Page 9 - Real Style May 2018

MB Manolo Blahnik on hiS upcoMing exhiBition,
finding SucceSS in the Shoe BuSineSS, and the MuSt-have Style foR SuMMeR.
Manolo Blahnik isn’t the retire- ment type. “No, I just keep go- ing!” says the 75-year-old de- signer, who is one of the most recognizable names in luxury footwear. This month sees the de- but of MANOLO BLAHNIK: THE ART OF SHOES at Toronto’s Bata Shoe Museum. Toronto marks the final stop for the retrospective exhibition, which delivers the ul- timate shoe high, with close to 200 of the Spanish-born, Lon- don-based designer’s favourite shoes in tow. (Insert Carrie Brad- shaw reference here!) Side note: in addition to having a (shoe) moment, we confess to having a soft spot for Blahnik’s charis- matic personality and penchant for rounded eyeglasses, double- breasted suits, and bowties.
But speaking of shoes, here’s what we asked, and Blahnik an- swered.
Real Style: Toronto is the only
by Heidi HoFStad
North American stop for your ex- hibition. How did the city get so lucky?
Manolo Blahnik: I was very fortunate to be asked by the late Ms. Bata—such a privilege— and I am deeply saddened I won’t be able to meet her.
RS: Have you spent much time in Canada, previously?
MB: Sadly, I haven’t, but I am thrilled that the exhibition is stop- ping there so I can finally visit!
RS: How would you describe the power of shoes?
MB: Shoes have the power to in- stantly transform a woman, espe- cially heels. When you put them on you become someone differ- ent; playing a part almost.
RS: Are shoes the first thing you notice on someone?
MB: I notice the way people walk and how shoes affect the walk. I find it fascinating.
RS: After over four decades in the shoe business, what is the se- cret to your ongoing success? MB: I don’t know; I still wonder that to this day! Maybe people like my imagination? I guess sometimes my mind just goes wild and women love the escape the shoes offer. Something fun.
RS: Is there a particular moment in your life that has stayed with you?
MB: Meeting Diana Vreeland. I
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photos, Manolo Blahnik