EditorBirkenstock and iconic shoe designer Manolo Blahnik are pleased to announce an upcoming collaboration, showcasing their mastery of craftsmanship and creativity. Inspired by quality and function – the core ingredients of Birkenstock, Manolo Blahnik unites with the house, furnishing his characteristic embellishments and creative dynamic symbols for iconic Birkenstock styles.
In 2020, Manolo Blahnik and his niece, company CEO Kristina Blahnik, were featured in the Birkenstock Spring/Summer campaign. Photographer Jack Davison lensed the pair in Manolo Blahnik’s first store on Old Church Street, London, wearing their own Birkenstocks. It marked the starting point of an even deeper collaboration—the end result of which is this unique collection.
“Birkenstocks have been in my wardrobe since the very beginning (of time!!) – I have loved and worn mine for many years. I am thrilled that we have been able to collaborate, fusing the Manolo Blahnik aesthetic with the everyday comfort of Birkenstocks is simply wonderful!” said Manolo Blahnik.
“Birkenstock shares both brand and core design value much like our own and it has been a joy to bring this to life in the new Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock collection. Timeless, high-quality designs, crafted to be treasured and enjoyed are what we set out to create and I am delighted with the outcome. It is a privilege to cement our relationship further with Birkenstock through this collaboration, following the S/S 2020 Personality Campaign in which my uncle and I featured.” – Kristina Blahnik
“We are delighted to collaborate with Manolo Blahnik, whose unrivaled craftsmanship has long set the bar for shoemaking. This is a unique collection, fusing our trademark designs with the flair of Manolo Blahnik, to create pieces that embrace a bold and directional aesthetic that takes both to a new level,” said Oliver Reichert, CEO Birkenstock.
The collection reinvents the Birkenstock style with its proudly glamorous detailing, featuring Manolo Blahnik’s trademark emphasis on all eye-catching details. The nonpareil flair for which Manolo Blahnik is renowned meets the premium craftsmanship of Birkenstock, creating a capsule at once radically modern and dynamic for both brands. Embellished with crystals and packaged in exclusive polka dot shoebox and dust bag following traditional Manolo Blahnik design, this richly-colored collection accommodates the best elements of both brands–for a remarkable, regal meeting of creative minds.
The first release of the collaboration is set to be unveiled at 1774.com, manoloblahnik.com, all Manolo Blahnik retail locations, as well as selected retailers worldwide from March 24th, 2022. The second release of styles will launch in June 2022. More information on those styles to follow.
THE COLLECTION
Arizona crystal velvet in fuchsia and blue
Playful glamour meets everyday style, in Manolo Blahnik’s show-stopping spin on the Arizona sandal. This rich new visions line sublimely reinvents Arizona with luxurious upper in velvet, microfiber-lined French piping, and the inspired embellishment of Birkenstock’s buckle with crystals. Marrying chic and comfortable, Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock embraces a soulful spin on favorites. Paired with Birkenstock’s anatomically shaped footbed, this Arizona shows the true potential and everyday glamour that you deserve from your favorite pair.
Boston crystal velvet in fuchsia and blue
A super-star showcase of luxury design and versatile craft, the Boston Crystal Velvet reinvents a classic for a whole new world of occasions. Inspired and designed by Manolo Blahnik, the premium buckle is playfully embellished with crystals – marrying this new motif with an incredibly luxurious take on the clog, including French piping in color-matching smooth leather. Embrace this regal and remarkable new spin on a favorite shoe, in fuchsia and blue.
Arizona crystal smooth leather in black
The refinery of the iconic Birkenstock Arizona receives a sparkling twist, courtesy of Manolo Blahnik’s glamorous vision. With the anatomically shaped cork footbed in premium soft leather now accompanied by premium embellished crystals, the Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock collaboration envisions a regal and remarkable twist.
Boston crystal smooth leather in Black
Step into a new vision of luxury, thanks to Manolo Blahnik’s dazzling take on the classic Boston clog. Luxurious smooth leather accompanies the crystals now adorning Birkenstock’s signature buckle–the spirit of craftsmanship that both brands celebrate is glamorously shown. A master of detailing, Manolo Blahnik is the perfect partner for Birkenstock’s unrivaled approach to craftsmanship and style.
The collection launches globally on 24th March and will be available in India exclusively on www.birkenstock.in/1774.
With a career spanning 50 years, Manolo Blahnik is one of the world’s most influential footwear designers. His shoes have spellbound an international set of adoring and loyal devotees across the globe. Blahnik is a craftsman.
Throughout the years Blahnik’s achievements have been recognized by various bodies in many countries, most recently by the Couture Council of America and the independent luxury body Walpole, which awarded Manolo Blahnik with the ‘Luxury Legend’ award. Most prestigiously, Blahnik was awarded an Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Her Majesty the Queen. He has also published numerous books, the latest being ‘The Art of Shoes with Rizzoli in 2017. Along with a leading women’s line which includes evening and day bags, the brand also has a successful men’s collection.
Manolo Blahnik is distributed in 303 doors globally with points of sale in 31 countries encompassing Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia, and operates its own global e-commerce platform, manoloblahnik.com .The brand has 21 standalone boutiques including two recent openings in New York, a pop-up in East Hampton, and a flagship boutique in Manhattan located on the iconic Madison Avenue.
In 2019 Manolo Blahnik acquired its own atelier and production facility, located in Vigevano, Pavia, Italy. In 2021 Manolo Blahnik celebrated its 50th Anniversary with the launch of The Manolo Blahnik Archives: ‘A New Way of Walking’; an interactive virtual exhibition exploring the breadth of the house’s archives and the constant innovation within, www.thearchives.manoloblahnik.com.
Manolo Blahnik is a committed partner of both the Mental Health Foundation and Wild at Heart Foundation, two charities with incredibly important causes that Kristina Blahnik and Manolo Blahnik are proud to support both personally and professionally.
Meghana Harikumar
Editor
