For decades, Mary J. Blige’s hits have kept fans on the dance floor. But now, the Queen of R&B is showcasing another “real love” – designing luxury boots.
Italian fashion company Giuseppe Zanotti and Blige, 53, announced this week a collaboration called “The Mary Boot,” an over-the-knee boot in rose gold, priced at a hefty $1,295.
“Everyone is always asking me “When will you come out with boots?” says Blige on the brand’s site. “Well, here they are! I’ve always loved Giuseppe’s aesthetic and how he combines Italian sophistication with this edgy energy. We’re so excited to finally share these with the world.”
A native of the Bronx, New York, Blige first entered the music world at age 18 after signing with Uptown Records, making her the label’s youngest and first female artist, according to the singer’s official website. In 1992, Blige released her debut album “What’s the 411?” and quickly rose to fame with other hits like “Real Love,” “Family Affair” and “No More Cryin.” Over the course of her career, Blige has released 14 studio albums and won several accolades, including nine Grammys and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Besides making her mark in music, Blige has already entered other industries, including perfume and wine. In 2010, she released her first fragrance “My Life” — named after her 1994 album — and later released “Sun Goddess Wines” in 2020. She has also worked on film and television projects, including the 2021 documentary “Mary J. Blige’s My Life,” and played Monét Tejada in the Starz drama “Power Book II: Ghost.”
But when it comes to fashion, boots have been long associated with the singer’s style. She wore decadent silver boots, for instance, while performing her infamous bop during the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show in 2022.
Despite the high price tag, fans and fashionistas appear to be clamoring for a piece of Blige’s style. Just days after “The Mary Boot” release, the luxury boots are already sold out, according to Giuseppe Zanotti’s site. The brand didn’t indicate how many were made or whether more inventory is in the pipeline.
According to Blige, the good things she’s experiencing are only the beginning of the best that’s yet to come: “Now I feel like I’ve earned the right to say. ‘I’m good for something,’” Blige told The Breakfast Club two years ago. “‘I’m good to someone and I’m good for everything cause I’ve earned it and I’m still earning it — because it’s not over.”
