Unfortunately, very sad news struck the shoe industry yesterday when it was announced that the CEO of Stefano Bemer, Tommaso Melani, R.I.P., had passed away. This news shocked everyone, not only because it was completely unexpected but also because Tommaso was such a pillar not only for the shoe community but also for the Italian craft of shoemaking and its future. A true loss and certainly way too early.
Many of you know that I worked under Stefano Bemer back in 2009 and worked with many of the shoemakers still present at the company today. Sadly, Stefano also passed away, way too young, back in 2012, which was a huge loss to the industry as well. But we felt happy that the brand, and Stefano’s legacy, was at least carried on by someone who truly cared to keep that greatness alive. And that was Tommaso Melani.
I first met Tommaso back in 2013, if I recall correctly, at my first Pitti Uomo event, when he threw a party to celebrate and showcase the new Stefano Bemer shop. While we did not get a chance to truly get to know each other too well that evening, as hundreds of people attended, we of course kept in touch through our shared experience and friends at the Stefano Bemer brand. I would always visit to say hello whenever I was in Florence, and I always enjoyed our meetings. You could tell that he really cared about the craft, the industry as a whole, and ensuring the future of its existence through the amazing shoemaking school that he put together. Stefano’s legacy was in great hands.
It was not until I moved to NYC that we actually became closer. His first showroom in NYC was just down the street from my shop, and we would frequently meet up for coffee and discuss the business. At certain points, we even discussed sharing a shop together, yet that never came to fruition, as my ideas of ‘having a shop’ changed drastically. But I always enjoyed our talks as he was truly an Entrepreneur that always looked to create new ideas. I loved that and was often inspired by his vision. While I love shoes, Entrepreneurship is what really drives me. The idea to create new business that inspires others is what motivates me. Tommaso was very similar, and in this we clicked.
Many of you want to know what happened, which is natural. I do as well. All I can say is that I have been told that he passed away in his sleep, which thankfully is the most peaceful way to go. It is still unbelievable, as he was so healthy and fit and full of life. So, it almost feels surreal, especially as we had just recently shared a text to meet up in Manhattan at some point shortly after my travels. But alas, this won’t happen now.
While I did not know his family, my heart goes out to them. He was a father, and I know the pain of losing a father young and can only hope that they find peace.
Tommaso Melani, R.I.P., my friend. Your legacy will never be forgotten.
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
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