Discover the remarkable craftsmanship at the heart of Manolo Blahnik, and delve deeper into the Manolo Blahnik Virtual Archives with ‘The Craft’.

The latest feature of the virtual experience examines the exceptional artistry behind the men’s and women’s collections and provides an extraordinary insight into the craft of shoemaking.

The award-winning virtual archives showcase the world of Manolo, with a replica of the designer’s desk a centre point to explore other rooms; the Craft uncovers the design process from sketch to techniques and construction.


DESIGN PROCESS 

Every shoe starts its life as a sketch, and this section explores Manolo Blahnik’s unique process as the artist and maker. With each collection, he reimagines his inspirations in distinctive styles that are quintessentially Manolo. Each decade explores a unique style from its initial inspiration to the final design.

From the dynasties of the early renaissance, translated into delicately placed cut-outs and metallic tassels, to the electric glamour of disco-chic in 70s New York, seen in the exaggerated crystal buttons on the ‘Elhob’, created for Winter 21; Manolo explores a plethora of references from history to art to the natural world.

CONSTRUCTION 

Uncover the craft of shoemaking through the components used to create Manolo’s iconic styles. From heels and lasts, to the importance of proportion, discover the anatomy of a shoe and the workmanship that goes into creating Manolo’s most iconic design, the Hangisi.

Delve into the exceptional constructions of some of Manolo’s most iconic pieces from the archive, such as a collaborative style used for Zandra Rhodes’ ‘Lily Collection’, shown in 1972. The lily motif featured on this shoe became instrumental in building her signature style. Or the ‘Galli’ used by John Galliano in his AW95 collection, featuring delicate metalwork. The ‘cage’ heel featured in this collection is one of Manolo’s most daring and recognisable heels.


TYPOLOGIES

Throughout his illustrious career, Manolo has created styles across different typologies. Discover the vast history and ‘Manolo Moment’ behind each distinct style.

From the mule, first popularised in 18th Century French courts, to the conception of the Maysale created for Isaac Mizrahi in 1991, one of Manolo’s most popular creations, reintpreted for AU23 in a bold animal print; explore the most prevalent styles and even Manolo’s own hybrid typologies.

TECHNIQUES 

Manolo’s mastery is prevalent in each collection, with a multitude of craft techniques used to enliven his iconic designs.

Discover the art of patchworking and elegant laser-cut techniques that elevate simple silhouettes. From embroidery to pleating, each technique, whether functional or decorative, is a testament to his extraordinary craftsmanship.


ACCESSORIES 

Discover Manolo’s most distinguished accessories and revel in the mastery of embellishments and ornamentation. From tassels, to fringing and metalwork, Manolo’s exquisite craftsmanship is entwined in each detail.

Building on the time-tested hardware of the buckle with its simplicity and durability, Manolo is known for his exceptional embellished buckles, famously atop his most iconic style, the Hangisi. Explore the use of feather detailing that has been used to add flair and movement to styles in a palette of bold brights to natural hues.

MATERIALS

A master of colour, form and fabrication, explore Manolo’s most-used fabrics, such as exquisite leathers and rich tartan, to exotic fabrications.

Discover the properties of each material and how they are carefully selected for each shoe. Explore Manolo’s particular fondness for Harris Tweed, where the textile is still homemade in remote weaving sheds and spun on the islands, or how Manolo became an early adopter of PVC in footwear. 


THE MAKING 

An unparalleled insight into the art of shoemaking, with skilled artisans demonstrating the process of creating the iconic Hangisi style. From its initial pattern to the final touches, discover the remarkable artisanship at the Manolo Blahnik Atelier.

“My shoes have forever been made near Milan because of the Italian sense of art and craft that is innate and natural; it’s in their blood. The Italians are extremely conscious of beauty, sensuality, and the joy of life.”

– Manolo Blahnik


MEN’S 

Although known best for his women’s styles, Manolo began his extraordinary career by designing men’s shoes for his closest friends. Re-launching in 2018, the men's collection now offers wide ranging options from the most casual to styles made for evening elegance.

Explore construction methods and stitching techniques most used in men’s footwear and distilling them into designs that are idiosyncratically ‘Manolo’. 

Explore the Manolo Blahnik Archive, The Craft.

The Stories