One of the most influential footwear designers of our times, you only need to say ‘Manolo!’ to draw appreciative sighs. 

With a career spanning over 50 years, his global influence has captivated a loyal audience and garnered him accolades such as the Luxury Legend Award from Walpole and a CBE from Queen Elizabeth II, not to mention the honorary status as Carrie Bradshaw’s favourite shoe designer. With this breadth of pop culture influence, not to mention a sizable, and sustainable business, grown from his unique designs, Manolo Blahnik celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021 by launching The Manolo Blahnik Archives: ‘A New Way of Walking’. 

Just after lockdowns, this was a bold move. It was an interactive virtual exhibition exploring the span of their archives, allowing viewers to witness behind-the-scenes footage of the desinger’s Italian atelier and a look into the design process and unique techniques. It was surprising, as Manolo’s ad campaigns always showcase his hand drawings, and his “old school” craft met Virtual Reality pods that allowed interactions in that “phygital” way we all hate to say, but love to do.

Now, in honour of his extensive history and vast inspirations, the brand is launching a collectors’ series entitled ‘A Splendid Blahnik’ where each season a style is chosen by Manolo himself that represents his personal favourite, quintessentially him.

For this Autumn ‘24 season, the chosen style is Medarda, a black satin bootie with an ornate horseshoe embellishment. This overall silhouette combined with the baguette crystal detail are a nod to the glamorous court of the first French empire, paying tribute to Blahnik’s historic heroines. Think soft-lit paintings of elegant aristocrats with diamonds and flowing silk. This period is something that always tempts the modern fashion world with Marie Antoinette similarly influencing us today with her elegant romanticism. Inspired by cinematic portrayals of Empress Joséphine, Napoleon Bonaparte's wife, Blahnik incorporates these historical elements together with a distinctive modern touch through the sculptural design of the heel. This romantic and yet thoroughly modern design is the aptly earnt ‘star of the season’ both for Manolo and for us (and probably for Carrie Bradshaw too)!