Vintage Manolo Blahnik Orientalia Lizard Embossed Mules Late 1990's size 40 1/2
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 40 1/2 (EU)
- Style:Baroque (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1691221654442
Manolo Blahnik
There may be no designer with as wide a breadth of references as the fashion and footwear icon Manolo Blahnik, whose stated sources of inspiration for the creation of his sublime shoes include — but are not limited to — Diana Vreeland, ancient Greece, 21st-century architecture, Spanish cinema and Piet Mondrian.
It’s a fittingly robust list for someone who has spent a lifetime in the self-described “pursuit of beauty.”
Born in 1942 in Spain’s Canary Islands, Blahnik had an early exposure to shoemaking: During World War II, his designer-shoe-loving mother enlisted a local cobbler to teach her to make her own footwear from available materials. The young Blahnik was intrigued.
After briefly studying law in Switzerland with the intention of becoming a diplomat, Blahnik moved to Paris, where he took a job in a vintage clothing shop while studying art at École des Beaux-Arts as well as set design at the art school of the Louvre. It wasn’t until years later, however, that he would realize his calling as a shoe designer. In the late 1960s, Blahnik relocated to London, where he worked for both the Sunday Times and Vogue. In the early 1970s, the renowned American Vogue editor Diana Vreeland saw his sketches and urged him to pursue footwear.
After a debut collection for celebrated fashion designer Ossie Clark — featuring models that Blahnik had gotten to know through his work in the fashion industry, among them Twiggy — received acclaim, he created footwear for illustrious dressmaker Jean Muir and apprenticed with professional shoemakers in London to perfect his craft. By 1973 he had bought out the shoe boutique Zapata and made it his own. Bloomingdale’s introduced him to the American market with a collection a few years later.
Vintage Manolo Blahnik shoes are famous for their theatricality, as the designer is well known for the whimsical, fantastical elements he brings to footwear, often in an explosive palette. “I have always approached color in a bold way, from all angles and variations,” he once said. “Always searching for the poetry of an impossible color.” Tack on teetering height as a trademark that took shape from early on.
“Those poor girls couldn’t walk properly, but people loved it,” the designer recalled of his early models. “Sir Cecil Beaton said to me, ‘Is this a new way of walking?’” To take it from pop culture, it indeed might have been: People are still talking about the night that Bianca Jagger dazzled, horseback, at Studio 54 in a Halston dress and Blahnik shoes on her 30th birthday, and, decades later, the footwear icon was rendered a household name during the long-running television series Sex and the City.
Today, Manolo Blahnik remains a virtual synonym for luxury shoes. Find a range of his footwear and handbags on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Rare F. Pinet, France Black and White Leather Platform Fetish Shoes MuseumLocated in New York, NYFrancois Pinet, France black and white leather Platform fetish shoes, 1930s, with towering black and white patent striped elevated platforms and 23cm, 9...Category
1930s French High Heels
- c. 1970s HALSTON Orange Matte Jersey Halter Dress with Matching JacketBy HalstonLocated in New York, NYc. 1970s HALSTON Orange Matte Jersey Halter Dress with Matching Jacket; Draped U-Neckline with Cowl Back; Rouleau Strap with Hook and Eye Closure; Slit at Center Front; Short Sleeve ...Category
1970s American Aesthetic Day Dresses
- c.1970s Archival GUCCI Camel Suede A-Line SkirtBy GucciLocated in New York, NY1970s GUCCI Archival Camel Suede A-Line Skirt; Knee Length skirt with oval leather trim and gold metal buckle hardware; Side zipper closure; Fully lined with signature "Gucci" monogr...Category
1970s Italian A-Line Skirts
- c.1980s Silver Leather Fringe Maxi Skirt WesternLocated in New York, NYc.1980s Silver Leather Fringe Maxi Skirt, Western; Full length pencil skirt with tiered fringe; Side zipper fastening; Together with silver leather belt; Fully lined; Unlabeled. Fits...Category
1980s American Pencil Skirts
- Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress, c. 1990s.By Calvin KleinLocated in New York, NYCalvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress, c. 1990s. Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress featuring low cut V-ncekline and shoulder pads. Beautiful Lace hem extends past chiffon linin...Category
1990s American Cocktail Dresses
- S/S 1990 Thierry Mugler Black and Green Sculptural DressBy Thierry MuglerLocated in New York, NYS/S 1990 Thierry Mugler Black Cotton Dress with Layered, Tiered Skirt Panels Backed with Acid Green Cotton; Fitted Bodice with Adjustable Straps; Self Belt w...Category
1990s French Cocktail Dresses
- Atelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7By Atelier VersaceLocated in Buchanan, MIAtelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7Category
20th Century Italian High Heels
- DIOR SS 2005 wedges Sandals with floral print by John GallianoBy John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian DiorLocated in Genève, CHWonderful pair of Christian Dior by John Galliano sandals with wedges covered by silk floral printed fabric and 3 front pearls at the ankle. Condition is really good, only some stain...Category
Early 2000s Italian Sandals
- Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa Platform SandalsBy Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GBVivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa Platform Sandals CONDITION: This item is a deadstock ( unworn/new ). SIZE LABEL: 35/36 ( UK 3 )Category
2010s High Heels
- Vintage Burberry Kiltie Faux Fur Booties ShoesBy BurberryLocated in London, GBVintage Burberry Kiltie Faux Fur Booties Shoes CONDITION: Some very minor marks please see pics , however in excellent condition. SIZE: UK 4 / EU 37 .Category
2010s Boots
- Vintage Christian Dior Knee High Monogram Diorissimo BootsBy Christian DiorLocated in Malibu, CAThese fabulous pink & white vintage sneaker boots by John Galliano for Dior are covered in Christian Dior's monogram diorissimo print. From the runway!...Category
20th Century Boots
- ALAÏA Metalic Bronze Panelled Deco HeelsBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Berlin, BEGorgeous Alaïa Metallic Bronze Heels with the most beautiful shine. Made with incredible attention to detail these unique shoes feature intricat...Category
2010s Italian High Heels