Though his name is now synonymous with glamourous, alluring shoes, Manolo Blahnik (1942-present) never formally studied shoemaking or footwear design. In 1969, Blahnik was studying art when he met Diana Vreeland, who, upon seeing his sketches, told him “Young man, stick to the extremities and make shoes!” He heeded her advice–– only three years later, Blahnik opened the first of his eponymous boutiques in London. His popularity quickly grew, and by the mid-1980s, his work was a staple on the runways. He has collaborated with designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, Geoffrey Beene, Isaac Mizrahi, and, later, John Galliano. Blahnik is often credited with re-popularizing the stiletto heel, which is now ubiquitous in women’s footwear. Beyond his enduring influence in the fashion world, Blahnik is an important player in pop culture. In 1994, when Princess Diana attended the Serpentine Gallery gala wearing her “revenge dress,” she was also wearing Blahniks. His influence was further cemented by HBO’s Sex and the City, whose protagonist, Carrie Bradshaw, frequently wore and admired Manolo Blahniks. Blahnik also designed many of the court shoes featured in Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film Marie Antoinette–– the 18th century influence already so present in his work made a perfect match. To this day, Manolo Blahnik continues to design beautiful, instantly recognizable shoes and remains a singular creative voice in the world of footwear.
THE FIRST
Woven mesh tweed Carolyne slingback pumps with brown leather accents and stacked heels.
Label: Manolo Blahnik
Size Label: 37.5
Approximate Measurements:
Heel Height: 3"
THE SECOND
Black and white tweed Carolyne slingback pumps with color-blocked patent leather accents.
Label: Manolo Blahnik
Size Label: 37.5
Approximate Measurements:
Heel Height: 3"
THE THIRD
Black raffia Carolyne slingback pumps with floral accents.
Label: Manolo Blahnik
Size Label: 37.5
Approximate Measurements:
Heel Height: 3"
THE FOURTH
Black calfskin kitten heels with copper-tone metal chain accents and stacked heels.
Label: Manolo Blahnik
Size Label: 38
Approximate Measurements:
Heel Height: 2.5"
This lot is located in Chicago.
Condition:
THE FIRST
The overall condition is very good, with minor wear on the outsoles. There is minor scuffing on the heel counters and heel breasts of both shoes. The original box and dust bags are included.
THE SECOND
The overall condition is very good, with minor wear on the outsoles. There are small discolored spots along the bottom edges of both shoes’ uppers. The original box and dust bags are included.
THE THIRD
The overall condition is very good, with minor wear on the outsoles and very slight fraying throughout the uppers of both shoes. There is minor fading along the tips of the toe boxes and the bottom edges of both shoes’ uppers. The original box and dust bags are included.
THE FOURTH
The overall condition is good. Both shoes have minor wear on the outsoles, moderate creasing around the toe boxes and vamps, minor stains on the leather lining towards the ball, and tarnish on the chains. The tips of both shoes’ toe boxes show minor peeling. The original box is included.
Everything is sold ’As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email couturecr@hindmanauctions.com with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.