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A definitive guide to men&#039;s premium fashion and lifestyle, as well as Hollywood celebrities.

DA MAN Magazine - Make Your Own Style!

<h2>RHYTHM OF THE SHOEMAKER. For years, Giuseppe Zanotti has empowered both men and women with his footwear creations, and this season he manages to outdo himself once again</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-49144 aligncenter" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GZ-1.jpg" alt="Giuseppe Zanotti" width="630" height="868" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GZ-1.jpg 630w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GZ-1-218x300.jpg 218w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GZ-1-315x434.jpg 315w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" />
They say that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And more often than not, that one initial step is followed by many small shuffles forward (and the occasional misstep) before one finds himself on the path to greatness. Such was the journey of <a href="http://daman.co.id/?s=Giuseppe+Zanotti" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Giuseppe Zanotti</a>. At the age of 17, the would-be legendary shoemaker started working as a radio DJ, before his love for music eventually brought him into the world of fashion.
In 1994, Zanotti started designing his own shoes, and six years later he opened his first boutique in Italy’s fashion capital of Milan. Today, his fabulous creations can be found across fifty of his stores around the world—to say nothing of the works he’s done for some of the biggest names in fashion. Naturally, Zanotti’s offerings for spring/summer ’17 appears as spectacular as ever, further establishing the maestro’s signature mix of classical craftsmanship and daring innovation.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-49146 aligncenter" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/edit-01_GiuseppeZanotti_304_39L-853x1280_Anders-Overgaard.jpg" alt="Giuseppe Zanotti" width="630" height="868" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/edit-01_GiuseppeZanotti_304_39L-853x1280_Anders-Overgaard.jpg 630w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/edit-01_GiuseppeZanotti_304_39L-853x1280_Anders-Overgaard-218x300.jpg 218w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/edit-01_GiuseppeZanotti_304_39L-853x1280_Anders-Overgaard-315x434.jpg 315w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" />
The capsule collection of Giuseppe Zanotti x <a href="http://daman.co.id/?s=Zayn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zayn</a>
DA MAN: Your FW ’16 collection was inspired by a number of iconic dance clubs from around the world. Are there any particular places that inspired the SS ’17 men’s collection? 
Giuseppe Zanotti: Well, there’s no specific place in my mind. I always find the inspiration from everywhere, from streets to landscapes and music. In this season, figurative art was the key. I wanted to recreate the moods of Botticelli’s paintings, to present that intangible feeling.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-49151 aligncenter" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/02_GiuseppeZanotti_102_39L-853x1280_Anders-Overgaard.jpg" alt="Giuseppe Zanotti" width="630" height="945" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/02_GiuseppeZanotti_102_39L-853x1280_Anders-Overgaard.jpg 630w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/02_GiuseppeZanotti_102_39L-853x1280_Anders-Overgaard-200x300.jpg 200w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/02_GiuseppeZanotti_102_39L-853x1280_Anders-Overgaard-315x473.jpg 315w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" />
The capsule collection of Giuseppe Zanotti x Zayn
DA MAN: Woven leather becomes a recurring element throughout the collection. Any reason why? And how is Giuseppe Zanotti’s woven leather unique? 
Giuseppe Zanotti: My creations are a mix of creativity, proportions and quality, crafted traditionally by hand. Woven leather represents a kind of rich, artisanal and highly resistant material. This is the reason why I usually use it on sandals, sneakers and loafers in my men’s collections. The woven leather is a never-ending pattern and I like to imagine that this will always lead to new shapes and their embellishments. The difference between my brand and almost all the others is that our production done completely in Italy with high-quality materials, and our craftsmanship has a really long tradition which has been passed down from generations to generations.

