Gianvito Rossi launches jewel-like shoes inspired by imperial Rome

Does Gianvito Rossi, founder, CEO and creative director of the eponymous luxury footwear brand, feel more like a shoes or a jewellery designer, when he fashions his creations? It clearly is a rhetorical question because, judging from his latest collection, he is able to combine both approaches in one creative act.

“With my creations, I’ve always wanted to make objects – calling them shoes would be limiting – that acted as antidotes to fragility. I like the idea that, when they’re wearing Gianvito Rossi shoes, women may feel more confident, more beautiful and modern,” Rossi told FashionNetwork.com.
 
“For this season, I drew inspiration from the glory of imperial Rome. I worked with silver and gold, trying to introduce distinctive details. Laurels, the ancient symbol of victory, climb up the shins from flat gladiator sandals, enveloping the leg in a gleaming golden embrace, and also decorate pointed sandals. Leather bracelets worn in ancient Rome inspired the metallic stiletto-heeled sandals that express both strength and femininity. A precious 3D flower, in leather with a metal finish, lends fresh allure to our most popular mules,” added Rossi.

This combination of fragility and strength lies at the heart of Rossi’s style, and is evident also in gladiator and chunky wedge sandals, both featuring unusual oversize rounded buckles. The collection includes more understated models in delicate hues, like the graceful flat shoes with elegant buckles, and the pared-down low-heel slingbacks with elasticated leather straps, for functionality and comfort.
 
Gianvito Rossi expects to generate a revenue just shy of €100 million in the current fiscal year. Two months ago, the brand sold a majority stake to the Richemont group, the ideal choice to broaden Gianvito Rossi’s direct retail footprint through a partner with a shared vision. The brand currently operates 39 stores, and will grow by boosting its European presence, with new addresses in Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands, and also in Asia (where it recently opened in Shenzhen and Hanoi) and the Middle East, with store openings planned soon in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.