Manolo Blahnik was born November 27th 1942 in Santa Cruz de La Palma. As a child Blahnik lived on a banana plantation that his mother and father owned. After studying art in Paris he moved to London when his eye for fashion evolved. He was told by the editor in chief of Vogue Diana Vreeland that he had a true talent for shoe design. His first line of shoes was showcase in a runway show held by Ossie Clark. With great success he opened his first boutique in Chelsea London.
With over a thirty-year career Monolo Blahnik has single handedly become one of the most influential footwear designers of our time. With thousands of shoes, his fashions are now worldwide with out the help of assistants or apprentices.Most impressive Blahnik has no formal training in shoe making but he is responsible for every shoe in his line.
“Shoes” he says, “ Help transform a woman”.