The Shoe Guy

I'm not sure I've ever imagined Manolo Blahnik as a person although I know he very much is. The name always triggers images of fabulous, pricey shoes. "Manolos" as a good majority of women know are a prized possession especially if one has an affinity for shoes. Heels, flats or boots—we've all seen them—featured in fashion mags and made infamous by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City.

This weekend I had the privilege to witness a live interview with the man behind the Manolo—Manolo Blahnik during the New Yorker Festival. As expected of a major fashion mogul he was very well put together. He reminded me of Truman Capote with his well-groomed slicked back silver hair, his round tortoise colored eyeglasses and his eccentric, somewhat scattered persona. Most artists have to start somewhere, well Manolo started on a banana plantation in the Canary Islands making shoes for dogs and lizards out of gum wrappers. Who knew!? It took him a couple of years to move beyond four-legged friends, but he eventually began designing women's shoes.

Manolo Hosted on Zooomr

The interview conducted by New Yorker writer Michael Specter was highly entertaining. Through witty banter they covered everything from Manolo's love of movies (he designed all the shoes in Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette) to today's Hollywood actress to design disasters and wins to Sudanese music. I took away that Manolo Blahnik is clearly impulsive, worldly and demands perfection. He adores elaborate design, recognizes impracticableness, but doesn't allow it to roadblock his creativity or vision. A workmanship I have to admire. During the interview he showcased a series of designs he has done over the years—all inspired by places in the world— Japan, Yugoslavia and Morocco to name a few. He talked about women and how today's styled youth, particularly in Hollywood, lacks a radiant aura. He said that there's something about a woman who "projects." Although he didn't clearly define it I know what he's talking about—it's sensuality, confidence and independence. "If you have it, you have it," he said.

Here are a few pics from the event..