Why You Need Giuseppe Zanotti’s New Killer Heels

Uber-hip Italian shoe designer Giuseppe Zanotti  has long been a favorite of red-carpet regulars. At the 2016 Grammys, Zanotti was the go-to brand for celebs like Taylor Swift, Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Carrie Underwood and Zendaya. (Big Sean completed his look with a pair of patent leather loafers by the Italian designer.)

So it’s not surprising that when Zanotti debuted his most recent collection for Fall/Winter 2016-17, it would include some killer heels.  Zanotti says he took inspiration for the designs from the world’s most iconic nightspots, from Le Palace Club de Paris to New York’s Danceteria. Suede, patent leather, and wildly inventive embellishments predominate throughout the new collection.

“Fashion today is about total self-expression,” says Zanotti. “A woman can slip on a pair of embellished cage heels one night and a pair of streamlined, lightweight sneakers the next day. The beauty of modern luxury is the absence of rules.”

As always, Zanetti’s stilettos, known for their couture-like craftsmanship, are works of art. The color palette for F/W is bold, with lots of shimmer and shine. That means crystal embellishments play out in floral patterns across the straps of cut-out suede heels; brightly colored strips of sequins pop on black glitter, open-toe lace-up booties. The allover glitter effect is also featured on the season’s gold and silver platform sandal with a contrasting black heel. Zanotti likes to explore new proportions and shapes to his shoe silhouettes and for day styles has added a new, rounder toe. Among the highlights: richly textured lace-up booties in velvet with metal buckle details, sensual velvet Mary Janes with a noteworthy higher ankle strap,and the season’s over-the-knee boots, cut in supple suedes.

“With this collection I wanted to express that feeling of freedom,” Zanotti says. “The rush you get from putting something on and knowing it perfectly articulates who you are in that moment.”