A Complete History of Manolo Blahnik

by Kristen Nichols
history of Manolo blahnik

Photo:

Rex Features

Manolo Blahnik has famously etched out a spot in the high-end fashion world, with his designs finding a place in women’s closets all around the globe. He's developed an impressive list of celebrity and fashion-influencer admirers, so it’s no wonder the company has been on top for more than 40 years.

Blahnik grew up traveling around Europe and moved to Paris to study art and fashion. Encouraged by Diana Vreeland, he focused his work on shoe design and released his first piece in collaboration with Ossie Clark. Since then, the company expanded tremendously and Manolo went on to be the only designer for Manolo Blahnik shoes. He then became the first male to grace the cover of Vogue in 1974, and his designs have been iconically worn by everyone from Bianca Jagger during her entrance into Studio 54 via white horse to Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, and they remain Anna Wintour’s shoe of choice.

Go on to see iconic moments in the history of Manolo Blahnik, and then shop the shoes.

history of Manolo blahnik

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Getty Images 

Bianca Jagger entering Studio 54 via white horse, 1977. 

history of Manolo blahnik

Photo:

Getty Images

Princess Diana at a Vanity Fair party in London, 1994. 

history of Manolo blahnik

Photo:

Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker in a photo shoot for Sex and the City, 2002. 

history of Manolo blahnik

Photo:

Rex Features

Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette, 2006. 

history of Manolo blahnik

Photo:

Getty Images

Kate Moss marrying Jamie Hince in England, 2011. 

history of Manolo blahnik

Photo:

Getty Images

Rihanna leaving her apartment in New York, 2016. 

history of Manolo blahnik

Photo:

Getty Images

Anna Wintour at Fendi during Milan Fashion Week, 2017. 

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Fibiona Mules ($965)

For those nights when you want to dress up a bit—or a lot. 

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Dancehall Cowgirl Denim ($1295)

From Rihanna's collection with Manolo Blahnik, this pair goes well with cropped white denim jeans. 

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Lurum Pumps ($1295)

The perfect combination of glamour and sophistication. 

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Mulussanhan Mule Sandals ($1095)

Show these off with ankle-grazing hemlines. 

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Esfirapi Satin Pumps ($1045)

A sophisticated take on Manolo's original pumps. 

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Nadira Crystal Embellished Pointy Toe Pump ($1030)

For the minimalist fashion girl with elegant taste. 

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Maysale Suede Mules ($672)

Add some color to your Manolo collection. 

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Insopo Booties ($995)

Rock these with a cool red leather skirt.

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Todi Sock Booties ($995)

Sock booties are everywhere this season. 

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Embellished Mules ($895)

Show off these mules with a classic LBD. 

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Tartonacri ($987)

Such elegant pumps.

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Fiboslac ($987)

A shoe fit for a white-tie event. 

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Scipios ($845)

We love the strappy detailing. 

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Carolyne Slingback ($645)

We love how elegant these shoes look. 

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Serba ($901)

Oversize bows on classic pumps are so on trend this fall. 

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Esparra Sandals ($795)

We are loving the Spanish pom-poms on these pumps. 

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Tres Sandal ($745)

So sweet and delicate. 

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Copena Mules ($745)

The bow adds a flirty touch. 

history of Manolo blahnik
Manolo Blahnik Carolyne Pumps ($695)

A sleek and sophisticated look for every fashion girl.

Next, read about the six-piece minimalist clothing wardrobe.