Giuseppe Zanotti swung through Paris on Thursday to present his spring-summer 2025 collection, and host a lavish, lively dinner at Caviar Kaspia in honor of his brand’s 30th anniversary.

Told the traditional gift for that milestone is pearl, he was surprised, familiar mostly with silver for 25th anniversaries and gold for the 50th.

Clutching a small glass of chilled vodka, Zanotti related that in Italian culture, pearls have a negative association around weddings, their round shape resembling tears and considered by some an omen for a sad marriage.

Not that he hasn’t used pearls on shoes over his vast career, which spans 40 years if you count his decade as a freelance designer.

“I used them for the first time with Vera Wang, because I designed bridal shoes for her, and she loved to apply the pearl,” he related.

Artist Thomas Lélu, photographer Cate Underwood and influencer Camille Charrière were among revelers who tucked into smoked salmon and caviar-topped potatoes, co-branded Kaspia/Giuseppe turquoise napkins spread on their laps.

Zanotti has already hosted anniversary dinners in Taipei, Bangkok and Hong Kong, and he’s planning another for New York City in early December in tandem with a collection presentation.

He’s also marking the milestone with a special shoe.

“We designed a sandal with a ring toe. I first did them 30 years ago, and I changed them a little bit,” he said, noting the style would be available for one year from January.

Propped on easels at one end of the dining room were photos from a fashion shoot he did featuring the style, the toe-ring glinting with crystal embroideries.

Today, Zanotti said he sells more flats and mid-heel shoes than high heels, “but also I cannot forget this sense of elegance of the high stilettos,” he said.

Just call him the shoe chef.

“This is my kitchen and I like to play with different ingredients,” said Giuseppe Zanotti, during an interview in his stylish Via Montenapoleone showroom during Milan Fashion Week.

As the designer marks 30 years of his namesake label, he is looking back with a special capsule collection focusing on the iconic Ring sandal, a key style from the beginning. The look is reinterpreted in a classic flat and new block heel.

For spring ’25, the designer also explored his love of jewelry shoes, using an oversized gold nugget to decorate pumps and sandals. The ornamentation helps modernize the classic pump, according to the designer. “I like to create a fusion between shoes and accessories,” Zanotti said. “The gold nuggets with the open toe and block heel, for me it’s my ideal pump.”

Zanotti also showed off a sexy sandal, defined by its geometric lines and ’80’s aesthetic. “I love to do shoes that are seasonless and fashionless,” he said.

Elsewhere in the spring ’25 collection, details define the assortment — from delicate metal flowers to glittering crystals to gold dome plates. The signature pointed-toe Intriigo silhouette is updated with hand-woven leather knots, while ballerinas go from day to night.

As he cooks up his next collection, Zanotti is expanding his retail presence with a new space at Milan’s Rinascente department store.

This fall, the designer has also gotten a boost from none other than Taylor Swift, who wore his over-the-knee boots to two Kansas City Chiefs games in September. Zanotti said he’s proud to have worked with the songstress since the beginning of her career, but seeing her step out in his shoes time and again next gets old.

“She goes everywhere in these boots,” he said. “I’m so happy!”

For spring 2013, Giuseppe Zanotti introduced one of his most–recognizable shoes to date: The Cruel, a gold leaf sandal inspired by baroque motifs. But Kanye West and Virgil Abloh’s influence took it to the next level.

“About 12 years ago, Kanye West saw this shoe and asked me to create an all-white version to coincide with the launch of his ‘Cruel Summer’ album. I realized then the shoe was a moment,” Giuseppe Zanotti explained. “He [and Virgil Abloh] also visited our showroom in Milan, which is located within a historical palace. Virgil took a picture of the Medusa and leaf motif across the showroom fireplace and they then used that for the cover of the album. At that time, we fused their vision with mine and we were able to create something that is vibrant and still resonates.”

Due to its success, the style was presented season after season in new colors and materials after its initial release. Most recently, it was seen on Nicole Ari Parker on the set of “And Just Like That” season one, in white patent with a rainbow paint platter effect.

Other celebrity fans of the Cruel sandal through the years have included Kim Kardashian, Cardi B, Julia Fox, Khloe Kardashian and more.

On what makes an iconic shoe? Zanotti explained that an icon, in whichever form, is something that stands the test of time without losing its relevance.

“It lives in a different dimension, it does not age. It’s the same philosophy as cars, for instance. The Ferrari 250 GTO Daytona is iconic, it’s still modern and beautiful today after more than 60 years,” he said. “When you create something that makes you shiver for its beauty, well, then you know you are in the right direction.”

Latto took the stage at Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash 2024 held on Saturday in Atlanta. The rapper was joined on stage by fellow performer Usher and performed alongside acts like Summer Walker, Flo Milli, 21 Savage, Rob49 and Boosie Badazz, among others.

For her performance, the “Sunday Service” rapper donned a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti booties. The designer footwear featured textural fur uppers that transitioned into brown suede pointed toes fitted with gold metal plating that offered the silhouette a high-shine finish. The footwear acted as the star of Latto’s look, contrasting the rather plain denim set she wore along with them.

