Mary J Blige Finally Gets Boot Collab After Years of Rocking Over-the-Knee Shoes
Mary J Blige. John Shearer/Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter
Mary J. Blige, known for her iconic statement boots, now has her very own named style. The 53-year-old singer teamed up with Italian fashion brand Giuseppe Zanotti to create a special collection called The Mary Boot. This over-the-knee boot stands out in a bold gold chrome color, with a unique scrunch design, pointed toe, and block heel. You can buy this exclusive piece on GiuseppeZanotti.com for $1,295.
Blige revealed the shoe on Instagram during her Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit in New York City on Sunday, May 12. (The event, inspired by her 2017 album of the same name, was launched by Blige in 2022 to empower women and underrepresented groups.)
Blige's collaboration with Giuseppe received high praise from fans, who described it as "iconic" and "well-deserved."
“We’ve been waiting for a boot drop forrrrrrrreeeevvvvrrrr,” one fan wrote as another gushed, “ABOUT DAMN TIME.”
Mary J Blige Finally Gets Boot Collab After Years of Rocking Over-the-Knee Shoes
Derek White/Getty Images for TV One
Others took the moment to criticize Blige for not offering more affordable options for her “day-one fans.”
A third comment expressed disappointment that although there was finally a boot launch, Giussepe's target audience and Mary's fan base are different. It was seen as a great idea but a huge miss.
Blige is known for wearing over-the-knee boots, showcasing the style at performances and on the red carpet.
At the 2018 Met Gala, Mary J. Blige rocked a stunning look with custom gold-embroidered Versace boots that matched her floor-length gown. The gown showcased metallic beading and sky blue pleated fabric, styled by Law Roach to give her the vibe of a "warrior princess."
Mary J Blige Finally Gets Boot Collab After Years of Rocking Over-the-Knee Shoes
At the Urban One Honors in January, she was honored with the Icon Award and dazzled the audience in a sleek black gown paired with shiny thigh-high boots. Then, at the 2023 Strength of a Woman Summit, Blige opted for a more laid-back look, rocking a Balenciaga denim over-the-knee boots with a matching logo romper.
Back in 2011, she shared that her favorite boots were a pair of Dior shoes that she found to be really comfortable. According to her interview with the Huffington Post, she mentioned that the heel was amazing and not too high, which helped her walk without feeling like she was leaning forward.
Editor's P/S:
Mary J. Blige's collaboration with Giuseppe Zanotti to create "The Mary Boot" is undoubtedly a significant milestone in her fashion legacy. The exclusive, bold, and glamorous design has been met with adoration from fans, who eagerly anticipated this moment. Blige's passion for over-the-knee boots shines through in this collaboration, epitomizing her iconic style and empowering presence.
However, the criticism surrounding the affordability of the boots highlights the complexities of celebrity collaborations. While fans may yearn for more accessible options, the luxurious nature of designer pieces often caters to a niche market. This tension reflects the ongoing debate about inclusivity in fashion and the challenges faced in balancing artistic vision with consumer accessibility. Despite the valid concerns, "The Mary Boot" stands as a testament to Blige's impact in the fashion world, further cementing her status as a style icon and inspiration.