Sexiness is the Universe (Everything)—Giuseppe Zanotti

"My job is to satisfy everything a woman's foot needs," says Giuseppe Zanotti, the designer behind the popular shoe brand "Giuseppe Zanotti Design," known for its sexy and edgy pumps. We spoke with Mr. Zanotti, who visited Japan to celebrate the brand's 20th anniversary, about the brand's present and future.

—Congratulations on your brand's 20th anniversary.
It's said you will be releasing four capsule collections over the next year to commemorate the anniversary.

Yes, as a culmination of my 20 years of work, I'm presenting a "shoe family." I wanted to create a "family" for the 20th anniversary, much like making a book or a film. The first installment in June is the "Jewel Collection," featuring flat sandals with gold soles. The next theme in September is "Rock & Roll," followed by "Black Stiletto" in November. In February of next year, we plan to unveil "Disco."

—These are open sandals. Why did you choose gold?

Because it's the most beautiful color in summer when a woman's bare foot slips in. The "Black Stiletto" collection, which will be released in November, is all black.

—Speaking of disco, you were a DJ before you started designing shoes, weren't you?

Music is a part of me. Disco is timeless, in any era! That's why I made it the theme for the final collection.

—With your 20th anniversary, you're also focusing more on menswear. It seems surprisingly late that your first collection was two years ago.

Actually, I wasn't interested in men's shoes. Three years ago, Kanye West asked me to design men's sneakers, but I refused. Then Kanye asked me, "Do you like jeans?" and I said, "Yes." He then continued, "Are jeans for men? For women? What about music? Cars?" This is how I decided to try making men's shoes from a unisex perspective. Of course, heels might be for women, but I realized they could also be transformed from women's to men's.

—The collection themes change every season, but
where do you draw inspiration from?

Shoes that go with Black Denim Also Complement Luxury Brand Dresses

—Was your trip to Kenya for pleasure? What do you usually do on your days off?

I try to take a substantial break every year and enjoy boating on the sea. The rest of the time, I'm working, flying between my villas in Venice, New York, and London.

—How do you find Japan after being away for so long?

I don't think much has changed since I was last in Tokyo, but I love the energy of Japan. I particularly remember the 1980s, when Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake, and Rei Kawakubo had a significant impact on fashion. In today's era, with social media like Instagram and Twitter, fashion feels similar across all cities, as if the same energy flows through them.

—Your debut collection was in New York, wasn't it? Why New York?

New York is a city I love. My designs weren't accepted when I exhibited in Italy. So, I presented my collection at the Plaza Hotel in New York. The response from the press and buyers was immediate, and stores like Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks placed orders. My popularity overseas remains high.

—The newly released RTW advertising visuals feature both a man and a woman. You also designed leather blousons. Will you be launching ready-to-wear as well?

I love leather, so as an extension of that, I created blousons and pants like jogging wear. Ultimately, I am a leather craftsman. I call this clothing not "Ready to Wear," but "Leather to Wear."

—Before starting your own brand, you worked as a freelance shoe designer, creating designs to match the ready-to-wear of other designers. What kind of clothing do you envision when you design now?

Often jeans. Shoes that complement black denim should also work with dresses from top maisons like Lanvin or Valentino. Giuseppe Zanotti Design shoes are not designed for fashion brands, but for myself.

When I started the brand 20 years ago, we only offered 30 styles. Now, we produce around 1,000 styles for women alone, and about 300 for men. We also have bags and jewelry. It brings me joy that my DNA lives on through these items.

—Zanotti's shoes are known for their sexiness. What does sexiness mean to you?

Sexiness is something that gives you a dream. It's a coexistence of hot and cool. Sexiness is the universe!

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He spoke with great enthusiasm about the stories behind his shoe designs, as if discussing his life itself. He loves the energy and clubs of New York! As a jet-setter shoe craftsman, may you continue to adorn not only women's but also men's feet with sexiness.

Bluebell Japan
Tel. 03-5413-1050