Giuseppe Zanotti
Giuseppe Zanotti (full ownership regained in 2025) · Italy
Giuseppe Zanotti is an Italian luxury footwear house led by its namesake designer. Fashion Dive reported in February 2025 that Zanotti bought back the 30% stake held by L Catterton, regaining full ownership. It is known for heels and luxury sneakers.
| Founded | 1990 (as Vicini SpA) |
|---|---|
| Founder | Giuseppe Zanotti |
| Ownership | Giuseppe Zanotti (100% since 2025) |
| Production base | San Mauro Pascoli, Italy |
| Segment | Luxury and designer houses |
| Website | giuseppezanotti.com |
What is Giuseppe Zanotti?
Giuseppe Zanotti is an Italian luxury label centred on women's and men's footwear, with handbags, jewellery and leather ready-to-wear. The designer, born on 17 April 1957, grew up in San Mauro Pascoli, Emilia-Romagna, a long-standing Italian shoemaking district.
History
Fashion Dive states that the business was founded in 1990 as Vicini SpA, and that Zanotti took 100% of it in 1994. His first collection was shown in New York in 1994, and the first boutique opened in Milan in 2000. Wikipedia describes Vicini as the company that manufactures the eponymous label.
Ownership
In 2014 L Capital Management and L Capital Asia, entities sponsored by LVMH and later part of L Catterton, bought a 30% minority stake. On 28 February 2025 Fashion Dive reported that Zanotti had repurchased this stake and again held the company in full, without disclosing the price. The company described the move as the start of a new chapter focused on product, heritage, brand identity and distribution.
Business model and distribution
The brand reports sales in 75 countries through directly operated boutiques, franchise partners and luxury retailers, and also sells online. Wikipedia notes that the UK subsidiary entered liquidation in April 2024, and the US subsidiary filed for Chapter 11 in June 2024, with that case closed on 1 August 2025.
Why it matters
Giuseppe Zanotti is one of the best known Italian designer shoe brands, and its return to full founder ownership in 2025 is a notable shift for a label that had accepted LVMH-linked investment.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Giuseppe Zanotti?
Giuseppe Zanotti owns the company. Fashion Dive reported in February 2025 that he bought back the 30% minority stake held by L Catterton.
Where is Giuseppe Zanotti from?
Giuseppe Zanotti is from Italy. The designer grew up in San Mauro Pascoli in Emilia-Romagna, where the brand's manufacturer is based.