Manolo Blahnik

An accidental shoemaker, Manolo Blahnik was in Paris studying art and set design when Diana Vreeland, then editor-in-chief of American Vogue, loved his sketches for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and advised him to design shoes. It inspired the birth of an iconic footwear brand.

Born in the Canary Islands in Spain, Manuel Blahnik majored in Literature and Architecture from the University of Geneva. In 1965 he shifted base to Paris to study art and stage set design while working at a vintage clothing boutique. On a trip to New York in 1970 Paloma Picasso introduced him to Diana Vreeland- then editor-in-chief of American Vogue- and showed her his set and theatrical designs. On seeing Manolo's sketches for ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream' she loved Hippolyta's high-heeled sandals embellished with ivy and cherries and encouraged him to concentrate only on designing shoes. 

Since he wasn't formally trained in shoemaking Manolo learnt the craft by visiting Italian shoe factories and learnt from machine operators- pattern cutters and technicians. All of the production phases in the making of his artisanal shoes were manual and consequently the number of pairs handcrafted each day were limited and unique. "Every shoe Manolo creates begins as a freehand sketch using sable brushes and watercolour ink. His stylistic use of line, light and colour give the renderings an impressionistic quality, making them works of art in their own right. Once he has sketched an entire collection Manolo brings his drawings to the factories in Italy to work with the technicians on how to build them in three dimensions…" per his official website.

Settling in London in 1969, he started working with Zapata Shoe Company in New York. His break came in 1971 when fashion designer Ossie Clark requested him to create shoes for his show. This was the era of platforms and chunky heels and Blahnik's sexy stilettos stood out in the sea of shoes. There was no looking back!! Blahnik has since worked with the most acclaimed designers including Yves Saint Laurent- Calvin Klein- John Galliano for Dior and Oscar de la Renta. 

Shortly he opened his own boutique on Old Church Street in Chelsea which became a hangout for the A-list set including Bianca Jagger, Rupert Everett, David Hockney and Anna Wintour. Pop icon Madonna described shoes designed by Blahnik as "better than sex" and late Princess Diana who usually wore low-heeled shoes looked sensational in a pair of black pumps from Manolo Blahnik which she accessorised with a little black dress. In 1983 Manolo opened a boutique on West 54th Street in New York. With help from Vogue Editor Anna Wintour he quickly became the go-to shoe designer for the A-list set. 

HBO series "Sex And The City" catapulted him into stardom after its central protagonist Carrie Bradshaw spoke of her devotion to Manolo Blahnik shoes. But here's a little trivia: Manolo Blahnik's BB pump- the ones fictional character Carrie Bradshaw loves- is named after Fifties' legendary French actor Brigitte Bardot and stood the test of time due to its cross between sexy and elegant. Per Forbes: “Long before Sex and The City came along, Blahnik became the godfather of sole, creating unprecedented demand for luxury footwear, gracing the cover of British Vogue and changing the course of 70s style—from platforms to stilettos—altogether.”

Manolo Blahnik was named "Accessory Designer of the Year" by British Fashion Council In 1990 and 1999.. has honorary doctorates from Royal London College of Art and Royal Society of Arts of Britain.. and was honoured with "CFDA Awards". In 2000 he collaborated with Neiman Marcus to launch the first virtual reality online showroom featuring 3D models of his shoes and the collection was sold out within three weeks! 

His designs were featured on the silver screen in Sofia Coppola's film "Marie Antoinette" which won an Oscar for "Best Costume Design". In 2003 there was a retrospective exhibit of his drawings, memorabilia and collections at the Design Museum in London. In 2006 photographer Eric Boman collaborated with him on cult shoe book "Blahnik by Boman". The following year Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II presented Manolo with "Commander of the British Empire "for his contribution to British fashion. 

Manolo has always remained true to his ideals — creative, cutting-edge and artisanal. In 2015 he published "Fleeting Gestures and Obsessions": a transcript of conversations with icons such as Pedro Almodóvar and Sofia Coppola about his treasured influences in art, design and literature alongside select photographs from his design archive. In 2017 a filmed portrait on his life "Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards" was released in theatres and on Netflix. 

In 2013 his niece Kristina Blahnik came on board as CEO of Manolo Blahnik and since taking over the position she has expanded the company from just six employees to eighty globally and from two standalone shops to twenty boutiques, all while keeping the staple artistry of the luxury shoe brand her uncle started just over fifty years ago. However Manolo Blahnik continues working at the same pace. If he isn't designing at his office in Marylebone or at home in Bath.. he can be found handcrafting samples in the factories in Italy. Because… Manolo is involved in every stage of the process of building his shoes and creates each sample himself to ensure that they match his original vision. He has been known to whittle wooden lasts by hand.. cut the patterns of the upper and assemble the parts to meet his rigorous standard. The factory artisans then study the prototypes to make enough exact copies to fulfil the orders.

