Rihanna x Manolo Blahnik’s “Dangerous” Denim Shoes: The Collab That Redefined Celebrity Footwear

Back in 2016, Rihanna and Manolo Blahnik teamed up for what became one of the most talked-about celebrity shoe collaborations of the decade — the aptly named “Dangerous” Denim Shoe Collection.

We at Your Next Shoes had already long recognized Rihanna’s love for Manolos, so it felt only fitting when the Spanish-born shoe designer tapped the “Work” singer for a denim-themed line. Denim isn’t among our top materials for shoes, but trust Ri to make us covet it like pretty much every fashion item she wears.

In British Vogue’s editorial spread, Rihanna made the Manolo Blahnik x Rihanna “9 to 5” chaps-inspired denim boots with an embellished-buckle belt look not just wearable, but iconic.

Sure, you might not style them topless under an Alexander McQueen denim coat or pair them with Isabel Marant knit hot pants, but can you look at the shot below and not reconsider giving double denim a chance?

Rihanna promoting her “Denim Desserts” footwear collaboration with Manolo Blahnik in Vogue (Credit: Vogue UK / Craig McDean)

At the time, Rihanna was just 28 — and she made it clear she wanted her Manolo collab to be more than just another designer drop. She even joked that she would literally chase down anyone she spotted wearing a pair.

“The day I see a woman in the street wearing my shoes, I am sorry for that woman because I’m going to literally run after her, shouting, ‘Stop! Selfie! Who are you? Where did you get them?'” Rihanna laughed in her British Vogue interview.

And in true RiRi fashion, she also gave fans a playful warning: these weren’t shoes for the faint of heart.

“Guuurrrl! Those boots are dangerous!” she said. “If you’re trying to get back home to your bed, don’t wear them boots! You will get kidnapped in those boots, those boots are trouble.”

Rihanna channels her inner country girl on the cover of British Vogue‘s April 2016 issue (Credit: Vogue UK / Craig McDean)

Rihanna’s Unforgettable Shoe Legacy

From her early red-carpet statements to her latest maternity style moments, Rihanna has consistently used footwear to define her fearless fashion persona. Below are some of her most memorable shoe appearances covered on Your Next Shoes:

Rihanna x Manolo Blahnik: The 2016 Denim Desserts Collection

When the collection first dropped in 2016, fans were treated to six bold designs that mixed Manolo’s craftsmanship with Rihanna’s fearless edge. Below, take a look back at four of the standout styles that had the fashion world buzzing.

Rihanna’s 9-to-5 Manolo Blahnik denim boots

Prices for the collection ranged from $895 to $3,995, and the shoes officially launched on May 5, 2016, at Manolo Blahnik stores in New York, London, and Hong Kong.

Manolo Blahnik x Rihanna ‘9 to 5’ Chap Boots

Manolo Blahnik x Rihanna ‘Sea Salts’ Ankle-Strap Pumps

Manolo Blahnik x Rihanna ‘Dancehall Cowgirl’ Lace-Up Booties

Manolo Blahnik x Rihanna ‘Rih-Vi’ Sandals

Discover More About Manolo Blahnik

This concludes our look back at Rihanna’s daring denim collaboration with Manolo Blahnik. For readers who want to dive deeper into the designer’s legacy and cultural impact, explore these additional highlights from Your Next Shoes: