A pop star's comeback — and yes, you can call it that — isn't complete without the right shoes. That's why Giuseppe Zanotti designed sneakers for Janet Jackson's Unbreakable Tour. Jackson has resurrected her long-dormant pop career and she needs footwear that is as stylish as it is supportive, due to all that dancing! All eyes are on her and she needs to be on her game.
Enter Zanotti, who created custom sneakers and will dress Jackson's backup singers and dancers for the trek.
According to Women's Wear Daily, the diva and the designer are close friends and mutual fans of each other's work. Zanotti even admitted that he has been listening to Jackson's new music while designing his new collection. She may be an indirect muse!
"She has always been a very loyal supporter of the brand and product," the designer said. Zanotti has provided tour shoes for other singers like Beyonce and Rihanna but has never been the sole designer of record for an entire tour.
He continued, "She talked to me about her upcoming Unbreakable World Tour when we were together in Milan earlier this year, [and] she asked me to consider making her a special shoe for the tour. Of course, I was... very flattered and I immediately started to sketch some ideas out for her."
Here's what else we know about Jackson x Zanotti. It's a custom high-top sneaker, based on an existing style. It will be created with two exclusive color combos and new buckle details.
Since Janet — Miss Jackson, if you're nasty — will be dancing a lot, Zanotti "wanted her to be very comfortable and able to move around easily. The shoe has to be light but practical and provide support to her feet."
It's a true marriage of fashion and function.
Jackson's tour launches August 31 in Vancouver and runs through March 2016 in Florida.
The singer's stage style has always been functionally fashionable so this shoe collab was a long time coming. Shall we reminisce?
1. Glamsual
When you dance like Janet Jackson dances, you learn how to make a pair of trousers look ultra glam.
Her wild 'n' gorgeous curls, chunky bracelets, and bedazzled topper did the trick.
2. These Boots Were Made For Dancing
Forget walking! Jackson's boots were made for dancing.
Her military boots — a look that she has revisited throughout her storied career — were paired with voluminous harem pants and a thick, cumerbund-like belt.
Even while sitting, Jackson projected girl boss strength via accessorized menswear.
3. Athleisure!
Clearly, Jackson has always liked urban street looks with lots of volume. Here, she went with an athletic inspo. Pants are the best option, due to how much she has to move. Couldn't you see Rihanna wearing something similar during an intense dance routine?
This outfit aside, Jackson will always be associated with football because... Super Bowl nip slip.
4. Street Chic
Stage style doesn't always have to be dresses, minis, and oversexualization!
Jackson was fully covered up and totally hot with her street chic ensemble of leather, cuffed jeans, a newsboy cap, and boots. Remember what I said about function meets fashion?
5. Glam Diva
Jackson rocked a fur shrug, adding another huge dose of glam to an otherwise functional and tailored ensemble.
Clearly, she digs volume and flow. But how BA was she with suspenders, chains, and cleavage?
The girl has moves! Oh how I have missed her in the pop universe while she entered that period of self-imposed exile.
I seriously cannot wait to see what her Unbreakable Tour will bring in terms of fashion... besides the Zanotti shoes.
6. Futuristic Diva
Nip slip aside, Jackson's Matrix-inspired, dominatrix-y leather coat from her Super Bowl performance was hot.
So fierce. Moving right along...
Janet Jackson is back, baby! With Zanottis on her feet (and on her dancers), she is going to slay onstage every night, from the dance moves to the clothes.
Images: Giphy (2)
