November’s – ‘The Fine Jewellery Issue’ – Download Now
Manolo Blahnik is as close as you’ll get to fine jewellery for feet. We talk with Manolo’s CEO Kristina Bhlanik – the niece of the founder Manolo Blahnik – about what defines the iconic brand, how she ensures its legacy lives on and driving the brand forward.
The legacy of Manolo Blahnik is incredible, how do you continue to retain this?
By staying true to our original values, to family, to creativity and to craftsmanship. At our core is soul and sincerity.
What are the defining moments of the last 50-years for Manolo Blahnik?
There has been so many! The first was designing shoes for the Ossie Clark runway show in 1971, our Liberty partnership which began in 2009, our Rihanna collaborations, The Art of Shoes touring exhibition, the film; Manolo Blahnik The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards, and An Enquiring Mind at the Wallace Collection. I think that was 6!
Can you talk us through what a classic Manolo Blahnik shoe embodies?
A classic pair of Manolos is a timeless investment.
Can you talk us through your career?
I attended Cambridge University, then the AA (Architect Association) and from there started my own architecture practice DNA (Data Nature Associates). It wasn’t until 2009 when I joined the family business.
When did you become involved in the family business?
In 2009 and honestly, it was instinct, I had been an architect for 17 years and felt I needed a change and I had supported the family business for many years and immediately thought this was my time.
What has it been like bringing the brand into the modern era?
Communication is changing at the speed of light and there is always a different trend from one day to the next. I think the digital world is just as fashion-driven as the physical fashion world, you know? For us, it’s not about riding through rough waters, but navigating constantly changing weather fronts with solid consistency. Our overriding mission is to make people smile in everything we do. In the present, we’re learning new ways of connecting and communicating every day – we’ve all had to adapt and fast! I believe there will be a very different future for the world.
What goes into the design of a single pair of Manolo shoes?
Prior to COVID-19, Manolo would always visit the factory’s every season to work on the collections; from carving out new lasts, to selecting new fabrications; bringing his sketches to life.
In your own words, what does the brand represent? What does it aim to do for women?
It represents heritage and history – we are not driven by fashion but creativity and innovation, we want to push boundaries whilst still having the core values at heart. We want to make both women and men, smile – in every aspect of our work, whether that be purchasing a pair of Manolos or even seeing an image on Instagram.
What advice do you wish you had received on the beginning of your journey to success?
Stay curious, read, listen to, and observe everything.
Throughout your career, what have been your top milestones?
The past five years have been incredibly busy we’ve launched our own e-commerce platform, opened a new men’s boutique, acquired our very own atelier in Italy, one whom we’ve worked with for over 30 years and we’ve also regained control of Manolo Blahnik Americas!
And finally, what are your future plans Manolo Blahnik? Any exciting things you can reveal?
We have worked so hard over the past five years, now we need to consolidate everything. Although we are continuing to grow in certain areas, the Middle East and of course Americas. I am delighted to say that we will now have a new women’s and men’s flagship on Madison Avenue.
November’s – ‘The Fine Jewellery Issue’ – Download Now
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied
