"If I could keep my vision intact in the future and be able to create, that would be a wonderful future for me," says the designer, reflecting on 50 years in business.
His name has become a thing amongst fashion legends, a trademark for luxury and style; hearing the words "Manolo Blahnik" and you'll instantly conjure up images of the world's most fabulous shoes and the women who wear them.
But even with all the international fame and accolades, stepping into his 50th year anniversary, Mr Blahnik continues to remain humble and obliviously happy in his own world.
"You know, I don't even have a notion of what 50 years is exactly, I'm always so oblivious what's going on in the world of fashion. I keep doing my own thing. I'm so glad that people still buy my things and they get excited, but I never follow anything."
We often hear the narrative of a picture telling a thousand words, but in the mind of many fashionista's, the same can be said about a pair of shoes; each holding their own personal connections and stories to a significant time or place, moment of celebration or a memory we never forget.
We so often associate sense to memory and things of significance, for some that might be a signature perfume, a familiar song, maybe an occasion dress or a very special pair of shoes.
Blahnik attributes the success and longevity of the brand today to the clients at the heart of the house and the stories that accompany their shoes.
Manolo Blahnik is a label that seems to evoke an emotional response in many. Perhaps its the jaw dropping price tag that took months of savings to afford; making the purchase more memorably significant, or the stories attached to the times they were unveiled and worn, like a wedding day. Their brand story isn't just Manolo telling stories, it's also about hearing the stories back from the customers which for them, becomes a circular joy.
The newest Manolo Blahnik collection is centered around that circular joy. Celebrating the 50th anniversary, the brand released a limited capsule collection of meaningful and classic styles in gold (gold being the traditional gift on a 50th anniversary). Included in the capsule collection, the insanely popular Hangisi pump (made popular from Big's proposal to Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City) and Maysale, as well as fringed boots and heeled sandals featuring 24-karat-gold-plated bells.
Manolo prefaces the exhibition,
"I put in the shoes that I really wanted, the shoes that are meaningful to be me, not the commercial ones".
And, we wouldn't have wanted it to be any other way.
The Manolo Blahnik Archives
In addition to the collection, the brand also celebrated its iconic 50-year history with a dynamic digital archive. This is an online exhibition that combines images of the greatest successes and most memorable designs from the designer, entitled “A New Way of Walking“. A must see for any shoe or shoe art lovers!
During the course of his golden career in the fashion industry, Manolo has always found ways to give back. Whether that's funding scholarship students or guest-lecturing in design courses, his most enduring legacy may just be in inspiring the next generation of footwear designers.
As a shoe designer myself, what better way could one find success than that?
Sincerity leads the heart of Manolo Blahnik's success and we are falling head over heels in love with the Manolo Blahnik golden anniversary collection. What do you think of the collection.
Shop the collection here:
Manolo Flagship Store
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