The set was completed with 2 to 3-inch heels, offering the performer a subtle boost while on stage, making her look larger than life. Latto’s footwear is currently not available for purchase on Giuseppe Zanotti’s store, likely because it is an older model. The cozy booties can be purchased through third-party websites like eBay and Poshmark.

Although this style isn’t in circulation any longer, the designer brand has a similar style called Xylia that is readily available in a variety of colorways. Similar styles like Latto’s can be found from brands like MSGM, JW Pei, Vivienne Westwood, Marni, Acne Studios, Dolls Kill and Revolve in a variety of unique colors and silhouettes.

Along with her furry footwear, Latto wore a two-piece denim set comprised of a cropped jacket and high-waisted micro shorts. Jazzing up her look, the “He Say She Say” rapper wore a variety of gold jewelry that gave her look a dazzling touch.

Latto’s shoe style is sleek and subversive. The “Muwop” singer often wears neutral and colorful heeled sandals on the red carpet from brands including Giuseppe Zanotti and Gianvito Rossi. Off-duty, she can also be seen in towering Jennifer Le platform wedges, punky Vetements boots and chunky Chanel sneakers, as well.

Tina Knowles stood a little taller while out and about in New York City. Mother of music stars Beyonce and Solange, Knowles was spotted on Monday wearing a pair of black platform heels.

Knowles wore the shoes on the “Today” show with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager to talk about the launch of Cecred and her family’s history.

Knowles is certainly no stranger to platform heels. A cofounder of Beyonce’s now-defunct House of Dereon as well as the recently launched Cecred, Knowles has been spotted in the style multiple times. For the premiere of the “Renaissance” movie, she wore a pair of bejeweled platforms. Prior to that, she wore a peep-toe pair to the 2022 iteration of the Wearable Art Gala she founded.

About the shoe

Knowles opted for a sturdy Giuseppe Zanotti platform heel. The shoe, dubbed the Betty, featured a peep-toe hole big enough that only a few toes were visible. It was also made of slick, black patent leather.

The heel of the shoe is a block heel. With the chunky platform, the shoe adds 5 inches in height. The heel breast of the style is black, like the shoe’s upper, while the sole is tan. Though the top of the shoe is not visible when Lawson walks, it features a strap that wraps around the back of the foot before fastening at the ankle.

The Made in Italy shoes are currently available for $995.

About the Brand

Giuseppe Zanotti shoes are a red carpet staple. Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce are often spotted in the styles. The Italian luxury shoe brand spans a variety of styles including sneakers, boots, sandals, pumps, and more. Earlier this month the company announced a limited-edition collaboration with the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J Blige. The partnership was an over-the-knee rose gold boot. The shoe sold out within 24 hours.

Mary J. Blige is the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul — and the queen of boots, too.

The songstress revealed her new collaboration with Giuseppe Zanotti on stage at her “Strength of a Woman’ festival Saturday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The limited-edition ‘Giuseppe for Mary J. Blige’ boot — an over-the-knee style with a block heel — makes a high-shine statement in mirrored rose gold.

“My fans and my community know that part of my style is these statement boots – I’ve worn them during so many big moments of my career, it just made sense. It could never be anything else,” the songstress said, about her obsession with the silhouette. “My fans have been waiting for a boot from me for a long time, so I knew when I did it, it had to be right. From start to finish, Giuseppe just understood what I wanted and helped make this idea a reality.“

The $1,295 ‘Mary’ boot will be available for purchase beginning May 11 at giuseppezanotti.com and in the Giuseppe Zanotti boutique in Atlanta.

Since the ’90s, the singer has included thigh-high boots in red carpet looks, and as part of her core stage style.

“Boots have always made me feel strong,” Blige said. “They have helped me feel confident in moments when I have been anything but. There is something about putting on a statement boot that makes you feel strong and ready to take on your day.”

And one of her go-to shoe names has been Giuseppe Zanotti— she even cited the designer in her 2006 hit single, “Enough Cryin.”

“I admire so much about Giuseppe. His skill and creativity is out of this world,” Blige said. “So when we started talking about a potential collaboration, it just felt right. I’m such a fan of his and everything he creates.”

Zanotti created sleekly folded, voluminous thigh-high boots for Blige’s performance during the festival. While the pair was working on those looks, they decided to create the limited-edition look, which is inspired by Blige’s own style.

“She is fierce, and she has a strong personality and unique sense of style,” Zanotti said. “When I create something for Mary, especially for the music-related appearances, I focus on what she is doing, what she is saying with her music, and I try to create something that can align with the creative mood to enhance it.”

Keke Palmer has a taste for bold shoes, so it wasn’t easy to narrow down her most memorable shoe moments. The multi-hyphenate star is always stepping out statement-making styles featuring towering heels, loud hues and whimsical embellishments. Suffice it to say, when Palmer makes a public appearance, you can bet her shoes will be anything but subtle.

Ahead, discover some of the flamboyant footwear Keke Palmer has showcased over the years.

