Manolo Blahnik

The shoes of Manolo Blahník have been called "magical totems of success and femininity" (The Guardian) and boast a cult following of devotees the world over. With their sleek elegance and distinctive fashion edge, "Manolos" are at once fascinating and timeless, their design a beautiful combination of chic, playfulness, and flair.

This book explores the creativity and influences of this modern master through an alphabetical chronicle of the designer's loves and inspiration. Blahník's alphabet gives insight into the art and craftsmanship of shoemaking and includes whimsical musings on his relationships with figures such as Anna Piaggi, Loulou de la Falaise, and Diana Vreeland; the inspiration he draws from works by Goya, Zurbarán, Picasso, Barbara Hepworth, and Zaha Hadid; and his admiration for fellow designers such as Azzedine Alaïa, Balenciaga, and Yves Saint Laurent. These highly personal anecdotes--drawn from conversations between Blahník and the author and accompanied by original sketches and new photography--offer the reader a rare opportunity to learn the vision behind the shoes as told by a fashion legend. The book-- which will accompany a traveling global exhibition-- is introduced by an illustrated essay, which describes the designer's illustrious forty-five-year career in the fashion industry.
"Explores the inspiration and influences behind Manolo Bhlanaik's famous creations through an alphabetical series of vignettes ... a rare opportunity to learn the vision behind the shoes as told by a fashion legend"--Dust jacket.
The extraordinary beauty of the book comes with reading it and feeling as if you were one on one with a friend who was laying bare his soul, pun intended; he reveals his predilections, his influences, his likes, his personal life, his mentors, his fascinations, his beliefs, and just about any part of his life--all play into the creation of his product.
--New York Journal of Books

The new MANOLO BLAHNIK: THE ART OF SHOES explores the creativity and influences of Manolo, through a frisky alphabetic chronicle of the designer's loves and inspiration.
--The Style Saloniste