Manolo Blahnik

Manolo Blahnik’s career took off in an unexpected direction after he met legendary Vogue Editor Diana Vreeland in New York in 1969. Blahnik was initially studying art and set design at the Louvre Art School in Paris, but Vreeland encouraged him to pursue a career in fashion after she saw his early sketches and designs. Blahnik established his eponymous label two years later, in 1971, and designed his inaugural collection for the British designer Ossie Clark. Manolo Blahnik heels quickly became a symbol of style, grace and opulence and remain so today. As one of the most illustrious shoe designers to date, the name Manolo Blahnik is now synonymous with luxury women’s footwear. The designer’s heels, sandals and mules display a classic elegance, influenced by Blahnik’s childhood in Spain and early introduction to luxury design through his Balenciaga-obsessed mother. Blahnik’s brand became notorious for its sleek stiletto heels, but also makes shoes for men and occasionally collaborates with other brands like Birkenstock.