Chances are unless you’re a hardcore fashion lover or are often buying footwear for the lady in your life, you have no idea who Manolo Blahnik is. Well, to say his shoes are the height of high-fashion would be a gross understatement. His shoes are the shoes. Tucked away between the Christian Louboutins and Jimmy Choos, they’re a women’s wardrobe staple. But this season, they’re coming to your closet.
Blahnik has been making shoes since the ‘60s, focusing specifically on women’s designs that are known for being timeless classics. But what most people don’t know is that the designer has been creating shoes for himself and a few choice friends over the years. He knows men’s footwear and he knows what he likes. He’s dabbled in men’s fashion in the past with small capsule collections, but this season he’ll be starting up his very own men’s line.
The men’s collection is very bold—it’s a line of bright colors, unexpected silhouettes, luxurious fabrics and fashion-focused styles that might be hard for the untrained street-styler to pull off. “I love my new square last. Maybe I’m going against the trend and maybe they won’t sell, but I’m going to do what I want to do,” said Blahnik. “We have the best people in Italy making these shoes. You won’t find better quality.”
Guys looking to jump on the Manolo train can take a first look at the collection at London's Sir John Soane’s Museum. The total collection will contain around 40 styles and colorways, and will feature oxfords, sandals, loafers, botts and saddle shoes.
