OUT OF THE ORDINARY

Sexy straps, little cut-outs, crystal embellishments and luxurious materials —Giuseppe Zanotti’s autumn/winter 2018 collection goes against the grain but still ticks all the right boxes when it comes to upping the style quotient of its fans

In the world of designer footwear, Giuseppe Zanotti is a revered name. The Italian shoe maestro cut his teeth at various fashion houses before launching his eponymous label in 1994. With an eye for detail, flair for design and penchant for audacious and provocative creations, he has catapulted his business from a start-up operation to join the ranks of the big boys of the luxury footwear industry. His jewel-encrusted shoes are a major hit with women and his sneakers have earned him street cred with men, while his bespoke creations have garnered him a following among celebrities such as Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Kanye West and Zayn Malik. Giuseppe Zanotti takes the same bold approach to design with its autumn/winter 2018 offerings for women and men. Take the Harmony Bouche patent leather sandals (pictured opposite), for instance, which pairs the brand’s signature structural silhouette with a sensual cage strap design to accentuate the legs. The straps are also given a new twist with three crystal-embellished lip appliques, a light-hearted and playful touch to an otherwise classic shoe design. Expect to also see the use of crystals, Plexiglass, feathers and stretch metallic materials in Giuseppe Zanotti’s other designs for women. Meanwhile, the brand’s creations for men also push style conventions—think combat boots worn low, sequinned velvet monkstraps and velvet high-top sneakers. The collection shows that Signor Zanotti knows what it takes to achieve the perfect balance of desirability, wearability and design. Thanks to him, putting your best foot forward has never been this easy. Here are three other highlights from the collection:

LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE Sculpted to resemble a graphic interpretation of brand founder Giuseppe Zanotti’s initials, the 4inch-high heel of the G-heel patent leather pump features a timeless silhouette with a bold twist. The combination of modern glamour and quirkiness adds pizzazz to any outfit, with the woman standing in these shoes drawing attention to herself, and for good reason.

ON A HIGH Giuseppe Zanotti reinterpreted its sporty Kriss Plus leather mid-top sneakers by cladding them in luxurious leather, and working in its “Signature” socks. Zanotti was inspired by the 1960s tennis fashion trend where players wore court shoes with embroidered socks that stretched to the middle of their shins. This unusual design tweak adds a touch of sophistication to the sporty sneakers.

SLIP ‘EM ON For black-tie occasions, the brand has the perfect pair of velvet loafers to match your well-fitted tuxedo. The G-flash sports a traditional silhouette, which modern-day dandies can appreciate, but is given a trompe l’oeil tone-on-tone print effect for visual impact. This contemporary update ensures that the classic slip-ons transcend the seasons.