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-49152 aligncenter" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/01_GiuseppeZanotti_307_39L-853x1280_Anders-Overgaard.jpg" alt="Giuseppe Zanotti" width="630" height="945" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/01_GiuseppeZanotti_307_39L-853x1280_Anders-Overgaard.jpg 630w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/01_GiuseppeZanotti_307_39L-853x1280_Anders-Overgaard-200x300.jpg 200w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/01_GiuseppeZanotti_307_39L-853x1280_Anders-Overgaard-315x473.jpg 315w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" />
The capsule collection of Giuseppe Zanotti x Zayn
DA MAN: Are there any particular models that are the highlight of the season? 
Giuseppe Zanotti: Through this new collection, I was able to plumb the depths of a new level of sophistication, and an even more contemporary bold look that has been translated into modern relief patterns, glitter, contrasting colors and then smooth suede. I’m sure women will fall in love with the Carrie Crystal style, a precious waterfall of gems on a suede sandal, evoking the perfect marriage of femininity and innovation. On the other side, men will rave about the William style, a loafer with a rebel spirit given by the satin fabric used in an ombré effect, washed and distressed to match the frayed edges completed with crystal hardware.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-49153 aligncenter" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/02_GiuseppeZanotti_126_39L-853x1280_Anders-Overgaard.jpg" alt="Giuseppe Zanotti" width="630" height="945" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/02_GiuseppeZanotti_126_39L-853x1280_Anders-Overgaard.jpg 630w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/02_GiuseppeZanotti_126_39L-853x1280_Anders-Overgaard-200x300.jpg 200w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/02_GiuseppeZanotti_126_39L-853x1280_Anders-Overgaard-315x473.jpg 315w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" />
The capsule collection of Giuseppe Zanotti x <a href="http://daman.co.id/?s=Zayn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zayn</a>
DA MAN: The variety of soles for the men’s shoes is pretty intriguing. Are they going in the same direction as the design of women’s shoes? 
Giuseppe Zanotti: Men’s soles follow women’s, since our creative process is genderless and androgynous. Also, I love to find the perfect balance between sober and lively, elegant and casual. In the same way, the rubber sole in all of its variants finds its legitimacy on completion of an elegant shoe.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-49154 aligncenter" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/RONALD_ERU707001.jpg" alt="Giuseppe Zanotti" width="630" height="630" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/RONALD_ERU707001.jpg 630w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/RONALD_ERU707001-150x150.jpg 150w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/RONALD_ERU707001-300x300.jpg 300w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/RONALD_ERU707001-315x315.jpg 315w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" />
Bomber jackets from Giuseppe Zanotti

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-49155 aligncenter" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ALAN_ERU702006.jpg" alt="Giuseppe Zanotti" width="630" height="630" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ALAN_ERU702006.jpg 630w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ALAN_ERU702006-150x150.jpg 150w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ALAN_ERU702006-300x300.jpg 300w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ALAN_ERU702006-315x315.jpg 315w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" />
Biker jackets from Giuseppe Zanotti
DA MAN: If women’s shoes were made to “empower” and make women feel sexy, how should men’s shoes make men feel, in your opinion? 
Giuseppe Zanotti: It’s more or less the same. A man should feel confident and embrace the feeling of freedom. I want the <a href="http://daman.co.id/?s=Giuseppe+Zanotti" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Giuseppe Zanotti</a> man to feel young, contemporary and cool through my creations. By the way, as I previously said, androgyny is the leitmotif of all my recent designs. I love to mix men’s and women’s elements together. The beauty of modern luxury is the absence of rules.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-49157 aligncenter" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/SCOTT_EU7085001.jpg" alt="Giuseppe Zanotti" width="630" height="630" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/SCOTT_EU7085001.jpg 630w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/SCOTT_EU7085001-150x150.jpg 150w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/SCOTT_EU7085001-300x300.jpg 300w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/SCOTT_EU7085001-315x315.jpg 315w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" />
One of four models from this season’s collection
DA MAN: What makes a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti men’s shoes different from all the others? What is your brand’s DNA, so to speak? 
Giuseppe Zanotti: High quality, Italian craftsmanship and innovation are our core values—a well-balanced harmony between rock and classic soul. The fabric research within my team is unceasing, but trimmings and garnishments are the real stars of my creations. That’s my signature. To me, more is more. Our main critical success factor that differentiates us from other brands is surely the production, which is done entirely internal within our company. That is absolutely a plus that few can boast.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-49158 aligncenter" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/BARRY_RM7082004.jpg" alt="Giuseppe Zanotti" width="630" height="630" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/BARRY_RM7082004.jpg 630w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/BARRY_RM7082004-150x150.jpg 150w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/BARRY_RM7082004-300x300.jpg 300w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/BARRY_RM7082004-315x315.jpg 315w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" />
One of four models from this season’s collection
DA MAN: A lot of luxury shoemakers are adopting ideas from sports shoes. What is your take on this? 
Giuseppe Zanotti: I wanted to offer a versatile style that is suitable for all occasions. And when it comes to innovative luxury sneakers design, I think we are surfing the right wave. I like to combine different fabric materials like patent leather and technical fabrics, thick leather soles and zips. In terms of shoemaking, it takes some serious work to put all those disparate elements together. It’s not simple, but I think they can easily match with everything.

