By Giulia Piceni. Cover image by Khadiga Etman.

Let’s be honest: in the grand pantheon of fashion gods, there’s a special place for shoe designers who understand that footwear isn’t just functional—it’s a full-blown fantasy. And Gianvito Rossi doesn’t just understand it. He embodies this ethos. For fashion students obsessing over sketchbooks and last-minute collection critiques and grappling with whether or not it’s okay to wear kitten heels to a construction workshop (spoiler alert: no), Gianvito Rossi shoes offer a rare source of inspiration. He may not be loud or trendy, but he does craft some of the most elegant, technically precise, and emotionally resonant shoes in the business. This artistry deserves a standing ovation—preferably given while wearing 105mm pumps.

While Gianvito Rossi may not be the loudest designer in the room, he is someone we should all study in a classroom full of aspiring creatives. His work exemplifies that fashion can be emotional yet rational, sensual yet smart, timeless yet totally contemporary. So the next time you’re sketching a pump, sourcing leather, or defending your design thesis on “elevated essentials,” think of Gianvito. Here’s why he should be your go-to design muse, creative crush, and footwear whisperer all rolled into one.

1. He Turned Legacy Into the Sexiest Shoes in Fashion

Being the son of Sergio Rossi (yes, that Sergio Rossi) means two things: (1) you’ve likely spent more time in shoe factories than on playgrounds, and (2) everyone expects you to either crumble under the pressure or coast on your surname. But Gianvito? He did neither. After working with his father for years, he launched his own eponymous label in 2006 and quickly carved out a distinct identity: quieter, sleeker, and somehow even more sensual.

Instead of going maximalist or trying to outshine his father, Gianvito leaned into minimalism with a capital M. Gianvito Rossi shoes are free of excess and dripping in quiet confidence. The silhouettes are pure, the lines are clean, and the overall energy? Think Catherine Deneuve sipping an espresso alone in a silk slip dress—effortlessly iconic. Fashion students, take notes: inheritance is a gift, but reinvention is the real flex.

2. The 105mm Heel: Pain-Free(ish) Perfection

Let’s talk about that heel—the iconic 105mm pump that has become Gianvito Rossi’s calling card, spotted on everyone from red-carpet royalty to street-style queens. It’s the footwear equivalent of a perfectly tailored blazer: simple on the outside yet brilliantly engineered on the inside.

Gianvito is meticulous when it comes to proportions, angles, and how a shoe supports (or hinders) the body. His 105mm heel isn’t just high; it’s thoughtfully designed. He considers the arch, pressure points, and the way the foot glides in and out. The result? A stiletto that feels almost comfortable. Is it a miracle? No. Just outstanding Italian design. This serves as a love letter to all fashion tech and design engineering students: Gianvito Rossi shoes prove that beauty and biomechanics can be best friends.

3. Yes, Gianvito Rossi Shoes Are Made in Italy –Always and Forever

In a world filled with fast fashion and soulless production chains, Gianvito Rossi remains staunchly, gloriously, and stubbornly traditional. Every single pair of shoes is crafted in San Mauro Pascoli, a small town in Emilia-Romagna known for its shoemaking prowess. It’s the same town where his father worked, and the place where the magic happens.

Gianvito Rossi shoes are made closely with artisans who treat leather as if it were a couture fabric. Each pair of shoes is carefully crafted by hand, meticulously scrutinised, softened, stitched, and polished until it’s nothing short of sublime. This process goes beyond mere production; it serves as a preservation of heritage. For students studying sustainable fashion, Rossi’s slow production model is a masterclass in ethical luxury. Plus, let’s be real: factories that smell like espresso, leather, and generational excellence? That’s the dream.

4. Gianvito Rossi Understands Subtle Drama

While some designers aim for shock value or loudness, Rossi takes a different approach: he whispers. But oh, how that whisper lingers. His shoes embody what we refer to as “subtle drama” in styling classes. Think clear PVC vamp heels that seem to vanish against the skin, nude suede so soft it appears to blush, and patent leather boots that look as if they were sketched by an architect with a sense of humour. And those signature ankle straps? They’re like jewellery for your feet.

What makes Gianvito Rossi’s designs stand out is their restraint. They never shout for attention, yet they consistently captivate. For those of us aspiring to be stylists, creative directors, or red-carpet experts, Gianvito teaches an invaluable lesson: true power lies in precision.

5. He Doesn’t Follow Trends: He Outpaces Them

Gianvito Rossi doesn’t do gimmicks. He doesn’t design for TikTok virality or meme-ready moments. And yet, somehow, he’s always relevant. Why? Because his shoes aren’t just fashionable—they’re fashion history in the making.

There’s a reason his classic styles sell year after year and why editors refer to them as “investment heels.” Rossi isn’t trying to impress the algorithm; he designs with a long-term vision in mind—one that endures over the decades. His aesthetic is modern but never trendy. His collections evolve but never compromise. For students drowning in trend forecasting charts and Pinterest mood boards, he serves as a reminder that the best designs don’t follow the crowd but lead with quiet confidence.