From Lady Gaga and Gigi Hadid to the new Princess of Wales, is there anyone not wearing Gianvito Rossi shoes?
Thanks to Gianvito Rossi, we are all wearing heels again. Schooled by his father, Sergio Rossi, Gianvito is certainly considered royalty when it comes to the wonderful world of shoes. Famed for his ‘Gianvito’ pump, his shoes are worn and worshipped by fashion lovers and fans alike. MOJEH sipped an espresso with the stylish Italian on his recent trip to Dubai, as we met among his gorgeous creations at the Dubai Mall boutique.
There are so many facets to your job. Is there any part that you enjoy the most?
I would say probably the creation process is my favorite part, from the research of raw material to the continuous and meticulous study of shapes and proportions.
Italian shoes are reputed to be the best in the world. Why do you think this is?
It’s the extreme attention to every detail, the respect of time-honoured and traditional savoir faire that leads to a superior product. Where both creativity and technique studies go hand in hand to give shape to a complex collection. In our company, for about a year now, the technicians who have now retired from work have been working as trainers and tutors for the new generations, creating a small internal Academy. To me it’s a fundamental project to find a remedy to the lack of generational change. I firmly believe that young people are and will be more attracted to our world, and they seem more fascinated by a ‘traditional’ way of working.
The sparkling new Gianvito Rossi boutique in The Dubai Mall
If you had to capture the Middle Eastern spirit in a shoe, what would it look like?
I would say chic with a twist.
It takes 60 steps to make the Gianvito pump — which is the most challenging?
All these artisanal steps and the extreme attention to detail makes each pair light, softer and more durable. It’s a savoir faire that we absolutely need to preserve.
If you could bring back a design from seasons past, which would it be?
I would like to bring back the tuxedo pump, a stiletto pump with high back and a satin band all around the décolleté.
What was the most important lesson you learnt from your father?
I’ve been very lucky because I had the chance to learn all about shoes from him. He had an extreme attention to design, and he was looking to reach the perfect silhouette — this is the greatest lesson learned from him. The ability to be constantly dedicated and ensure the quest for perfection.
Instagram/gianvitorossi
What do you think about trainers taking over from heels in women’s daily wardrobe?
I think heels are always going to be a fundamental style in a woman’s closet. Indeed, trainers have become more and more important for day looks. We recently introduced a new trainer too, the Glover. A shoe that features a stretch bouclé upper with tonal laces enriched with our ribbon detail. I used to say that we don’t design and offer elegant shoes, but shoes destined for elegant women.
What has been the most challenging part of your career?
I think when I launched the Gianvito Rossi brand, it was a moment of change in my career and life. This meant exposing myself and my designs without knowing how the public would react to them. It was important to continue the family tradition while allowing me to express my style and creativity. I could not think of doing anything else. It was, and it is still today, a pure and genuine passion.
You’ve opened boutiques in cities across the world and have finally landed in Dubai. Where to next?
We worked on an important roll out of openings in the Middle East and China. Recently we have opened stores in the Dubai Mall and Doha Vendome, and soon will include Saudi Arabia and Turkey. China is another important and exciting market for the brand. After the opening of SKP Beijing and Chongqing, we are planning to open two new stores in Chengdu, and Tmall will launch in Q1 of 2023. Shop now
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