Life and sole: Manolo Blahnik

Inspired by a love of nature, Manolo Blahnik’s men’s autumn collection oozes style and function with options for every terrain, from a riverside path to a city street

Style 21 Sep 2022

The Semanado trainer in calf leather, £525

The Semanado trainer in calf leather, £525

In 2021, iconic shoe brand Manolo Blahnik celebrated 50 years of providing the world with influential footwear. For 2022, its autumn men’s footwear collection makes a strong case for this longevity, brimming with a signature practical yet elevated style that has seen the men’s offering expand to standalone stores across the world.

The renowned shoe designer Manolo Blahnik himself started designing and making shoes for the likes of Ossie Clark and Zandra Rhodes in 1971. He quickly set up his own boutique in London and, by 1974, had launched his first collection in the US. Since then, he has opened boutiques all over the world – including flagship stores in New York, Paris, Dubai, Geneva and London – and gained a loyal following of high-profile fans, and his talents have been recognised across the globe. Notably, he was given the Luxury Legend award by independent luxury body Walpole and, in 2007, was awarded a CBE by Her Majesty the Queen.

Now, one year on from the momentous 50-year milestone, the designer continues to make waves with his unique women’s and men’s collections. For the new season, his men’s collection offers a succinct raft of styles for any occasion – from boots to elegant slippers, and now a weekend shoe, its most elegant runaround to date. Every adventure is catered for, tapping into Blahnik’s love of travel, stemming from his childhood growing up in the Canary Islands.

 

The Calaurio boot in suede, £1,075
The Manolo Blahnik Calaurio boot in suede, £1,075

Blahnik himself is a huge nature lover, something that has been evident throughout his eponymous brand’s five decades of design. Combining his signature pristine craftsmanship and timeless design with inspirations from far-flung destinations, the men’s collection takes you on a journey from the natural rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands to the sun-drenched beauty of Côte d’Azur via the historic Cheyne Walk along the River Thames in London.

Ideal for traversing the heather-strewn landscape of the Highlands, Calaurio boots are bold and rugged, constructed with lugged outsoles and water-repellent materials for ease of comfort and durability. Available in yellow suede or navy velvet, the style showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and sophistication the brand is known for, elevating a picturesque hike among beautiful surroundings.

For a more decadent style – the ideal option as you settle down for a wee dram as the sun sets – the Hudson loafer makes for a suitable footwear switch. This subtle but fun loafer with lugged outsoles is constructed with soft supple calf leather, punctuated by quirky tartan detailing for a rakish evening of relaxation.

From the Highlands to a chic urban escape, the sleek Perry loafer in calf leather is the perfect accompaniment to a refined jaunt in the French Riviera. Effortless in style, the Perry is beautifully constructed and works whether you are ambling around town or settling down for a candlelit dinner by the ocean.

The dedicated Manolo Blahnik Men’s store in Burlington Arcade
The dedicated Manolo Blahnik Men’s store in Burlington Arcade

An exciting new addition to the Manolo Blahnik footwear roster is the Semanado weekend shoe – a first for the brand, and a style that complements and completes its offering. Combining extreme comfort with a bold effortlessness, the relaxed trainer style is designed for the man about town; whether dressing down a suit with the white colourway, or for a casual evening at the bar with the khaki or ocean blue shades, this classic and timeless shoe completes Manolo Blahnik’s timeless collection of elevated styles to suit every occasion and any terrain.

There are now four international stores dedicated to Manolo Blahnik Men’s. London’s Burlington Arcade boutique opened in 2018, an extension of the women’s store that already existed, while fans of the brand can now also find Men’s stores on Madison Avenue in New York, in Palais Royal in Paris and Omotesando in Tokyo.

manoloblahnik.com