Manolo Blahnik Men's Shoes 2008
Designer Footwear From Suede Slingback to Sandal to Oxford Brogue
Jan 27, 2008
More famous for his Sex and the City killer heels and stylish pumps, the Spanish king of shoes, Manolo Blahnik, has caused a stir in the men’ fashion arena this season by launching a new Spring and Summer Men's Shoe Collection for 2008.
Manolo Blahnik's Men's Shoe Collection
The six-piece footwear collection incorporates bright blues, reds and greens and provides a new twist on the classic Oxford shoe, with open heels and toes. But "It's not a big collection," reflects the designer.
So far his first men’s shoe collection after an absence of nearly a decade has brought a mixed reception. A blogger named "The Gentleman’s Style" on www.outrageousshoeshopper.blogspot.com refers to them as “Rubbish,” the stuff to “give you nightmares..It’s like a confused cross dresser.” However, www.fashionfromspain.com refers to the collection as “irresistible models.”
Reports Blahnik, "There are some simple sandals in beautiful materials, and a few classics – with a twist. I thought it was time to bring back some color into the male wardrobe."
Recently featured in www.Vogue.com, "You've Got Mail," the small men’s collection includes Kelly, a red suede Oxford brogue, a blue open-toed suede sling back (the Afiyet) and leopard print sandal called the Bir.
The two most main-stream of the six-piece collection is the Cok sandal, with dark brown croc straps, which would take you from beach to bar and not look out of place. The second is a two-tone suede Oxford Brogue called the Meze, which would be suitable for business.
Refering to Blahnik’s new blue open-toed slingback, ABC News article, “Man-olo Blahnik's Probably Aren't for Most Men,” raises the question whether red blooded American men would actually wear them. “In a land where pink shirts and hair wax have only recently become acceptable, where some people still think metrosexual means homosexual, blue suede slingbacks and leopard print sandals are about as likely to catch on as men's eyeliner and the murse (men's purse).”
The Turkish Influence
Interestingly Blahnik seems to have allowed his women’s shoe collection of Turkish Delight foot candy (influenced by his recent trip to Istanbul) to spill over into his men’s footwear. His chosen names for men's shoes include – Afiyet, Bir (meaning one), Cok (meaning many) and Meze (a traditional dish of small appetizers) are all Turkish words. For those familiar with Turkish, the word Afiyet, (meaning apetite) is a very common one as it comes from the Turkish equivalent of “Bon Apetite” – “Afiyet Olsun.”, which is said by most Turkish families before the commencement of a meal.
Whether you love them or hate them, all six pieces of the men's collection will be available at Manolo Blahnik boutiques from the beginning of February.
Manolo Blahnik Pioneers Blog for the New York MET
According to Fashion from Spain, in its article of 28th December 2007, “Manolo Blahnik begins a blog for the New York MET,” Blahnik has been the pioneer of the “Blog.mode: addressing fashion exhibition” that is currently underway at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute in New York.
The exhibition gives visitors the opportunity to obtain “a general overview of fashion as an artistic discipline throughout these last three centuries.” There is an outstanding collection of 65 costumes and accessories from the 18th centuries to the current day.
In addition to Blahnik himself, distinguished designers such as Yves Saint Lauren, Coco Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier are featured in this chronological journey through the world of fashion over the centuries.
The current Addressing Fashion exhibition at New York's Metropolitan Museum runs until 13 April 2008.
