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Gianvito Rossi has one wish for all the women who have worn his luxury footwear creations during the past two decades.
“I want to ask them how they feel. It’s very important that my shoes represent good memories,” the designer said at his packed 20th anniversary celebration on Thursday night at Palazzo Serbelloni in Milan.
The evening was a fitting toast to the shoe maestro, who celebrated his past, present and future alongside an adoring Milan Fashion Week crowd and influential actresses and models, including Naomi Watts. “She’s feminine, but with a very strong personality,” Rossi said of Watts. “And I think that’s maybe how my shoes are.”
Father and daughter: Gianvito Rossi, with his daughter Sofia
Paloma Elsesser, Luisa Ranieri and Mariacarla Boscono, were also in the house, as well as top retail names from Exemplar Luxury Group, Nordstrom and Level Shoes.
Naomi Watts, Gianvito Rossi and Luisa Ranieri.
In an ever-changing luxury climate, Rossi has been one of the industry’s biggest success stories — and during his anniversary year, the designer finally paused to reflect on his achievements. “We are always in a rush, and it’s not easy to look back. But this time we took the moment and put it all in a book,” he said of his new Rizzoli tome, which celebrates his most memorable designs through the years.
Before he struck out in his own in 2006, Rossi spent many years learning the intricacies of the shoe business from his late legendary father, Sergio Rossi. “I wish he was here,” the designer lamented.
Inside “Gianvito Rossi. My Shoes,” published by Rizzoli for the 20th anniversary
The passion for shoes runs deep in the family. Now, Rossi is working alongside his daughter, Sofia. “She’s helping me a lot with the new collections,” he said.
For spring 2027, Rossi — who’s always been known for his pure lines and elegant proportions — showed a joyful lineup of updated essentials. Satin, crystals, fringes and intricate embroidery injected new interest into his sculptural designs. Bold colors, from black and praline to fuchsia, aquamarine and Cipria pink, made the shoes a main character during the evening’s celebration.
Shoes as art: Gianvito’s spring ’27 designs, as seen on the feet of models.
For Rossi, it’s always been about the creating the perfect shoe, and he doesn’t plan to slow down anytime soon.
When asked where he might be 20 years from now, Rossi had an answer right away. “I would love to be in the same exact place, working with my daughter,” he said. “I hope she’ll carry on the tradition.”
