Giuseppe Zanotti on Rihanna, Kanye, Gaga – and how sneakers represent the new world
The designer says streetwear is the new couture, sneakers have become a form of art, and creating new shoes for celebrities is a welcome challenge
Back in Hong Kong for the first time in three years, Giuseppe Zanotti graced the eponymous brand’s flagship store as it launched a spring/summer 2018 collection.
We caught up with him to talk shoes, stars and style.
How would you describe the Zanotti woman?
She is never satisfied; she loves to wear something new all the time. I design for 800 models every season, and I try to satisfy every woman. These women may like to wear flats, sandals or sneakers during the day, and in the evening they may want to transform themselves into a super impressive, super sexy woman. The Zanotti woman is also sensitive, and not vulgar. She likes to be feminine. Most importantly, she is never satisfied.
Are you ever satisfied [with your collections]?
Not really. After I design a collection and I’m super happy and excited, I immediately want to do something new. I may love the shoes and the vision, but then I need to find something else. It’s crazy. It’s like an obsession – to create something new. It’s difficult to find perfection in shoes. It’s a crazy animal to control. It’s also my personality. I like to grow all the time. It’s been 35 years in this job, but I still feel like a kid all the time in that I need to find something new.
How would you describe the Zanotti man?
Dynamite. Full of energy. The Zanotti man loves music; he’s cool and super rock. I like to imagine two universes: [one with] sneakers and [one for] cocktail. I like to imagine this guy with a tuxedo jacket and black denim and loafers. For centuries, men were so boring with their shoes. Now they have new ideas. Zanotti loafers, for example, with the details on the top, are cool and are perfect for these occasions.
