Manolo Blahnik: The Timeless Shoe Designer Who Turned Artistry into Luxury

Manolo Blahnik is a shoe brand founded by Manuel “Manolo” Blahnik Rodríguez CBE, a Spanish fashion designer born on November 27, 1942, in Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain. Unlike many luxury shoe brands, Manolo Blahnik has retained complete control of his business, not selling it to a fashion conglomerate.

Your Next Shoes frequently features celebrities who love his shoes, including Dua Lipa, Margot Robbie, Dakota Fanning, Elizabeth Hurley, Blake Lively, and Eva Longoria. In 2016, Rihanna collaborated with Manolo Blahnik to create a limited-edition Denim Desserts shoe collection. She’s also frequently seen wearing his shoe designs.

Manolo Blahnik poses with models Irma Mali and Semina Zia at the opening of his exclusive boutique at Brown Thomas in Dublin on October 7, 2008 (Credit: WENN)

Manolo Blahnik’s Celebrity Revival: 2025’s Most Glamorous Moments

From film festivals to fashion weeks, 2025 reaffirmed Manolo Blahnik’s enduring hold on red-carpet glamour. Hollywood icons and style risk-takers alike gravitated toward his timeless silhouettes — proof that the Spanish designer’s artistry continues to define modern elegance.

The Rise of Manolo Blahnik: From London Beginnings to Global Luxury Icon

For years, Manolo Blahnik has undeniably been one of the biggest names in fashion. Establishing the self-named brand in London in 1970, the designer became a household name that came to dominate the luxury footwear industry.

Since then, the headquarters have remained in the British capital, while additional offices and flagship stores have expanded into major fashion hubs such as Hong Kong, New York, and Madrid.

A gallery staff member poses with Damien Hirst X Manolo Blahnik Spin boots, circa 2002, (est. £2,000-3,000) during a photocall for Bonhams’ British. Cool. sale showcasing a diverse range of British and émigré talent from the last one hundred years, on February 22, 2021, in London, England (Credit: Avalon / WENN)

Born in the Canary Islands, Manolo Blahnik was interested in shoemaking from an early age. A 2017 documentary titled “Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards” recalls Blahnik’s first-ever ‘clients:’ lizards for whom he would make shoes from aluminum wrappers.

Though his inclinations were evident, the designer wouldn’t fully commit to the art until years later. It was only in 1969 that Diana Vreeland, former director of the Met Costume Institute, guided Blahnik to fulfill his destiny in shoemaking as an art and set design student.

Shoe designer Manolo Blahnik (L) and designer Carolina Herrera attend the 25th Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards at the Museum of Modern Art on November 29, 2011, in New York City (Credit: Andres Otero/ WENN)

The Spanish designer, pronounced “Mah-no-low / Blah-Nik,” has curated a deeply personal style over the years – one firmly rooted in femininity, elegance, and jewels.

Dramatic yet classic embellishments detail timeless silhouettes, a trademark that has only become more renowned over time. Manolos, as the shoes are known, have graced some of the world’s most esteemed events, worn by celebrities like Rihanna and American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

Anna Wintour wears Manolo Blahnik kitten heels with an indigo sheath Michael Kors dress at the 2014 God’s Love We Deliver Golden Heart Awards at Spring Studios on October 16, 2014, in New York City (Credit: C.Smith/ WENN)

Additionally, they have been iconically featured in Sex and the City, one of the most popular fashion-centric films in recent history.

More specifically, the Hangisi style was thrown further into the spotlight when Carrie Bradshaw, a fashion-obsessed writer played by Sarah Jessica Parker, wore it. The pumps feature a rectangular jewel at the front.

Instantly recognizable on screen in its satin blue variation, the shoe has never lost its star status. It still stands among the brand’s most popular ‘classic’ styles.

Spanish designer Manolo Blahnik poses during ‘The Art of Shoe’ exhibition at the National Museum of Decorative Arts in Madrid, Spain, on November 27, 2017 (Credit: Oscar Gonzalez / WENN)

Blahnik’s strong personality accompanies him throughout the shoemaking process. The designer is noted for his dedication to the brand, which is reflected in his unparalleled focus and involvement.

Every shoe is designed and sketched by hand solely by Blahnik, a rare system for a brand of such size, reach, and influence. Despite the massive proportions his work has reached, his process seems to have remained incredibly intimate.

Hilary Duff displays her red-polished toes in Manolo Blahnik’s black leather “Vella” slingback booties, featuring peep toes, front zippers, and slim stiletto heels (Credit: Nikki Nelson/ WENN)

The designer can often be found in Italy, where his shoes are crafted, working to ensure the proper development and eventual creation of his vision.

How Much Are Manolo Blahnik Shoes?

Expert design, craftsmanship, and the highest-quality materials are reflected in the shoe’s price. A pair of Manolos can range from $555 to an astounding $14,000, though a more realistic estimate of some of the most popular styles is more likely to average $1,000.

The shoes can be purchased directly on the Manolo Blahnik website, in luxury department stores, and at online retailers such as Nordstrom, Farfetch, and Mytheresa.

Manolo Blahnik’s black wool pointed-toe Waga pumps feature white embroidery detail, an elasticated slingback strap, and a kid leather lace-up front strap (Credit: Manolo Blahnik)

Are Manolo Blahnik Shoes Comfortable?

True to the designer’s perfectionist spirit, Manolo Blahnik shoes aren’t just about glamour — they’re about balance, precision, and comfort. Each pair is crafted with meticulous attention to proportion and structure, ensuring the arch, heel, and toe placement flatter the foot while supporting it.

The brand follows Italian sizing and provides detailed fit notes for every style on its website. Most Manolos are praised for their comfort and true-to-size fit, though those with wider feet may prefer a half-size up for the perfect feel.

More than five decades after his first sketch, Blahnik’s legacy remains as strong as ever — proof that when artistry meets anatomy, timeless style never loses its stride.

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