Manolo Blahnik

With a career spanning more than 50 years, Manolo Blahnik is one of the world’s most influential footwear and accessories designers. His shoes and craftsmanship have spellbound an international audience of adoring and loyal devotees. In 2019, Blahnik acquired its own atelier and production facility in Vigevano, Pavia, Italy, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to artisanal quality. Collaboration has been intrinsic to the Manolo Blahnik story since the very beginning. In 1971, Manolo began his career creating shoes for Ossie Clark's collections, marking the start of a lifelong creative dialogue with some of the world's most influential designers, artists, brands, and cultural figures. Throughout his career, Manolo has embraced collaboration as a genuine exchange of ideas, partnering with both established and emerging creative talents. From longstanding relationships within the fashion industry to innovative partnerships with brands such as Birkenstock and, most recently, Balenciaga, collaboration continues to reflect Manolo's enduring curiosity, breadth of inspiration, and unique ability to bring distinct creative visions together while maintaining his unmistakable point of view.

Today, Manolo Blahnik has an established presence across 30 countries, with 22 boutiques worldwide, including its flagship store on New York City's prestigious Madison Avenue. The brand is also represented in more than 200 of the world's leading luxury retailers across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. Complementing its international retail network, Manolo Blahnik serves a global clientele through its e-commerce platform, www.manoloblahnik.com, offering access to its signature collections and enduring vision of timeless luxury. In 2021, Manolo Blahnik celebrated its 50th anniversary by launching The Manolo Blahnik Archives: ‘A New Way of Walking.’ This interactive virtual exhibition explored the breadth of the house’s archives and the shoemaker’s constant thirst for innovation. In 2023, this digital exhibition introduced behind-the-scenes footage of the brand’s Italian atelier as part of a new virtual room called ‘The Craft.’ Viewers could witness Manolo’s design process and unique techniques for the first time and meet the real artisans who bring the iconic Manolos to life. www.thearchives.manoloblahnik.com In 2024, Manolo Blahnik was recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces in Retail, Hospitality and Leisure by Great Place to Work. This accolade is testament to the brand’s commitment to fostering a workplace culture where creativity, collaboration and passion thrive. Photo credit: Manolo Blahnik