Walking the walk

MANOLO BLAHNIK remains one of the most covetable names in footwear. Now with more than five decades of history, the brand goes back to its beginnings to celebrate its most timeless silhouettes.

“SHOES ARE THE QUICKEST WAY FOR WOMEN TO ACHIEVE INSTANT METAMORPHOSIS,” said Manolo Blahnik, the illustrious shoe designer and founder of his namesake label. Synonymous with timeless style and exceptional craftsmanship, Manolo Blahnik heels have not only become a style staple for the fashion-forward woman, but also treasured heirlooms and a shorthand for effortless elegance.

In the 54 years since the label’s inception, heels have been lowered, then raised, streamlined, widened, and repeatedly transformed in a multitude of ways. And while trends come and go, style is eternal—an ethos that Blahnik evocatively conveyed through his creations from the very beginning.

It all started when a young Blahnik, who initially aspired to design theatre sets, had a serendipitous encounter with then editor-in-chief of American Vogue Diana Vreeland. After seeing his fantastical sketches for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Vreeland advised him to design shoes and accessories with the belief that he had innate talent for the craft. Motivated by her words, Blahnik changed his mind and committed himself to learn the art of shoemaking from skilled artisans in London.