From her long-time signature blonde tresses to her “around the way girl” swag, her looks have been iconic for decades. So, when she stepped on-stage in gleaming rose gold thigh-high boots at her Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit, it was inevitable that the look would go viral.
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All high shine and brashness, the scrunchy, over-the-knee style boot is metallic club-kid-fever-dream fuel.
A nod to the city style of the late 80s and early 90s, the rose-gold kicks capture the best of a bygone era. The color choice is a sleek, modern interpretation of the gold lamé footwear some of our flyest aunties probably still have in the back of their closets.
They give Apollonia, Vanity 6, fly girl vibes. We love that for us.
What the girls aren’t loving is the accompanying price tag.
At $1,300 a pair, the Mary Boot is firmly in luxury territory. Given Giuseppe Zanotti’s reputation for fierce style and quality craftsmanship, those who love the brand expected a price in the range.
Still, some of Mary’s fans are none too pleased with the cost, and see it as well out of reach for her target audience.
Many have taken to social media to express their opinion on the issue.
One fan wrote: “Love Mary J., but that’s my one month’s rent…I had to pass. Beautiful boots, though.”
The Mary J. Blige Boot Concept Sketch | Giuseppe Zanotti
Similar sentiments abound across social media platforms, with many suggesting Mary should’ve partnered with a more accessible brand. Steve Madden was mentioned frequently.
Given the origins of hip hop soul, some listeners are wondering if superstars are out of touch with the people who skyrocket their music and buy their products.
On the other side of the discourse, fans wonder why some are surprised by Mary’s choice to partner with an upscale designer.
Citing the star’s own lyrics in songs like “Enough Cryin’,” supporters assert that Mary has always given “rich auntie” energy, and the collaboration is squarely on brand.
“Catch me with the B’s on the wheels, Giuseppe’s on the heels –
Shoulda Marc Jacob Fe Fe bagged me when you had me Next dude will…gladly pick up where you left off
Ice me, wife me, you ain’t gonna have me…”
Despite wildly differing opinions on social media, the market has spoken. Mary’s debut collaboration with Giuseppe sold out in a matter of hours, and fans have expressed a demand for a restock and extended colorways.
It begs the question: do hip hop and R&B artists need to remain ‘accessible’ to the majority of fans to be seen as authentic?
Based on Mary’s own statement, the boot is exactly in line with her image and authentic style:
For more information on The Mary Boot, or to sign up for restock alerts, visit the brand here.
The Mary Boot, created by Giuseppe Zanotti in collaboration with Mary J. Blige, retails for $1,295.
Mary J. Blige’s new boot is available online via the Giuseppe Zanotti website, and sold in-store exclusively at the brand’s Atlanta boutique (located in Phipps Plaza).
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