Legendary Spanish shoe designer Manolo Blahnik’s connection to Britain is deep-rooted and long-standing – hailing from the Canary Islands, he moved to London in 1969 and opened his first boutique on Old Church Street in Chelsea not long afterwards. An effusive Anglophile, he continues to use London as the base of his now-extensive business and has even become a fan of local cuisine (his favourite, Blahnik previously told Wallpaper*, is the bread and butter pudding from historic London restaurant Wiltons).
As of this month, Blahnik has chosen London department store Harrods – perhaps Britain’s most well-known luxury retailer – to open a new ephemeral boutique dedicated to his ever-growing menswear collection (open until 31 July 2023). It marks the first dedicated pop-up to the men’s arm of the business, and will comprise over 60 different styles with six pairs exclusive to the Harrods space. ‘I simply adore Harrods, it is an iconic institution and one of London’s most recognisable landmarks,’ said Blahnik of the choice. ’I could get lost in the store for hours.’
Manolo Blahnik menswear pop-up in Harrods
The pop-up features the tools used to make Manolo Blahnik’s shoes in Italy
Housed in the footwear department on the second floor, the space itself is a reflection of what Blahnik calls the pillars of the brand: ‘colour, craftsmanship, creativity, and comfort’. In particular, it celebrates the Italian artisans who create his shoes, with a glass vitrine containing the various tools needed to construct each style providing the central point of the pop-up. Other objects include pattern pieces and Blahnik’s original hand-drawn sketches, which is where every Manolo Blahnik shoe begins.
Elsewhere, a digital screen will show footage of his shoes being produced – detailing every step in the process – while the shoes themselves are displayed on specially constructed wooden stands. Blahnik hopes that the pop-up will invite people into the world of the brand, and sets the groundwork for other dedicated men’s spaces – an arm of the label which is expanding rapidly.
The pop-up is found on the London department store’s second floor
‘Our men’s offering is a huge focus for our business, and we are deeply passionate about the growth of this category and creating awareness around our expertly crafted and timeless collections,’ says CEO Kristina Blahnik. ‘To create a unique space within Harrods has been a dream of ours for some time. We wanted to use the space to showcase the craftsmanship behind our shoes handmade by our skilled artisans in Italy.’
‘I have been making men’s shoes for more than 50 years,’ adds Manolo (who marked the five decades with a virtual exhibition ‘The Manolo Blahnik Archives: A New Way of Walking‘), ‘and I am thrilled to have a dedicated space to present my latest men’s collection and classic designs. I can’t wait for everyone to experience the pop-up.’
Manolo Blahnik men’s pop-up runs at Harrods until 31 July 2023.
-
Utilitarian men’s fashion that will elevate your everydayFrom Prada to Margaret Howell, utilitarian and workwear-inspired men’s fashion gets an upgrade for S/S 2024
-
Gerhard Richter unveils new sculpture at Serpentine SouthGerhard Richter revisits themes of pattern and repetition in ‘Strip-Tower’ at London’s Serpentine South
-
Vipp’s Scandinavian guesthouse offers a sleek setting amid a wild landscapeVipp Cold Hawaii is a Scandinavian guesthouse designed by architecture studio Hahn Lavsen in Denmark’s Thy National Park
-
New Byredo store opens in London’s Covent GardenByredo has unveiled a new Covent Garden store, its second bricks-and-mortar destination in London
-
How Biba’s make-up and cosmetics line started a beauty revolutionAhead of a new Biba retrospective opening at London’s Fashion & Textile Museum, Hannah Tindle speaks to Barbara Hulanicki about its pioneering make-up and cosmetics line
-
Alaïa unites fashion and art in its redesigned London flagshipConceived by creative director Pieter Mulier, Alaïa’s reopened New Bond Street flagship is an intimate space which doubles as an art gallery showcasing works from Sarah Lucas, Sterling Ruby, Marc Newson and more
-
Burberry turns Harrods blue in blockbuster takeover of the London department storeDaniel Lee’s signature shade of Burberry ‘Knight Blue’ lights up Harrods’ exterior, while an immersive space inside pays homage to the British house’s history of outdoor exploration
-
AV Vattev is the London-based menswear brand creating slow fashion with a subcultural twistPart of Sarabande: The Lee Alexander McQueen Foundation, Antonio Vattev of AV Vattev is staunch in his commitment to slow fashion, even as he stacks up stockists and famous fans
-
Cult men’s grooming brand Horace opens its first London flagship storeMen’s grooming brand Horace has unveiled its first standalone international store outside of its home in France
-
Dolce & Gabbana continues its new chapter with a London space devoted to beautyDolce & Gabbana opens a new beauty corner inside its lavish Old Bond Street store
-
Hermès blasts off to ’the silky way’ for breathtaking London eventBehind-the-scenes of Hermès’ ‘Brides de Galaxy’ in London yesterday evening, a jaw-dropping event celebrating the carré silk scarf and its instantly recognisable prints
