Renowned for his beautiful craftsmanship and elegant silhouettes, Zanotti has carved a niche for classic elegance. Giuseppe's childhood was deeply rooted in the artisanal traditions of San Mauro Pascoli, a small town in Italy renowned for its shoemaking heritage. Born in 1957, Zanotti grew up surrounded by the sights and sounds of his family's shoe factory, where the meticulous craft of shoemaking was a way of life.
Zanotti was captivated by the artistry and precision that went into creating footwear. He would often spend hours observing the skilled artisans at work, learning the nuances of leatherwork, stitching, and design that would later shape his own career. The town's rich tradition instilled in him a profound appreciation for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
A relative newcomer, Giuseppe Zanotti was established in 1994. His debut collection garnered immediate attention for its perfectly balanced and gorgeously embellished heels, setting a precedent for the showpieces that would define his career.
At the center of it all, is Giuseppe's enduring love affair with footwear. Standout designs begin with the Pyramid Sandal from 2013. With origins in a metallic bodybelt, originally designed for Beyoncé and also worn by Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Lopez (for the cover of her Dance Again album). Featuring the same pyramid gold embellishments, the sandal combines bold, graphic power with a delicate, feminine sensibility. Then Followed the cruel Sandal, emblazoned with curvaceous golden flourishes reminiscent of wings or flames.
The Venere sandal is described by Giuseppe as a fusion between the serpent and the woman's body. It's powerful and sensual, perfectly flattering the foot with golden coils. With its intimations of glamour and danger, it was naturally the style of choice for Lady Gaga who wore a custom-designed pair for the Fame launch party in 2012. Then again for Lady Gaga, Inspired by the elegant lines of Verner Panton's classic 1967 Panton chair, came the Adele wedge while working on designs for her Born this Way tour. The challenge, says the designer, was "to reach the perfect balance between suspension and stability, in total absence of the heel". A truly iconic silhouette.