Cherry Red Peep-Toe Pumps

Attending a 2024 Grammys after-party in Los Angeles, the “Alice” star donned red Jimmy Choo platform pumps featuring a peep toe, a shimmery satin finish and an ankle-strap fastening.

Floral Boots

At the 2022 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City, Palmer showed off a pair of pointy thigh-high boots boasting the same blue and green floral print as her Carolina Herrera gown.

Gold Metallic Platforms

The singer turned heads at the 2019 MTV VMA Awards in gold metallic Giuseppe Zanotti pumps set on a thick platform and block heels.

Sparkly Denim Thigh-Highs

For a book signing in 2017, the actress slipped into a white off-the-shoulder shirt dress that put her denim boots encrusted with silver sequins and crystals on display.

Faux Fur Sandals

Keke Palmer sported chocolate brown faux fur sandals with a black jumpsuit at the 2016 MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Lionel Richie.

Below, scroll through the gallery to check out more of Keke Palmer’s best fashion looks to date.

Keke Palmer’s Best Looks Through the Years

View Gallery 7 Images

For 30 years, the Giuseppe Zanotti name has been synonymous with high-fashion stilettos and sandals that blend classic Italian craftsmanship with sculptural silhouettes and luxe embellishments.

Since his very first collection, released in 1994, the visionary Zanotti has continued to innovate and create one iconic shoe after another, from 2008’s architectural “Bloc” sandal to 2012’s “Tattoo” bootie, which was featured in the music video for Beyoncé’s “Mirrors.” His eponymous brand has evolved to include a sneaker collection, men’s footwear, bags, accessories and more, stocked by the world’s top retailers and coveted by celebrities and fashionistas alike.

Here’s how Zanotti made it happen.

Made in Italy

Zanotti, who was born in San Mauro Pascoli, Italy, was fascinated with shoes from a very early age. After deciding to pursue a career designing women’s footwear in the 1980s, he worked as a freelancer, creating looks for luxury brands including Dior, Valentino, Gianfranco Ferré, Balmain and Roberto Cavalli.

By 1994, he was ready to strike out on his own. He acquired Vicini, a small manufacturing company based in his hometown, allowing him to continue the legacy of Italian shoemaking while having complete control over his own production.

He created his first eponymous collection — a colorful array of bejeweled styles — and presented it to buyers from the top American department stores. He landed his first orders from Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys and Neiman Marcus.

Building buzz

It wasn’t long before Zanotti became a darling of the fashion world, thanks to his high-art designs. He became a go-to for celebrities looking for show-stopping shoes to add a little sizzle to their red carpet looks. Madonna, Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez were among his early fans.

His close relationships with music’s biggest stars would later lead to high-profile collaborations with Lopez, Rita Ora, Kanye West, Lady Gaga and others

Leveling up

As his business took off, Zanotti opened his first store in Milan in 2000, followed by locations in other major international cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, London, Paris and Moscow.

By 2013, sales had surpassed $150 million, and the company got a fresh injection of capital when LVMH-backed L Capital (now L Catterton) acquired a 30 percent stake.

Getting casual

While Zanotti made a name for himself with his glamorous heels, he jumped into the sneaker market in 2010. The designer took his distinctive, maximalist aesthetic and applied it to luxury kicks that offered women a more casual, everyday alternative.

Zanotti rolled out a men’s collection in 2012, featuring sneakers, sandals and even rhinestone-encrusted smoking slippers. Today, he offers an expansive men’s assortment of mostly sneakers, from simple slip-ons to rock-n-roll-inspired kicks detailed with gold accents, metal hardware and studs.

Collaborations

Like many luxury brands, Zanotti has tapped a long list of creative minds for buzzy collaborations that bring fresh points of view to his brand. He’s joined forces with the likes of Rita Ora, Jennifer Lopez, Christian Cowan, Swae Lee, Young Thug and Evan Mock. The industry veteran also mentors rising talent to help nurture the next generation. Last year, he teamed with shoe designer Nicolò Beretta to create a two-style capsule.   

Mining the archives

Over the years, Zanotti has amassed a veritable museum of unforgettable styles. To capitalize on these rich archives, his brand announced the debut of its Icons series in 2020, which would see the return of some of the most celebrated styles from across the decades — revamped with a contemporary spin. The idea is to introduce these footwear icons to a new generation of fashion fans.

Production line

In addition to producing his own collections, Zanotti’s company has inked licensing deals to manufacture and distribute footwear lines for other brands. It announced partnerships with French brand Alexandre Vauthier in 2020 and Area in 2024.

Who owns the Giuseppe Zanotti shoe brand?

Zanotti maintains majority ownership of his namesake brand, and L Catterton remains a minority partner. Today, the company — which will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year — is comprised of 11 subsidiaries and sells its products in 500 stores across 70 countries.

FNAA Designer of Year

In 2014, Giuseppe Zanotti received the FNAA 2014 Designer of the Year award. “I’m not a Michelangelo or a Da Vinci,” he said to FN. “My mission is to be at the service of the market. I have my vision … but they are the ones who ask for these shoes.”