Recently, Real Style had the pleasure to interview Mr. Manolo Blahnik himself, and feature the esteemed Spanish footwear designer in our May 2018 issue of Real Style Magazine. Following on our exclusive feature interview, we had a chance to attend the press preview of the Manolo Blahnik The Art of Shoes exhibit at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto.

The exhibit, which runs until January 6, 2019, officially yesterday and also included a special appearance from the designer. Blahnik delivered opening remarks to a crowd of media and special guests, after which we had the opportunity to check out the hotly awaited exhibit. He was joined by Bata Shoe Museum chair Christine Bata Schmidt, senior curator Elizabeth Semmelhack and exhibition guest curator Cristina Carrillo De Albornoz.

Overall, The Art of Shoes featured a lineup of extravagant, oftentimes eccentric heels which would have evoked jealousy in shoe-obsessed Sex and the City character Carrie Bradshaw. From pointed toe, embroidered pumps in magenta tones to a pair of ankle boots adorned with fringe, detail played a major role. Although Blahnik’s exhibition stayed true to the designer’s passion for stiletto heels, it also experimented with shape and colour. A far cry from your everyday black pump, the featured shoes involved plenty of embellishment, from sequins to tiny floral appliques.

As well, there was plenty of architectural detail which came into consideration. Shoes were accented with bold metallic buckles, ankle cuffs, studs and contrasting neon laces. Although Blahnik may be 75 years old, there is certainly something timeless about his designs, perhaps even contemporary and cutting edge. After a second walk around the exhibit, we realized that each shoe on display had a story of its own. With Blahnik being renowned for his craftsmanship, we can certainly understand the title of the exhibit. These weren’t the kicks, the slides and the flip-flips of today, not by any stretch of the imagination. Blahnik’s dainty heels in their glass cases are more art than wearable footwear, and The Art Of Shoes proves that fashion and art truly go hand in hand. Make that “foot in foot”, rather!

Photos: Real Style