Milan’s Best: Discover Santoni, Sergio Rossi, and Giuseppe Zanotti

Isabella Laurent
5 Min Read

Milan Fashion Week: A Celebration of Italian Footwear Excellence

Published
September 27, 2025

Milan, a city synonymous with fashion and style, recently showcased its latest offerings in footwear during a vibrant week of presentations. Renowned Italian brands Santoni, Sergio Rossi, and Giuseppe Zanotti unveiled their Spring/Summer 2026 collections, each reflecting a unique blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation. This year’s displays not only highlighted the brands’ commitment to luxury but also their ability to push the boundaries of design.

Santoni: A Fusion of Art and Craftsmanship

Santoni’s latest collection, titled “Forms and Matter,” was a standout at Milan Fashion Week. The brand collaborated with Venetian artist Lorenzo Vitturi, whose artistic vision infused the collection with striking new ideas. The show, held near the iconic Duomo, featured a bold array of designs that combined Santoni’s exquisite leathers with Vitturi’s graphic elements.

The collection included a variety of eye-catching pieces, such as sequined slingbacks and a bucket bag crafted from treated lace. These designs were complemented by vibrant orange soles and leather strings adorned with Venetian glass, creating a visual feast for attendees. Giuseppe Santoni, the brand’s namesake, expressed his excitement about the collection, stating, “Santoni has always been about luxury, but maybe this is even more luxurious.”

In addition to women’s footwear, Santoni introduced a new Carlo sneaker for men, crafted from suede intreccio, further showcasing the brand’s versatility and commitment to quality.

Sergio Rossi: Sculptural Elegance

Sergio Rossi’s presentation was nothing short of spectacular, with designer Paul Andrew at the helm. The collection featured innovative designs that incorporated carbon fiber, resulting in shoes that exuded sculptural grace. Among the highlights were ostrich skin wedges and glove-shaped metallic shoes, each piece reflecting a deep respect for the brand’s heritage.

Andrew paid homage to Sergio Rossi’s legacy by revisiting the “Contrapunto” design, a technique developed by the brand’s founder in the 1950s. This method allows the sole, insole, and upper to be crafted as a single piece, showcasing the brand’s commitment to both form and function. “Sergio Rossi really was such a genius with the construction of footwear,” Andrew remarked, emphasizing the importance of innovation in the brand’s DNA.

The collection also featured golden leather wedges with biomorphic heels, inspired by a Zaha Hadid statue in Miami’s Design District. The presentation took place in the brand’s Milan showrooms, adorned with large abstract paintings by Richard Zinon, creating an immersive experience for attendees.

Giuseppe Zanotti: A Nod to Iconic Footwear

Giuseppe Zanotti’s presentation was a celebration of the brand’s storied history, particularly its iconic “The Slim” shoe. This design gained fame after being featured in a memorable scene from “Sex and the City,” where it adorned the feet of Samantha Jones. The shoe’s creation story is as captivating as its design; Zanotti sketched the initial concept on a tablecloth while dining at a seaside restaurant in Cesenatico, Italy.

Zanotti’s collection also included a collaboration with Moreau Paris, a historic French brand founded in 1882. This partnership resulted in a capsule collection of leather sneakers that cleverly incorporated Moreau’s signature checkerboard monogram, showcasing the versatility and creativity of both brands.

Reflecting on the impact of “The Slim,” Zanotti mused, “Who would have thought it could have that much impact?” His humility and passion for design were evident throughout the presentation, which took place in a Renaissance-style palazzo on Via Napoleone.

The Cultural Significance of Italian Footwear

The presentations by Santoni, Sergio Rossi, and Giuseppe Zanotti underscore the cultural significance of Italian footwear in the global fashion landscape. Italy has long been recognized as a hub for luxury craftsmanship, with its shoemakers blending traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. This year’s Milan Fashion Week served as a reminder of the artistry and innovation that define Italian footwear.

Historically, Italian shoemaking has roots that date back centuries, with regions like Tuscany and Veneto becoming synonymous with high-quality leather goods. The craftsmanship involved in creating Italian shoes is often passed down through generations, ensuring that each piece is not only a product but also a work of art.

Conclusion

As Milan Fashion Week comes to a close, the showcased collections from Santoni, Sergio Rossi, and Giuseppe Zanotti reaffirm the enduring legacy of Italian footwear. Each brand, with its unique approach to design and craftsmanship, contributes to a rich tapestry of fashion that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The blend of artistry, innovation, and tradition seen in these collections not only highlights the importance of footwear in the fashion industry but also celebrates the cultural heritage of Italy. As the world looks to the future of fashion, the influence of these iconic brands will undoubtedly continue to shape the landscape of luxury footwear.

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Isabella Laurent is a fashion editor focusing on global fashion weeks, couture, and sustainable style. She blends luxury trendspotting with a passion for ethical fashion.
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