Manolo Blahnik, renowned for its elegant and luxurious footwear, invites the world on a unique virtual journey that celebrates artistry, innovation, and the exquisite art of shoemaking.
In 2021, to mark its golden jubilee, Manolo Blahnik unveiled "The Manolo Blahnik Archives". This award-winning virtual experience provides a panoramic view of the brand's legacy, showcasing its continuous innovation over five decades. To date, this digital marvel has attracted over a million online visitors.
Introducing The Craft: Honoring Artisans and Craftsmanship
With "The Craft", Manolo Blahnik is set to honor the artisans and the meticulous craftsmanship that have become synonymous with the brand. This new segment in the virtual archives provides a deep dive into the brand's distinguished men's and women's collections. It will feature eight unique vignettes, each offering a detailed look into the journey from design conception to the final creation of the shoes.
CEO Kristina Blahnik's Influence
CEO Kristina Blahnik's design influence is evident throughout the virtual space. Echoing Manolo Blahnik's Spanish heritage is the brand's iconic polka dot motif, serving as a digital 'wallpaper'. A central feature is a replica of the designer's own desk, which acts as a gateway to other rooms within the digital realm. Visitors can explore the anatomy of a shoe, browse a wealth of content, and gain behind-the-scenes insights, offering an unparalleled view into the world of shoemaking.
Kristina Blahnik's Vision
Sharing her enthusiasm, Kristina Blahnik says, "The craft room in our virtual archives is a heartfelt tribute to over 50 years of my uncle's illustrious career. Bringing this digital vision to life has been a long-cherished dream. Introducing this new dimension, which underscores our core ethos, feels like a significant milestone. We aspire to educate our audience about the intricate craft of shoemaking and give them a first-hand view of how our dedicated artisans bring Manolo's iconic collections to life."
Virtual Archives Transformation in 2023
In 2023, the virtual archives are poised for transformation. With a focus on shoemaking, visitors can anticipate in-depth explorations into:
- Design Genesis: Discover Blahnik's unique design process and trace the evolution of five signature shoes spanning his career.
- Construction Corner: Delve into the nuances of shoe assembly, highlighting Blahnik's iconic styles and the significance of proportion and balance.
- Typologies: Experience the versatility of Blahnik's creations, enriched by featured editorials from esteemed publications like Vogue.
- Techniques Table: Unpack the decorative techniques that have become hallmarks of Blahnik's designs, ranging from intricate embroidery to his signature tassels.
- Material Magic: Traverse Blahnik's world of fabrics, understanding the thought process behind each design's material choices.
- Making of a Masterpiece: Step into Blahnik's atelier and witness the creation of the iconic Hangisi, meticulously crafted in Italy.
- Men's Maestros: Dive into Blahnik's men's collection, initiated with designs for iconic figures like David Hockney and Mick Jagger.
The Craft Room
"The Craft Room" will launch on October 3rd, 2023, at TheArchives.ManoloBlahnik.com. To elevate the unveiling, Manolo Blahnik is collaborating with the luxury VR destination 'Xydrobe' to render "The Craft" into a tangible 4D experience at their flagship location in London's Mayfair.
Starting October 18th, an array of exclusive events and a public program will unfold, extending through November. All details and bookings will be available on the Manolo Blahnik website.
Manolo Blahnik's "The Craft" is a tribute to the heart and soul of shoemaking.