Milan: Catwalk Talk with Giuseppe Zanotti

Ekaterina of Pillow & Pepper: Mr Zanotti, I am not the only woman in the world who loves your high heels more than anything. What is it that makes a pair of Zanotti shoes so unique?

Giuseppe Zanotti: The main thing is to find the perfect balance between the three elements of form, height, and silhouette. In addition to taking great care with the shoe's construction, I focus on the quality of the materials, the craftsmanship – all our shoes being handmade – and every little detail. Also, I personally select all accessories. The most important thing for me is to make women feel beautiful and desirable in my shoes. I adore women and their ability to transform themselves. So, I create well-proportioned shoes for women who love to play with accessories that make them feel good.

Ekaterina: Before you transferred into the fashion sector you worked as a DJ. Does music influence your design? What is your favourite sort of music?

Giuseppe Zanotti: Music inspires me. During my seven years as a radio DJ, I used to play several genres, my favourites being Philadelphia Soul Music and Funk. I also liked a number of groups that played Free Jazz and Disco Music, and these remained with me even after I went into this line of work. These day, I mostly listen to Hip Hop and R&B when I draw.

Ekaterina: I noticed that you keep wearing different watches. Is there a certain brand that you favour? And do you buy your watches new or at auction, meaning vintage models?

Giuseppe Zanotti: You know, I never actually check the time, as much as I love to have a watch on my wrist. One of my favourite brands is Rolex. My Rolex Daytona Chronograph, the 1971 edition with the black face, I purchased at an auction. Another Rolex I own is from the 1930s. It has a white ceramic face, and that one I bought at an auction in Hong Kong. The one I'm wearing today is an Audemars Piguet chronograph, the model Oak Offshore with a yellow carbon case.

Ekaterina: Do you enjoy travelling?

Giuseppe Zanotti: Sometimes I love to travel, at other times I hate it.

Ekaterina: What is your favourite destination?

Giuseppe Zanotti: I would say New York, Moscow, Hong Kong, Dubai, London and, of course, Paris! There are simply too many beautiful places to make a definitive selection!

Ekaterina: Name something you never travel without.

Giuseppe Zanotti: My iPhone. It's got everything I need on it, my pictures, music, everything. I always carry two smart phones because I tend to lose one of them. I also bring a whole set of credit cards with me – not that I really need them, but they make me feel safe. You know, when I was young, I never had a lot of money, so maybe that's why.

Ekaterina: Your job brings you to Milan quite often. After all, this is where you opened your first boutique store back in the year 2000. What are your favourite places in Milan?

Giuseppe Zanotti: I love the Bulgari Hotel. You will also find me at the restaurant Il Baretto inside the Baglioni Hotel and at the Ceresio 7.