In 2018 Blahnik- who has produced men's footwear since the launch of his eponymous label- opened his first standalone shop for men in London. The debut collection featured over thirty-five styles of men’s shoes ranging from zebra-prints- pony hair loafers and raffia dessert boots handwoven by a team of artisans in Morocco and finished in Italy.

An integral part of the man and his luxury brand is philanthropy. Manolo Blahnik supports the Mental Health Foundation as an official partner since May 2019. The UK-based charity is a leader in research and public awareness- advocating for policy development at a local and national level and also provides free evidence-based information to help empower people to look after their mental health. Their team has been working tirelessly to identify and inform on emerging issues, helping organisations and the UK Government effectively respond to those in need.

Manolo Blahnik's mission is deeply rooted in a commitment to artistry and craftsmanship. The luxury brand cherishes the creative process, recognising the importance of the artist and the artisan in bringing its iconic designs to life. While embracing innovation, Manolo Blahnik remains steadfast in preserving the rich heritage of the house, ensuring that its legacy of exceptional quality and timeless elegance continues to thrive in a modern world. This balance between tradition and forward-thinking design is central to the brand's identity and mission.

In addition to its dedication to artistry, Manolo Blahnik emphasizes a proactive and solution-focused approach to its operations. The luxury brand believes in addressing challenges head-on, continuously seeking out opportunities to improve and evolve. This proactive mindset is reflected in every aspect of the business, from design to customer service, ensuring that the brand consistently delivers excellence. By fostering a culture of innovation while maintaining a strong connection to its roots, Manolo Blahnik upholds its reputation as a leader in luxury footwear.

At the heart of Manolo Blahnik's mission is a commitment to upholding family values, which translates into a culture of honesty, respect, and care for all members of its community. The luxury brand treats its teams, partners, and customers with the same respect and integrity that it would extend to family, creating a nurturing environment where excellence is not only expected but cultivated. This dedication to building strong, respectful relationships is key to the brand's enduring success, as it continues to inspire and empower those who contribute to its storied legacy.

Manolo Blahnik's vision is intricately tied to the personal touch and artistic passion of its founder, who is committed to personally sketching, designing, and handcrafting each pair of shoes. This hands-on approach ensures that every creation in his atelier is not just a product, but a unique work of art. By maintaining this level of personal involvement, Blahnik guarantees that each pair reflects his distinctive vision, making every shoe a statement piece that stands out in the world of luxury footwear.

The luxury brand’s vision also emphasises the combination of creativity and timeless elegance. Manolo Blahnik is celebrated for its ability to handcraft shoes that are innovative and artistically daring and also classic in their appeal. This balance allows the luxury brand to continuously captivate a diverse clientele, from celebrities and fashion editors to women who appreciate the unparalleled craftsmanship and design. The enduring appeal of Blahnik’s creations lies in their ability to transcend fleeting trends, offering pieces that remain stylish and relevant across generations.

Central to Manolo Blahnik's vision is the cultivation of lasting relationships with its customers, who trust in the brand’s unwavering commitment to perfection. This trust has been built over decades, with loyal clients returning to the brand time and again, confident in the exceptional quality and artistry of each pair of shoes. By staying true to this vision of combining personal craftsmanship with innovative design and timeless style, Manolo Blahnik continues to solidify its status as a revered name in luxury footwear, cherished by discerning customers around the world.

Manolo Blahnik's products are the epitome of luxury footwear, meticulously crafted with a deep commitment to artistry and quality. Each shoe is a unique creation, reflecting the luxury brand’s dedication to detail and its founder’s personal involvement in the design process. From the initial sketch to the final handcrafted product, every step is guided by a passion for perfection. This results in shoes that are not only beautiful but also enduring, making them cherished additions to any wardrobe. Whether it's the iconic stiletto heels or elegantly designed flats, Manolo Blahnik shoes are known for their distinctive style and exceptional craftsmanship.

The luxury brand offers a wide range of footwear, catering to various tastes and occasions. From timeless classics that exude elegance and sophistication to more daring, innovative designs, Manolo Blahnik ensures that there is something for every discerning customer. The versatility of the collection allows for seamless integration into both everyday wear and special events, making these shoes a favored choice among those who value both fashion and function. The luxury brand’s ability to continuously introduce new designs while maintaining its signature style has earned it a loyal following among fashion enthusiasts, celebrities, and style icons alike.

Beyond its exceptional products, Manolo Blahnik also provides a personalized shopping experience that reflects the luxury brand’s luxury status. Customers can expect a high level of service, whether they are purchasing in-store or online. The brand takes pride in offering expert guidance and tailored recommendations to help clients find the perfect pair of shoes. Additionally, the exclusive nature of some of its collections, often available through limited releases or bespoke options, adds an extra layer of exclusivity and personalization. This dedication to both product excellence and customer service ensures that Manolo Blahnik continues to be a symbol of luxury and sophistication in the world of high-end footwear.