It was Manolos, mojitos and mayhem at Liberty on Wednesday evening when the sole king himself came to launch his emporium within the London store. Manolo Blahnik has collaborated with Liberty to create a range of exclusive shoes, silk scarves, fabric, notebooks, candles and other accessories (it is the first time his legendary shoes have ever been sold outside his own boutiques).
The endless queue outside: nothing came between these women and their shoes
With the chance meet Mr. Blahnik one of the highlights of London’s Fashion Night Out, every girl and her Manolos turned up to meet the iconic designer. I can honestly say this was the longest queue I have ever seen in London – what must have been thousands of women snaked for blocks around the Regent St store!
I was lucky enough to beat the masses and popped into the emporium to meet the man himself. And I can attest that such manners and charm could rarely be found elsewhere these days. Manolo is the very model of a gentlemen, and was utterly dapper in his mulberry-coloured suit, bright purple suede loafers, horn-rimmed spectacles and buttonhole rose.
Manolo and his beautiful daughter
Among the guests and their fabulous footwear was Manolo muse Yasmin le Bon who wore the most spectacular blue Richard Nicholl gown (I tried not to stand too near…), and Manolo’s sister, Evangeline. While chatting about shoes and life, she shared with me her favourite pearls of wisdom, such as: “only do what you love in life, otherwise it’s a waste of precious years. As soon as you stop being passionate, it shows” and “ignore fashion trends. Just do what you like and be fabulous!”. Isn’t she brilliant? And I loved her red leather gloves (while she herself was camera-shy, her hands were only too happy to pose).
If you find yourself in London in the near future, do pop in and have a look at the Manolo Emporium – it is quirky and beautiful and a veritable shoe treasure trove (and shoes aside, the other accessories are lovely and affordable). While Manolo’s shoes for Liberty don’t come cheap, every girl should own one pair of his in their lifetime – they are eternally classic and as soon as they are slipped on, the wearer holds themself in an entirely different way.
What do you think of Manolo and his shoes? Which designer would you most love to meet?
Love, Miss B xx
* First image from Liberty.co.uk
You are a lucky, lucky girl! I’m saddened that I missed the whole event because I’m currently stuck in Somerset – fingers (or should I say toes?) crossed for next year! I read an interview with Manolo a few months ago, he seems like a very down to earth kind of guy and a real sweetheart.
I love his shoes! I actually met him at NM a while ago and he signed 2 pairs of shoes for me (my mom went with me). He was really nice and we spoke in Spanish for a bit! I was soo pleased!
Mr. Louboutin also came but I missed it so I definitely want to meet him someday!
p.s. I am 30 and my b-day is in january but I never make a big deal. I don’t even tell people it’s my b-day!
lucky you! i had no idea he came. .
nice to know you’re in cambridge too! 🙂
Wow that looks like such an amazing night! So jealous!! I’d probably want to meet Michael Kors..I love his work. It’s always so classy and chic!
-Samantha
http://sincerelysamantha.com
Oh B! you are so absolutely lucky!!!!
I love his sisters quote also, such inspiration !
So buzzed out that you really met him!!
x T
http://www.thecakeface.com
These shoes look fabulous! I’ve heard a lot about Manolo but don’t know much about his shoes to be honest. I absolutely love Liberty so I’ll be sure to have a look next time I’m in London.
Sorry I took so much time to approve your comment on my blog :-/ That’ll teach me to not accept comments automatically while I’m away for the day! Anyway, thanks for commenting and you MUST go to Japan in the cherry blossom season at least once in your life.
Wow what an amazing experience meeting Mr. Blahnik! Hope to see him one day in the future as well! I’ll be in London next month and will definitely check out Liberty! Could you tell me the range of prices of his shoes at Liberty? Thanx in advance! Keep up a great work at your blog! 😉
How utterly fabulous B darling! I wore Manolos to my wedding and I loved them utterly, dearly. We don’t have a great selection of his shoes here sadly but I’m just glad we have some! 😀 xxx
Just wondering, are his shoes/heels comfy to wear at all???????
Cinz
http://cinzee.wordpress.com