] [2] [3][4]
Capezio dates its establishment to 1887, when at the age of 17, Salvatore Capezio opened a shop on Broadway and 39th Street in New York City across the street from the old Metropolitan Opera House, under the title of 'The Theatrical & Historical Shoemaker.'
[edit] Important Dates
- Anna Pavlova purchased Capezio pointe shoes for herself and her entire company during her first tour of the United States in 1910.
- In 1949 Capezio was featured on a cover of Vogue.
- Capezio received the Coty Award, fashion's highest accolade, in 1952.
[edit] Famous Supporters of Capezio
- Anna Pavlova
- Fred Astaire
- Gene Kelly
- Sammy Davis Jr.
- Charles "Honi" Coles
- Yul Brynner
- Eleanor Powell
- Bob Fosse
- Anne Reinking
- Gregory Hines
- Savion Glover
- Radio City Rockettes
