This Wednesday, Gianvito Rossi debuts his first handbag, a key new development for the famed Italian shoe designer, coming three months after inking a partnership deal with luxury giant Richemont.

Entitled the Valì, it’s a sleek new handbag, very much in the spirit of Gianvito – a cunning blend of haute artisanal finish, sleek luxury and a modernist mood.
 
“I had wanted to create a handbag for so long. A handbag is such a vital thing for a woman, so I wanted to create my own interpretation of this. I am fascinated by the choices women make about the bags they carry all over the world,” explained Gianvito, in a zoom from company headquarters in San Mauro Pascoli, in Emilia Romagna.

On October 18 he launches the Valì worldwide with special pop ups in Bergdorf Goodman and Isetan, and openings in selected international retailers. The Valì will also be available in Gianvito Rossi boutiques, the brand currently boasts 39 worldwide. And certain Valì styles will also be on Net-a-Porter, the exclusive online retail partner for the launch.
 
“I wanted to make a bag like a suitcase, because that is how women use them, but obviously a smaller version. A handbag that felt very precious, where a woman can carry all that is special to her,” added Rossi, who’s choice of Valì is a play on the French word for suitcase.
 
Its form with rounded angles does indeed evoke an old suitcase, looking strong yet feeling very light. Priced at 2,250 euros and made of calfskin, the Valì is available in four colors – black, peach, off white and violet.
 
 “My play is strong but elegant with a touch of femininity, so never sharp angles,” smiles Gianvito, who is planning a smaller sized Valì as a follow up.

Elsewhere, Gianvito has been busy building his business, opening in Switzerland, Germany and Netherlands in Europe. And further afield in Shenzhen and Hanoi. Next up he will unveil boutiques in both Kuwait and Riyadh, a first store in Saudi in Faisaliah Mall.
 
The son of the legendary shoe designer Sergio Rossi, from whom he learnt his trade, Gianvito has developed a style that is deeply imbedded in Italian culture.
 
An aesthetic he trumpets with missionary zeal, which explains his decision in July to sell a majority stake in the company he founded in 2006 to Richemont, the giant Swiss-based luxury group that owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, IWC, Panerai, Piaget, Montblanc, Buccellati, Chloé, Alaïa, Dunhill and AZ Factory. As well as controlling the extended Net-a-Porter and Yoox e-tailing empire.

“With Richemont we share a common view. That the future of this business is based on persevering quality in the long term and expanding through relevant direct retail. To do that in Asia, and in many countries, requires an important international group, so we can do so in the best way. Sharing this view we decided on the partnership,” explained Rossi, who declined to reveal the financial value of the sale. His brand’s annual sales are estimated at over €99 million.
 
Looking to the future, he is uber focused on growing sales worldwide, increasing retail and increasing production while maintaining the best quality.
 
“In the last months, we’ve seen a slower market in general – and expect that to stay so for a few months. But soon enough there will be a recovery. Demand for high, high quality will remain and grow – you have to respect that. If you can create our level of quality you have to believe in a bright future,” said Rossi, who this year will produce around 320,000 pairs of shoes.
 
“I love to carry on our strong heritage – the know-how and culture of Italian artisans – created over centuries. To keep this incredible value but reinterpret it in a new way. So, originality and heritage are the essential combination,” insists Rossi.
 
Which helps sum up his latest collection, inspired by Ancient Rome.
 
“I have the fortune to visit Rome regularly and am always impressed by this incredible city. So, when I was there in this July, I decided to fuse that heritage into my latest collection,” he notes.
 
Inventing fierce gladiator sandals, finished with leather wrist bands worn in imperial Rome. Taking an emperor’s laurel crown and spooling it sensually around the calf in sexy high heels. Building a collection in silver, gold and ancient detailing that recalled a Roman triumph.
 
Rossi’s blend of precious yet punchy has won him legions of admirers – from Rihanna, who donned his lace up sandals at the last Superbowl, to Michelle Yeoh, who walked the Met Gala red carpet in his custom-made cuissard black boots with metal chain ankle bracelets, to Brazilian superstar Anitta, who rocked out in Gianvito’s ripped up denim thigh boots at Spotify’s Best Artist party in LA recently.
 
“One reason famous women like my shoes is because I create with the objective that they must make the woman look her best – the shoe must never, ever overwhelm,” he concludes.
 
With so many brands opening hotels, one wondered if the much-travelled Gianvito might open one?
 
“A Gianvito Rossi hotel! I love hotels, but for myself, as a guest!”