Heart & Sole
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore|February 2019

Shoe designer extraordinaire Manolo Blahnik reflects on the past for the future.

Heart & Sole

Is there a woman who has never heard of the name, Manolo Blahnik? With the release of his biographical film, Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards, and works currently on display in museums all over the world, the Spanish designer reveals to BAZAAR tales he hasn’t been able to tell until now, and his thoughts on his upcoming collection.

You’ve had many iconic creations to your name. Which of them would you consider as the most memorable during your career?

When I worked with Kansaï Yamamoto in 1971. As we were putting a show together, I was providing the shoes, and we ended up making Japanese geta sandals and called them The Brick. We bought cork around Portobello Market, in acid green and pink python leather. We gathered all these materials from the market, and got everything made within a week. I consider that to be the start of my career but at the time, I did not know exactly if the shoes were good or bad. So of course, I was nervous to show him. Thankfully, though, he liked them and told me so.

Then you went to New York?

I showed Mrs Vreeland my theatre design portfolio. She said, “Wonderful accessories, wonderful objects. Take it further.” So my stumbling into shoe design was really accidental. I was so set on becoming a theatre designer that the thought of being a shoe designer really hadn’t crossed my mind.

How did you feel about being told that?

Well, my mother also designed shoes. Maybe it’s something in my genes? Who knows?

You later ended up in London, where you opened your first boutique. What made you decide to open your first boutique in Chelsea?

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HARPER'S BAZAAR SINGAPOREView all
Out Of This World
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

Out Of This World

Celestial bodies animate autumn's most elegant spritzes.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Do You Fashion, Bro?
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

Do You Fashion, Bro?

As the number of male fashion influencers swells, we look at what's driving this trend.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
BEYOND BEACHES
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

BEYOND BEACHES

Escape Down Under for everything your heart desires a romantic intimate wedding, or a cruise along Sydney's picturesque harbour. The world is your oyster and the best thing is you can eat it too.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
DOWN TO EARTH
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

DOWN TO EARTH

In the spacious apartment of Geraldine Toh and Vincent Lim, art, design elements and an earthy sensibility commingle in perfect harmony.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
CRUISING ALTITUDE
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

CRUISING ALTITUDE

With his idiosyncratic Thai movies, dashing movie star good looks and frequent Paris red carpet appearances, Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat is bringing the best of Thailand to the rest of the world.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
PUT A RING ON IT
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

PUT A RING ON IT

Complete your love story with a beautiful engagement ring and exquisite bridal jewellery from storied London jeweller, GRAFF.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
PERFECTING TIME
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

PERFECTING TIME

With its unique Atelier d'Antoine programme and an assembly of artisans, Jaeger-LeCoultre shows how it takes watchcraft into the next level.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

'The Shape of Colours', Hermès haute bijouterie collection, is a true technicolour dream.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
HAUTE BIJOUX
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

HAUTE BIJOUX

The latest and most talked-about collections.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
REPAIR REVOLUTION
Harper's BAZAAR Singapore

REPAIR REVOLUTION

Unlock your skin's potential.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024