Some shoe designers got into the business because their family is into it, or because they’ve always known it’s what they wanted to do.
Others took a more unexpected route—some felt compelled to make a statement, some created shoes for a class project, and some didn’t discover their passion until after living with a tribe in Africa.
A striking portrait of Italian shoe designer Gianluca Tamburini, known for his innovative, jewel-like footwear designs (Credit: Gianluca Tamburini)
One name that still sparks conversation among avant-garde fashion fans is Gianluca Tamburini. Though no longer active online, his radical approach to modular, jewel-encrusted footwear continues to inspire collectors and design aficionados alike.
As of 2025, his official website appears to be offline, and his Instagram account has not been updated since September 2018. While it’s unclear whether his designs are still in production, his legacy in high-concept shoe design remains unmistakable.
Gianluca Tamburini’s Beluga sandal stuns with modular black beaded straps, a sleek metallic sole, and an intricately sculpted heel—blending avant-garde artistry with high-tech automotive influence
From Fast Cars to Fashion Icons: Tamburini’s Unconventional Path
Surprisingly, Gianluca Tamburini didn’t start in fashion—his roots are in the automotive world. He first developed his technical skills working with high-performance vehicles, then refined his creative and marketing abilities through Fashion Marketing Communication studies at Polimoda.
This unique combination of engineering precision and fashion insight led him to launch an ambitious footwear concept he describes as “jewels that can be worn on the feet.”
Sleek, futuristic, and fiercely aerodynamic, Gianluca Tamburini’s Biotech sandal features razor-sharp flame-like chrome heels and minimalist black leather straps
Engineering Meets Art: The High-Tech Craftsmanship Behind Tamburini’s Designs
Incorporating jewels into footwear may seem straightforward, but Tamburini elevates it into a fusion of art and engineering.
Drawing from his automotive background, he integrates yarn embellishments, coral-inspired textures, and intricate jewel details with cutting-edge materials like aeronautical aluminum, galvanic palladium, and nanoceramic coatings—the same high-performance components found in Formula One racing cars.
The Paris sandal by Gianluca Tamburini features a satin base, crystal-studded strap, and polished chrome heel adorned with vertical gem detailing—precision-built for impact
Modular Design: Customizable Footwear Inspired by Automotive Engineering
All his shoes can be disassembled, and the parts can be combined with other elements from different shoes. You can customize a Gianluca Tamburini shoe in whichever way you want to. Yes, just like a car.
So think of the shoes below as “styling ideas” rather than finished designs. You can buy the model shown as is or, as Gianluca Tamburini says, buy the “spare parts.”
Gianluca Tamburini’s Maya sandal combines raw crystals, tribal beading, and a peacock-feather-wrapped heel—crafted for maximum visual and textural contrast
The Poisonneuse sandal dazzles in acid green satin, embellished with clustered crystals, beaded florets, and a spiked heel that evokes botanical danger
Gianluca Tamburini’s Amazon sandal features cascading green crystal strands, gold leather straps, and a dramatic peacock-feather heel, channeling wild elegance with engineered precision
The Tarita sandal by Gianluca Tamburini evokes an oceanic fantasy with pale pink straps, turquoise and shell embellishments, and a coral-encrusted heel that mimics underwater textures
Gianluca Tamburini’s Scilla sandal features a metallic sole, textured lavender straps, and an extraordinary heel sculpted into octopus tentacles—blurring the line between footwear and marine mythology
Kira blends snakeskin-textured leather, chrome architectural framing, and a bold red fur heel—delivering a striking clash of natural texture and futuristic form
Vivienne pairs punk edge with precision engineering, featuring spiked black leather straps, a faceted crystal cluster, and a chrome-accented stiletto heel with metallic studs
Gianluca Tamburini’s Conspiracy shoe line epitomizes the fusion of high fashion and innovative design. His latest Aerial and Crystal collections showcase mesmerizing jewels, sparkling crystal heels, and cutting-edge technology.
While Tamburini’s vision was uniquely futuristic, many other Italian designers have shaped the luxury footwear world in equally groundbreaking ways. Let’s explore some of the names that continue to dominate red carpets and runways today.
Italian Elegance: Celebrated Designers and Iconic Footwear
Italy’s rich fashion heritage has given rise to some of the world’s most renowned shoe designers and luxury brands. Explore the stories behind these iconic names and their standout creations:
Giuseppe Zanotti: Merging Fantasy with Footwear
- Background: Hailing from San Mauro Pascoli, Zanotti is known for his sculptural designs that blend traditional craftsmanship with bold aesthetics.
- Signature Styles: Notable designs include the ‘Cruel’ winged sandals and the minimalist ‘Harmony’ stilettos.
- Celebrity Fans: Stars like Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna have been spotted wearing his creations.
- Read more: Inside the Luxury Shoe Empire Loved by Celebrities
Alberta Ferretti: Embodying Modern Femininity
- Design Aesthetic: Ferretti’s designs are celebrated for their ethereal quality and elegant silhouettes.
- Brand Evolution: From launching Ferretti Jeans Philosophy to co-founding the Aeffe fashion group, her influence is vast.
- Discover more: The Italian Designer Who Epitomizes Modern Femininity
Roberto Cavalli: The Master of Exotic Prints
- Legacy: Established in Florence in the 1970s, Cavalli became synonymous with bold animal prints and luxurious designs.
- Brand Expansion: Beyond fashion, the brand ventured into home décor and launched diffusion lines like Just Cavalli.
- Explore his journey: Exploring the Legacy of Roberto Cavalli
Dolce & Gabbana: Celebrating ‘La Dolce Vita’
- Origins: Founded in 1985, the brand captures the essence of Italian glamour and sensuality.
- Iconic Pieces: Known for the ‘Sicily’ handbag and Mediterranean-inspired prints.
- Learn more: Italian Luxury Fashion at Its Finest
Prada and Miu Miu: Distinctive Styles Under One Umbrella
- Prada: Renowned for its minimalist designs and high-quality materials.
- Miu Miu: A youthful counterpart offering playful and avant-garde fashion.
- Delve deeper: Iconic Italian Luxury Brands With Distinctive Styles
Aquazzura: The Footwear Brand Adored by Royals
- Founder: Edgardo Osorio launched Aquazzura in Florence, blending comfort with contemporary design.
- Notable Designs: The ‘Wild Thing’ sandals and ‘Christy’ flats have become modern classics.
- Find out more: Inside the Italian Footwear Brand Loved by Royals
These designers and brands exemplify the excellence of Italian fashion, each bringing unique visions to the world of luxury footwear and apparel.