Manolo Blahnik is a shoe brand founded by Manuel “Manolo” Blahnik Rodríguez CBE, a Spanish fashion designer born on November 27, 1942, in Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain. Unlike many luxury shoe brands, Manolo Blahnik has retained full control of his business, not selling it to a fashion conglomerate.
Your Next Shoes frequently features celebrities who love his shoes, including Dua Lipa, Margot Robbie, Dakota Fanning, Elizabeth Hurley, Blake Lively, and Eva Longoria. In 2016, Rihanna collaborated with Manolo Blahnik to create a limited-edition shoe collection called Denim Desserts. She’s also frequently seen wearing his shoe designs.
Manolo Blahnik poses with models Irma Mali and Semina Zia at the opening of his exclusive boutique at Brown Thomas in Dublin on October 7, 2008 (Credit: WENN)
For years, Manolo Blahnik has undeniably been one of the biggest names in fashion. Establishing the self-named brand in London in 1970, the designer grew into a household name that came to conquer the luxury footwear industry.
Since then, the headquarters have remained in the British capital, while additional offices and flagship stores have expanded into major fashion hubs such as Hong Kong, New York, and Madrid.
A gallery staff member poses with Damien Hirst X Manolo Blahnik Spin boots, circa 2002, (est. £2,000-3,000) during a photocall for Bonhams’ British. Cool. sale showcasing a diverse range of British and émigré talent from the last one hundred years, on February 22, 2021, in London, England (Credit: Avalon / WENN)
Born in the Canary Islands, Manolo Blahnik was interested in shoemaking from an early age. A 2017 documentary titled “Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards” recalls Blahnik’s first-ever ‘clients:’ lizards for whom he would make shoes from aluminum wrappers.
Though his inclinations were evident, the designer wouldn’t fully commit to the art until years later. It was only in 1969 that Diana Vreeland, former director of the Met Costume Institute, guided Blahnik to fulfill his destiny in shoemaking as an art and set design student.
Shoe designer Manolo Blahnik (L) and designer Carolina Herrera attend the 25th Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards at the Museum of Modern Art on November 29, 2011, in New York City (Credit: Andres Otero/ WENN)
The Spanish designer, pronounced “Mah – no – low / Blah – Nik,” has curated a deeply personal style over the years – one strongly rooted in femininity, elegance, and jewels.
Dramatic yet classic embellishments detail timeless silhouettes, a trademark that has only become more renowned over time. Manolos, as admirers refer to the shoes, have made it to some of the most esteemed events in the world, worn by celebrities like Rihanna and American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
Anna Wintour wears Manolo Blahnik kitten heels with an indigo sheath Michael Kors dress at the 2014 God’s Love We Deliver Golden Heart Awards at Spring Studios on October 16, 2014, in New York City (Credit: C.Smith/ WENN)
Additionally, they have been iconically featured in Sex and the City, one of the most popular fashion-centric films in recent history.
More specifically, the Hangisi style was thrown further into the spotlight when worn by Carrie Bradshaw, a fashion-obsessed writer played by actor Sarah Jessica Parker. The pumps feature a rectangular jewel at the front.
Instantly recognizable on screen in its satin blue variation, the shoe has never lost its star status. It still stands among the brand’s most popular ‘classic’ styles.
Spanish designer Manolo Blahnik poses during ‘The Art of Shoe’ exhibition at the National Museum of Decorative Arts in Madrid, Spain, on November 27, 2017 (Credit: Oscar Gonzalez / WENN)
Blahnik’s strong personality accompanies him throughout the shoemaking process. The designer is noted for his dedication to the brand, which is reflected in his unparalleled focus and involvement.
Every shoe is designed and sketched by hand solely by Blahnik, a rare system for a brand of such size, reach, and influence. Despite the massive proportions that Blahnik has reached with his work, his process seems to have remained incredibly intimate.
Hilary Duff shows off her feet in Manolo Blahnik Vella slingback booties (Credit: Nikki Nelson/ WENN)
The designer can often be found in Italy, where his shoes are crafted, working to ensure the proper development and eventual creation of his vision.
How Much Are Manolo Blahnik Shoes?
Expert design, craftsmanship, and the highest-quality materials translate to the shoe’s pricing. A pair of Manolos can range from $555 to an astounding $14,000, though a more realistic estimate of some of the most popular styles is more likely to average $1,000.
The shoes can be purchased directly on the Manolo Blahnik website, in luxury department stores, and at online retailers like Nordstrom, Farfetch, and Mytheresa.
Manolo Blahnik’s black wool pointed-toe Waga pumps feature white embroidery detail, an elasticated slingback strap, and a kid leather lace-up front strap (Credit: Manolo Blahnik)
Are Manolo Blahnik Shoes Comfortable?
Manolo Blahnik shoes consistently meet high expectations for comfort, a priority the designer takes very seriously. The brand follows Italian sizing, with detailed fit information for each style provided on the website.
On the internet, the shoes are confirmed to be extremely comfortable and true to size, though narrower in their fit. If you have wider feet, a half-size up might be the way to go.
Despite its long-lasting success, the brand shows no signs of slowing down – and it’s clear why.