Manolo Blahnik
Shoes
Born to a Czech father and a Spanish mother and born and raised in the Canary Islands (Spain), Blahnik graduated from the University of Geneva in 1965 and studied art in Paris. He moved to London i...
Born to a Czech father and a Spanish mother and born and raised in the Canary Islands (Spain), Blahnik graduated from the University of Geneva in 1965 and studied art in Paris. He moved to London in 1968 to work at fashion boutique "Zapata" and write for Vogue Italia. After showing his portfolio of fashions and set designs to Diana Vreeland, she told him that he should design only footwear. In 1972, Ossie Clark invited him to create shoes for his runway show. With a loan of £2,000, Blahnik bought Zapata from its owner and opened his own boutique. In the 1970s, when chunky platform shoes and boots were the mainstream footwear styling of the day, Manolo Blahnik turned back his attention to the stiletto heel, which has remained the brand's mainstay to this day. Manolo Blahnik shoes have rapidly become a symbol of pure classical style for the 21st century. Manolo Blahnik's flagship store remains to date in Old Church Street, Chelsea London. Blahnik's boutiques are located in London, New York, Las Vegas, Dublin, Athens, Madrid, Istanbul, Dubai, Kuwait, Hong Kong, Seoul and Singapore. Bloomingdales (for which he created his first American collection), Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue carry his line in the United States and newly opened in Dubai Mall. Blahnik was awarded the honorary title of Commander of the British Empire in 2007 for his service to the British fashion industry.Brand Details
Founder
Manolo Blahnik
Designer
Manolo Blahnik
from
1972to
PresentBrand Strategy
Market segment
Premium
Core business
Shoes
Targets
Men, Women
Manolo Blahnik Latest News
Manolo Blahnik Launches 'Manolo's Maps'
Manolo Blahnik has introduced 'Manolo's Maps', a city guide featuring the designer's favourite destinations across London, Paris, Milan and New York, available exclusively in selected boutiques.
Manolo Blahnik x Balenciaga
Manolo Blahnik and Balenciaga have collaborated to launch a capsule collection of three archival pieces for the Autumn 2026 lineup.
Manolo Blahnik Faces Slump in Profits
Manolo Blahnik has recorded a 30% decrease in profits (without the inclusive of tax) to €15,4million in 2023, due to the slowdown in luxury spending.
Manolo Blahnik Witnesses a Milestone
With an highlighting sales hike in 2022, Manolo Blahnik plans on several new strategies such as expansion in Asia and $1mn staff bonus.
Manolo Blahnik Financial Report 2024
Last fiscal year ended on December 31, 2020
