TOP NOTCH; IS $15,600 TOO MUCH TO SHELL OUT FOR SHOES? SILVANO LATTANZI DOESN'T THINK SO - AND APPARENTLY NEITHER DO THE DESIGNER'S HIGHLY INFLUENTIAL CLIENTS.(Interview)

Footwear News, February, 2006 by Zargani, Luisa

Byline: Luisa Zargani

There's luxury, and then there's luxury.

Silvano Lattanzi's eponymous brand might not be easily recognizable to the public, but his collections don't target the average Joe. Lattanzi's footwear is aimed at those who won't blink when presented with a bill for 1,800 euros to 13,000 euros ($2,100 to $15,600) for a single pair of shoes.

So who's among the big spenders? Lattanzi diplomatically refused to name-drop, and wouldn't confirm rumors that President George W. Bush is a regular customer. One model, however, is dubbed "the Arnold" - perhaps a reference to one Hollywood actor-turned-governor?

Later this year, Lattanzi will celebrate the 35th anniversary of his company, Zintala, which owns his namesake...