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-49178 aligncenter" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/CLAY_RM7101002.jpg" alt="Giuseppe Zanotti" width="630" height="630" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/CLAY_RM7101002.jpg 630w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/CLAY_RM7101002-150x150.jpg 150w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/CLAY_RM7101002-300x300.jpg 300w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/CLAY_RM7101002-315x315.jpg 315w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" />
One of four models from this season’s collection
DA MAN: This season sees you collaborating with singer Zayn. How did the capsule collection start and what was the process like? 
Giuseppe Zanotti: It’s very hard to define how it works exactly because it is more of an invisible process and empathy—it’s not only about design. His whole approach was contemporary and practical. It was interesting to work with him, as his thoughts and creative process became a new source of inspiration for me and for this capsule collection. Speaking of <a href="http://daman.co.id/?s=Zayn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zayn</a>, he has a creative mind; he absorbs the energy from other environments, exactly like me. Creative people belong to the same world and they connect continuously, they “recognize” each other. Zayn is spontaneous; his music is soulful as well as his style is natural but with a provocative edge.
DA MAN: Speaking of which, can anybody become be a shoe designer? What does it take to be one? 
Giuseppe Zanotti: I can’t exactly explain what it takes, as there are no rules or established codes. You have to imagine, to travel with your mind and live on different worlds at the same time—that’s how it works for me!
DA MAN: Moving on to something a bit more personal, what would you say are the craziest pair of men’s shoes you’ve ever made? 
Giuseppe Zanotti: That’s not easy to answer. I’m thinking about a pair that I loved and that is iconic for the brand. I’m talking about Michael Jackson’s boots I made in collaboration with him for the “This Is It” tour of July 2009. Unfortunately, he died a month before the tour, and they have never been worn by anybody. Michael’s shoes had to be suitable for dancing: soft, comfortable, functional. But they also had to reflect the singer’s own determination and appeal. It took a lot to create but the result was astonishing! I also appreciated the chance to team up with G-Dragon—he’s so stylish and cool. I have been impressed by his attitude, truly. And even if it did not result in a crazy capsule collection, it represents a good result of both our personalities mixed together.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-49179 aligncenter" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/CARSON_EU7091003.jpg" alt="Giuseppe Zanotti" width="630" height="630" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/CARSON_EU7091003.jpg 630w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/CARSON_EU7091003-150x150.jpg 150w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/CARSON_EU7091003-300x300.jpg 300w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/CARSON_EU7091003-315x315.jpg 315w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" />
One of four models from this season’s collection
DA MAN: You mentioned how your creative process is “genderless and androgynous.” Will you eventually offer a complete range of menswear products? 
Giuseppe Zanotti: I guess that androgyny could be one of the major leitmotifs for the following years, as I mentioned earlier. Also, versatility could be another strong element. By the way, I love to mix men’s and women’s elements together and to give them an overall urban mood. Basically, I will keep on offering men the perfect outfit, which would be suitable for all occasions and for all attitudes, whether they feel classically sophisticated, essential or simply trendy through my creations.
DA MAN: You have been in the business for a long time. How has your focus evolved across the years? 
Giuseppe Zanotti: I’ve always focused on changing the things that I didn’t like in fashion and how it looked on women. I never worked to please or change the perspective of other stylists or what the market wanted. Every year is a new challenge for me and this gives me the strength to continue. Each collection is like making a movie. Women change so quickly and designers have to constantly follow their needs and desires and I am quite good at that. However, I am still young and I do not know how things will go.
DA MAN: As you have designed shoes for more than 30 years, what is the most important lesson you’ve learned in the business to suceed and to be able to creatively channel your inspiration? 
Giuseppe Zanotti: I would say: Trust yourself, know who you want to design for, and have confidence in your work. 
After years of working in the fashion industry, I’ve learnt that you need to be brave and a little bit reckless in this job; you need to take some risks as you do not always know with certainty whether what you are doing will be well received. You need to have faith to make your own decisions without the fear of making a mistake. This, at least, has been my experience so far.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-49142 aligncenter" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Giuseppe-Zanotti-portrait.jpg" alt="Giuseppe Zanotti" width="630" height="354" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Giuseppe-Zanotti-portrait.jpg 630w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Giuseppe-Zanotti-portrait-300x169.jpg 300w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Giuseppe-Zanotti-portrait-315x177.jpg 315w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" />
<a href="http://daman.co.id/?s=Giuseppe+Zanotti" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Giuseppe Zanotti</a> designing a shoe
DA MAN: Which man, dead or alive, do you think has the best shoe style in the world? 
Giuseppe Zanotti: I would say anyone who wears my shoes, of course! [Laughs]
DA MAN: Lastly, since you’re also a former radio DJ, who is your most favorite singer (and song) of all time? 
Giuseppe Zanotti: Actually I usually prefer a mix of soul and funky music, hip-hop and R&amp;B. In my own playlist, I combine old and new music, melodic songs and hip-hop, original tracks and remixes by other DJs. I can’t really think to a specific song or a certain singer; I love music in general!

Walk in the Shoes of Giuseppe Zanotti