Sex, Pop Culture and Manolo Blahnik
June 19, 2008
Manolo Blahnik, founder and namesake to one of the most prominent shoe labels in the world may now be considered the world’s most publicized shoe in pop culture lore.
From the humble beginnings of a banana plantation in the Canary Islands, Blahnik traveled to Europe and ultimately graduated in 1965 from the University of Geneva with a degree in literature then going on to study art in Paris. Regarding his formal training, he was later said “I didn’t need it [formal training], because I’ve got the best taste in the world.” After university he moved to London and opened his first shop in 1973 by buying out a struggling boutique in Chelsea.
Manolo Blahnik is well known for his five and a half inch stiletto heels, and embellishments with beads, laces or ribbons. Blahnik’s shoes, now available around the world, range in price from $100’s to $1,000’s but it wasn’t until his shoes were said to be the “fifth star” of Sex and the City that his place in pop culture was cemented.
The Sex and the City episode titled ” A Vogue Idea” centers around the black patent mary jane style that Manolo Blahnik calls ‘Campari’. The price of the Campari shoe ballooned to $555 at Neiman Marcus up from its $495 price before the show aired.
Blahnik also designs shoes for film costumes and received a design credit for the 2006 biopic Marie Antoinette. In 2007, Manolo Blahnik was awarded an honorary title of Commander of the British Empire, for services to the British fashion industry.
Our favorite quote attributed to Manolo Blahnik:
“The secret of toe cleavage, is a very important part of the sexuality of the shoe; you must only show the first two cracks.”
Manolo Blahnik’s classic and contemporary styles available for sale at Neiman Marcus.
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