Manolo Blahnik launches A Splendid Manolo special edit

Manolo Blahnik is launching an interesting new collection under the  title ‘A Splendid Manolo’. Each season the designer is to come up with “a select edit of styles, which are personal favourites, and the most quintessentially Manolo”.

Given the brand’s long history, that means there’s a lot to choose from so it looks like it’s an initiative that could run long-term.

These collector’s edition styles will be exclusive to Manolo Blahnik’s own retail and e-commerce stores and to add to the ‘extra special’ experience around them, they’ll include an embroidered dust bag and a limited-edition sketch.

So what’s the Splendid series kicking off with? For summer 2024, it’s the ‘Sene’, a black satin boot with a bright pink sculptural heel and pom-poms that’s available from 13 May. 

The company said the “detailed crochet tassels and bold silk-covered accoutrements nod to the ‘Belle Epoque’, an era of beautiful clothes and sumptuous interiors, adding movement and artisanry to every step, whilst the sculptural colour-pop heel places the styles firmly in the frame of modernity”.

The launch comes as the company — which is determined to stay independent in a rapidly consolidating luxury sector — continues a run of strong results. 

Late last year its latest set of accounts showed turnover up a massive 69% to €118.2 million and pre-tax profit more than tripling from €4.6 million to €23.7 million.

Since then it has announced a major launch with the unveiling of The Craft Room using VR tech explores “the artistry behind the Manolo Blahnik men’s and women’s collections”. Viewers can uncover the anatomy of a shoe and browse hundreds of pieces of content with a behind-the-scenes view from Manolo Blahnik.

It has also unveiled a new deal with major luxury brand operator Bluebell Group to add to its existing joint ventures with the firm. The latest agreement aims to grow the luxury footwear and accessories brand in Hong Kong via new stores.