Did you hear the news? Spanish designer Manolo Blahnik is offering insight into his impressive career in the fashion industry through a touring exhibition entitled “Manolo Blahnik: The Art of Shoes.” It features 212 of his favorite shoes and 80 original sketches straight from his private archive, which contains approximately 30,000 pieces.
Manolo Blahnik during “The Art of Shoes” exhibition at the Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas in Madrid, Spain, on Nov. 27, 2017 .
This touring residency was the result of a collaboration between Vogue Spain magazine and Manolo Blahnik. Curated by Cristina Carrillo de Albornoz, this exhibit will be shown in several well-known locations that have made a significant contribution to the designer’s life. It commenced in Milan, Italy, where Manolo first honed his skill and mastered his craft as a designer, and was then shown at the Palazzo Morando from Jan. 26 to April 17 of this year.
From Milan, the journey continued to St. Petersburg in Russia, which has become a constant source of inspiration for the designer. “The Art of Shoes” exhibition was shown at the prestigious State Hermitage Museum from May 10 to July 23 this year. It made its third stop at Museum Kampa in the Blahnik family’s paternal home of Prague, Czech Republic from Aug. 11 to Oct. 12 of this year.
The “Art of Shoes” exhibition is currently in Madrid, Spain to honor Manolo Blahnik’s Spanish roots. It will be displayed from Nov. 30, 2017 to March 12, 2018 at the revered Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas.
Manolo Blahnik during “The Art of Shoes” exhibition at the Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas in Madrid, Spain, on November 27, 2017.
This retrospective celebrates Manolo Blahnik’s illustrious career that spans 45 years. It offers a glimpse of his creative process and showcases his stunning shoe designs, which are works of art themselves. The exhibit is divided into six sections, focusing on the inspirations and themes that have influenced the designer’s career.
In the “Gala” section are Manolo Blahnik’s conceptual designs, which include the stunning shoes created for the film “Marie Antoinette” by Sofia Coppola. His botanical-inspired creations are displayed in the “Nature” area, which also includes the designer’s personal favorite – the “Ivy” green suede sandals. The “Materials” area features the quality fabrics he often uses, while the “Geography” section contains shoes inspired by his travels. His artistic influences are featured in the “Architecture and Art” area, while the “Core” section is dedicated to famous personalities that have made a significant impact on his life and career.
Manolo Blahnik during “The Art of Shoes” exhibition at the Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas in Madrid, Spain, on November 27, 2017.
The “Art of Shoes” exhibition will conclude in Toronto, Canada at the BATA Shoe Museum, which houses the biggest collection of shoes and artifacts in the world. It will be displayed from May 23, 2018 to January 6, 2019.
Credit: Oscar Gonzalez / WENN