Manolo Blahnik Black Patent Leather Slingbacks (37)
View Similar Items
Manolo Blahnik Black Patent Leather Slingbacks (37)
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 7 (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Port Hope, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU538585552
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.
- Chanel Blue Suede Shoes 38.5 w/BoxBy Chanel, Chanel BoutiqueLocated in Port Hope, ONElegant Chanel blue suede sandals/shoes in good condition. The wear is on the soles. Although they have heels these are very comfortable. The heels are made of cork with braided silv...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Shoes
- Ann Demeulemeester Gladiator Wedges 36By Ann DemeulemeesterLocated in Port Hope, ONIn great condition, these Ann Demeulemeester tan leather open toe gladiator wedges are so fashionable. They come up to your ankle, and although they have adjustable straps for easy w...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes
$295 Sale Price21% Off - Dolce & Gabbana Black Satin Peep Toe Evening Shoes 39Located in Port Hope, ONWhat is special about this black satin with the ankle strap and peep toe is of course the inverted heel. The molded sole gives you the almost flat feel, but wear them and you are wea...Category
2010s Shoes
- Louis Vuitton High Tops 37.5By Louis VuittonLocated in Port Hope, ONHigh tops can be worn at any time and with most outfits. These are Louis Vuitton perforated High tops. The perforations are on the side and quite vi...Category
2010s French Shoes
- Alexander McQueen Bridal Riding Boots Size 7 w/Box, Dust Bag and LiteratureBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Port Hope, ONThese Alexander McQueen Bridal Riding Boots have never been worn and show no signs of wear. They are black and made of leather in Italy. There...Category
2010s Italian Shoes
- Romeo Gigli Black Leather Booties 36.5By Romeo GigliLocated in Port Hope, ONButtery soft leather Gigli booties with three adjustable bow wraps. Absolutely gorgeous and in great condition. 2" heelsCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes
$234 Sale Price30% Off
- Golden Goose Yellow Leather Superstar SneakersBy Golden GooseLocated in Scottsdale, AZStep into unique style with these Golden Goose Yellow Leather Superstar Sneakers! Crafted with premium yellow suede and adorned with bold black leather stars on the sides, these sneakers are a fashion statement on their own. Their signature distressed look adds character and individuality to your outfit. Made with high-quality yellow suede and black leather stars for a striking contrast. The sneakers' distressed appearance gives them an edgy and one-of-a-kind look. Silver Golden Goose...Category
2010s Italian Shoes
- Gucci GG Marmont Goldfoil Maryjanes Size 38By GucciLocated in Thousand Oaks, CAThe quintessential Gucci GG Marmont Mary-Jane in gold foil. GG hardware, mid-heel, and fringe detailing. They come with the box and dustbag and they are in pristine condition. Stand-...Category
2010s Italian Shoes
- Amina Muaddi Begum PVC Slingback Blue (EU 41 US 10)Located in Montreal, QuebecAmina Muaddi Begum PVC Slingback Blue (EU 41 US 10) This glassy pointy-toe slingback is glammed up with a bejeweled brooch inspired by an art deco...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes
- Saint Laurent Wyatt Chelsea Boots Size EU 42.5By Saint LaurentLocated in Amman, JOSaint Laurent Wyatt Chelsea Boots, features an almond-toe, slip on style, and ankle length. Material: Suede Size: EU 42.5 Overall Condition: Good Interior Condition: Signs of use Ex...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Shoes
- Christian Louboutin Women's 30 Black Patent Leather Pigalle Plato Red Bottom HeeBy Christian LouboutinLocated in Dix hills, NYMade In: Italy Measurements: Length: 10.1" Width: 3" Height: 7" Heel Height: 4.5" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 7.5/10 or B+ ) Signs of Wear: Size: 39 EU Exterior: Very Minor Ma...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Shoes
- Vintage Escada Red & White Striped Shoes With Black Patent Leather HeelsBy EscadaLocated in Portland, ORThese are really fun vintage Escada Red and White striped pumps with black patent leather heels! The insoles are gold and the shoes are marked a siz...Category
1980s Italian Shoes