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Mary J. Blige is the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul — and the queen of boots, too.
The songstress revealed her new collaboration with Giuseppe Zanotti on stage at her “Strength of a Woman’ festival Saturday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The limited-edition ‘Giuseppe for Mary J. Blige’ boot — an over-the-knee style with a block heel — makes a high-shine statement in mirrored rose gold.
“My fans and my community know that part of my style is these statement boots – I’ve worn them during so many big moments of my career, it just made sense. It could never be anything else,” the songstress said, about her obsession with the silhouette. “My fans have been waiting for a boot from me for a long time, so I knew when I did it, it had to be right. From start to finish, Giuseppe just understood what I wanted and helped make this idea a reality.“
The $1,295 ‘Mary’ boot will be available for purchase beginning May 11 at giuseppezanotti.com and in the Giuseppe Zanotti boutique in Atlanta.
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Since the ’90s, the singer has included thigh-high boots in red carpet looks, and as part of her core stage style.
“Boots have always made me feel strong,” Blige said. “They have helped me feel confident in moments when I have been anything but. There is something about putting on a statement boot that makes you feel strong and ready to take on your day.”
And one of her go-to shoe names has been Giuseppe Zanotti— she even cited the designer in her 2006 hit single, “Enough Cryin.”
“I admire so much about Giuseppe. His skill and creativity is out of this world,” Blige said. “So when we started talking about a potential collaboration, it just felt right. I’m such a fan of his and everything he creates.”
Zanotti created sleekly folded, voluminous thigh-high boots for Blige’s performance during the festival. While the pair was working on those looks, they decided to create the limited-edition look, which is inspired by Blige’s own style.
“She is fierce, and she has a strong personality and unique sense of style,” Zanotti said. “When I create something for Mary, especially for the music-related appearances, I focus on what she is doing, what she is saying with her music, and I try to create something that can align with the creative mood to enhance it.”
