A Flurry of Fuchsia
Manolo Blahnik reveals his penchant for pink as he takes a sartorial trip back in time, taking cues from interior designer Paul Poiret, for his Spring ’21 collection.
With almost 50 years in the game, the “Picasso of Shoes” strikes again, now in stunning fuchsia. For the Manolo Blahnik Spring ’21 collection, the House included textures of suede and satin into the latest line-up. Turning to enduring icons and global cultures, he expertly merged various influences into a highly coveted collection. In a sartorial trip back to the 20th century, he looks through the eyes of interior designer Paul Poiret and brought the graphic Boniface stiletto into life. Characterised by the stacked beaded cuff wrapping around the ankle, this feature is inspired by the serpentine curvatures of the gate to Poiret’s atelier.
The Aniceto boots take after Poiret’s fascination for the exoticism that stretched beyond Paris at the time. This time, Blahnik transposed shapes and patterns that emerged from his study of the couturier. Sitting just below the knees, the magenta square-toed boots showcases an intricate cut-out design inspired by Poiret’s distinct silhouettes.
For the chromatically-adventurous, kaleidoscopic 18th century buckles adorn the iconic mules Verda and Verdaflat, along with the Centina, an open-toe sandal that rests upon a flared heel. An era that remains Blahnik’s enduring source of inspiration, it was a time when shoe buckles were treasured. Sold separately and kept in protective cases, the ornate buckles were ubiquitous among both men and women of high society. Fastforward to Spring ’21, Blahnik gives a technicolour update to the buckles. Resting upon the mules’ oversized straps, the embellishments bring a compelling and contrasting play between the multi-toned jewels and the hot pink satin.