SO TOTALLY: shoes

On the 8th September 2010, Manolo Blahnik launched his wonderful store-in-store at Liberty, London, featuring the most favoured shoes from his Autumn Winter collection, and an exclusive range designed specifically for Liberty. After scouring through the archives, Blaknik used vintage Liberty prints for his iconic shoes, as well as designing his own that have been used on a range of printed accessories and gifts.

Yesterday evening, Blahnik was back in Liberty doing a book signing for his newly launched volume, Manolo's New Shoes. Those who have read my previous posts may know I received this beautiful collection of sketches for my 21st birthday, so when I saw that Blahnik was in London, I couldn't miss the opportunity to meet him and have him sign my copy.

After a quick snack in Costa, we made our way to Liberty and already the queue had wrapped itself around the iconic destination store. We waited two hours in the cold and watched the skies darken, but when we finally made it beyond the ribbon barrier, we knew it was worth the wait.

Dressed in a light grey suit accessorised with a royal purple, polka dot bow-tie, Blahnik stood behind a stack of his books signing personalised messages on both paper and shoes. He was a friendly man, very patient and considerate. He'd talk to individuals and stop to take pictures, all the while apologising to those still waiting.

Staff helping Manolo, much to my dismay, were teetering about in shoes from his newly launched collection. My favourite had to the this exquisitely formed take on the traditional court shoe printed in an intricate monochrome Nepala print, selling at a pricey £440 and exclusive to Liberty.

Dotted around the room were samples of Blahnik's exclusive collection with Liberty and what caught my eye were these silk printed scarves. All unique and featuring his beloved sketches, the prints themselves were reminiscent of vintage Liberty styles, landmarking them a new addition to the stores archive history.

Of course the staff got to fashion the accessories too - this green and cream silk fern print scarf is priced at £150.

Finally it was my turn with Manolo. I resisted getting a pair of shoes or silk scarf, and settled with a poster of my favourite Blahnik print which he signed 'To Natalie' - a wonderful keepsake to frame and treasure.

My copy of Manolo's New Shoes was dedicated to my 21st year with a 'Happy Birthday' wish. What a great birthday gift this has truly become!

Of course a thought need to be spared for the unlucky lot who didn't make it through the doors to meet with Blahnik. Going over schedule to try see as many as he could, two hours was simply not enough time to meet all the waiting crowd. Better luck next time!

As part of my 21st birthday gift from the family, I received this beautiful collection of Manolo Blahnik sketches. Designing since 1971, Blahnik is synonymous for exceptionally crafted shoes that are unique and objects of pure desire. Each design starts with these colourful sketches, that have become as sought after as the shoes themselves.

Homing in on his current inspirations and desires, the volume is organised under such titles as 'Africa', 'Architecture' and 'Botany'. It really is intriguing to see how such a talent translates outside influences into their work, and it is something that I would love to pursue.

For anyone who appreciates art and fashion, this really is a gorgeous book to own.

Of course, to see the best of Manolo, we only need to turn our attention to the Sex and the City girls. I really do need to train myself to last in heels. Second to that, I think I need to go shopping!

Thursday, 24 February 2011

LFW AW11/12 - The Shoe of Choice

Friday, 22 October 2010

Meeting Manolo

Sunday, 26 September 2010

Manolo's New Shoes