Manolo Blahnik: The Art of Shoes
Skira/Rizzoli 2016
Italian version of the catalogue by Scriptum
Manolo Blahnik: The Art of Shoes is an intimate retrospective representing his constant zeitgeists; Africa, architecture, art, botany, literature and many other cultural influences that fascinate him. With over 30,000 unique styles in the infamous archive over his 45 years in the business, Mr. Blahnik with the exhibition’s curator Dr. Cristina Carrillo de Albornoz hand selected 212 shoes and 80 original drawings as a personal reflection and journey through his work and inspirations.
The Art of Shoes will land in revered and prestigious locations launching at the Palazzo Morando in Milan, then on to The Hermitage in St. Petersburg, then on to The Czech Republic, the paternal home of the Blahnik family where the exhibition will show at Museum Kampa in Prague, followed by the Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas in Madrid, Spain, Mr. Blahnik’s heart land. In 2018 the tour then jumps to the esteemed BATA shoe museum in Toronto, Canada with more international locations to be confirmed. Mr. Blahnik’s most whimsical and enchanting styles showcased in the exhibition, spanning from the early 1970’s to modern day. The iconic selection will also include the collection of Marie Antoinette shoes which the designer created for Sofia Coppola’s film Marie Antoinette (2006). Attendees of the exhibition will be exposed to insights into Mr Blahnik’s extraordinary life with exclusive footage of him at work and his world renown artistic sketches.