Photo Credit: Donato Sardella/Getty Images for Saks Fifth Avenue

Rita Ora plus Giuseppe Zanotti equals a sartorial shoe match made in heaven. On Thursday night in L.A., the Italian fashion designer and platinum-selling musician and global superstar joined forces to launch their ‘Giuseppe for Rita Ora’ footwear collection at Saks Fifth Avenue (as well as online at giuseppezanotti.com), which is hot on the heels of Zanotti’s 2017 collab with Jennifer Lopez. The duo hosted a launch event at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills, greeting shoppers and VIP guests, and signing select pairs of purchased footwear, while enjoying cocktails and music from DJ Siobhan Bell.

Photo Credit: Donato Sardella/Getty Images for Saks Fifth Avenue

The unique capsule collection is a perfect blend of Rita’s iconic style and designer’s legendary expertise. It features knock-out stiletto sandals, to-the-knee and peep-toe boots and fresh slip-on flat with prices ranging from $795 for the flats to $2,495 for the boot. Fans will also be able to catch some of Giuseppe’s celebrated work on stage, as he has exclusively designed pieces for Rita’s global tour later this year.

Haute Living spoke to the songbird and designer about their collaboration, why they chose to work together and how this joyful pairing absolutely hit the right notes for them both.

RITA ORA

Photo Credit: Donato Sardella/Getty Images for Saks Fifth Avenue

How does wearing a Giuseppe Zanotti shoe make you feel and why?

I feel really stylish but also, most importantly, I feel really feminine and sexy and confident. Although the overall design of the collection is quite bold and striking, I think the designs are still very intricate and delicate. I also love the range of colors within the collection. There is a shoe for every occasion – the black and gold combination is really sophisticated; the red is more fun and playful. I am really pleased with the collection.

What aesthetic did you want to bring to your collaboration?

I wanted an aesthetic that genuinely reflected me, my personality and my own sense of style. But I also wanted to work with Giuseppe to create designs that could appeal to everyone, no matter what your personal style is. This is based on my own personal jewelry I have collected over the years so means a lot to me personally.

What does this collection say about who you are, and who the woman is that wears it?

It is strong, bold and striking. It makes me feel really empowered and proud. It is for women who work and play and I want women to feel empowered to be able to do both and look amazing while doing it

How would you describe your look?

I don’t really have one specific look. I like to experiment with fashion and play around with different colors and textures. It’s all the little things that add up to create an overall look. For me, it also not only about the way and outfit looks. It is about how it feels.

What brands do you gravitate towards aside from Giuseppe Zanotti?

I love Escada, Versace, Tom Ford, Martine Rose, Thierry Mugler, Marc Jacobs, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Cowan, I love a lot of British new designers I have worn art school etc.

You recently released the album “Phoenix.” What does the title say about you—in life, in fashion, in love?

For me this represents reinventing yourself based on your strengths. I always try to improve myself and my life and my knowledge on fashion love and life.

What was the inspiration behind your new single, ‘Let You Love Me?’ Where did you go to creatively to write it?

I always look forward to creating new music and expressing myself musically. I have a great studio I use in London which feels very safe for me to express myself and open up. To me it is about letting people in to allow myself to be loved I have been independent in regards to not relaying on anyone for a while so for me it is a lot about being able to let people in

Which of your songs is the hardest to sing in front of a crowd because it’s the most personal, and why?

“Soul Survivor” for me, but also at the same time all the fans know the words so it is also one of my favorite to sing.

Photo Credit: RITA ORA

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI

Photo Credit: Donato Sardella/Getty Images for Saks Fifth Avenue

How did this collection come to be? Was it your idea or Rita’s? Did you approach her, etc?

Rita and I have been talking for a while about a possible project together. The collaboration was a very natural result.

Why is Rita such a fit for your brand, and vice versa?

Rita is so charismatic, feminine, beautiful… Every time she wears my shoes, I am so proud. She embodies the coolness I want to express through my designs.

What was the most fun part of the collaborative process for you? Do you have one instance in the design studio that stands out? If yes, why in particular?

Rita is very direct, she exactly knows what she wants. I love the fact that she is so irreverent, and she never thinks is too much, she is just like this.

What do you think defines your aesthetic? What do you think defines Rita’s?

Rita and I share deep love for music and a very similar aesthetic. I seek inspiration anywhere I go, but music has always been the main source of inspiration, my real muse, my starting point. I put “music” in all my designs – I like refined silhouettes mixed with bold elements.

What music do you listen to when you’re designing? What songs seriously get your creativity flowing?

Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Doors, The Who, The Rolling Stones, these are my absolute favorites along with Rita, Drake and Michael Jackson…It is very hard to pick a specific song, I always change my mind when it comes to music.

What is one shoe rule that every woman should follow?

Shoes should make you feel confident. It can be a stiletto heel or a pair of biker boots, it doesn’t matter. It is the attitude which counts.

Photo Credit: Giuseppe Zanotti