Entrepreneur Neelofa consolidates her style icon status with her new collection of shoes designed in partnership with Giuseppe Zanotti
Tatler Asia

Besides ruling the fashion world with her headscarf empire, a role that earned her a spot as one of 'Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia' in 2017, Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor is also a television host, an actress and an ambassador for numerous brands. As if that wasn't enough to keep her busy, her ever-expanding portfolio now includes a shoe collection with Giuseppe Zanotti

"Now that I'm 30, I feel more content and calmer. I know how to balance work and personal time, but that hasn't stopped me from pushing myself out of my comfort zone and try new things. My maturity and experience have actually made me more adventurous."

See also: Neelofa's Best Fashion Moments At The Salvatore Ferragamo Show In Milan

Meeting the maestro

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Above Giuseppe Zanotti and Neelofa in Milan (Photo: Giuseppe Zanotti)

Neelofa met Giuseppe Zanotti the designer at Milan Fashion Week a couple of fashion seasons ago. They quickly bonded over their love of fashion. 

"I didn’t expect this collaboration at all because it's Giuseppe Zanotti and he's one of Italy's biggest designers. It didn't feel real when the Zanotti team approached me about the project, but Mr Zanotti made it so easy to collaborate with from the beginning," she says. This also marks the Italian brand's first collaboration with a Southeast Asian celebrity.

However, this isn't the first time Neelofa has dabbled in the business of footwear. In fact, she started her fashion career by selling shoes under the moniker, Neelofa Heels, at 18. With the Giuseppe Zanotti collaboration, Neelofa has come full circle. 

"I look up to Giuseppe as a designer, so this collaboration was a humbling experience," she notes. 

See also: 7 Giuseppe Zanotti Shoes That Make Your Legs Look A Million Bucks

Design & inspiration

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Above Photo: Giuseppe Zanotti

A big fan of the iconic The Liza heels, it's no surprise that Neelofa has chosen to reinterpret the style in her own vision. "Mr Zanotti knew that I’ve been wearing The Liza for many years. During our discussion, he did show me other styles but I just couldn't resist the idea of incorporating my style and personality in The Liza."

Neelofa was given a free hand when it comes to the choice of colours and materials. She ended up with two designs, one embellished with crystals and the other dressed up entirely in metallic gold - but both glamorous like the lady herself.

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Above Neelofa at the launch of her capsule collection with Giuseppe Zanotti
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Above Neelofa trying on The Dazzling Liza

"The shoes are made with two different types of women in mind. The Dazzling Liza, in light blue suede, is for someone who loves the glitz, while the Mirror Liza is bold and edgy."

These shoes showcase two sides of her personality too - as a celebrity and as a businesswoman. "I wanted something different for the Asian market, something more striking and glamorous," she reiterates. 

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 2 The Dazzling Liza (Photo: Giuseppe Zanotti)
Photo 2 of 2 The Mirror Liza (Photo: Giuseppe Zanotti)

The collaboration is one of the biggest milestones for Neelofa this year, not just because she got to work with such an internationally renowned brand but also because of the friendship she has forged with Mr Zanotti. "It was indeed a memorable experience," she smiles. 

See also: Neelofa Reveals Intimate Details About Her Passionate Love Affair With Fashion

Credits

Photography  

Khairul Imran

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