Mary J. Blige has taken the footwear market by storm following the release of her highly anticipated boot. Blige revealed in May 2023 that she was developing her boot collection and she finally released it in May this year.
Just one day after hitting the market, her boot collab with Giuseppe Zanotti sold out. She first donned the metallic copper-colored thigh-high boots at the third annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit and disclosed that the boots would be available for purchase on May 12.
“Giuseppe Zanotti and Mary J. Blige have transformed their longtime friendship into an exclusive, limited-edition collaboration,” Giuseppe Zanotti shared on its Instagram page. “‘The Mary Boot,’ a stunning over-the-knee boot co-designed by the two talents.”
VIBE reported that the boot’s $1,295 price sparked controversy among potential buyers. The platform cited buyers who had wished the singer partnered with a more affordable brand like Steve Madden, while others were okay with her partnership with Giuseppe.
“Not sure why folks thought Mary should collaborate with a cheaper brand but no one blinks an eye when her peers are doing drops with Gucci and Balmain. Mary’s footwear has always been luxury or designer. It’s okay if you can’t afford to buy this. You have supported in other ways. Also, it is not a right to have boots. Please cut the madness,” wrote one fan in Blige’s defense on Instagram.
In a tweet, media personality Rae Hooliday addressed the cost of Blige’s footwear, saying her fans have the money to buy it.
“This price point is on brand for Mary. Like, come awnnn she’s Mary J. Blige. Her core audience got the coins. Them boots ain’t for Power fans. Those are for the Aunties who purchase her tix yearly and know every track on What’s the 411?,” she tweeted.
This is not the first time the singer has unveiled a brand. In 2020, she ventured into the wine industry, following the likes of Jay-Z, Angelina Jolie, Francis Ford Coppola, Brad Pitt, and Lady Gaga.
The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul teamed up with major Italian wine producer Fantinel Winery to bring a new line of wines that were just perfect for the summer. Sun Goddess Wines features her favorites: Italian Pinot Grigio Ramato (a rosé) and Italian Sauvignon Blanc.
In 2004, she established her own record label, Matriarch Records. She has her own perfume brand called “My Life.” The singer has also endorsed brands like American Express, AT&T, MAC, Apple, Burger King, Chevrolet, Reebok, Air Jordan, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Gap, and Target.
According to Cheatsheet, Blige has sold over 50 million albums worldwide and won nine Grammy Awards to date. Her successful career has led her to accumulate a net worth of $20 million, according to reports.
