Luxury fashion house Manolo Blahnik is celebrating its 50th anniversary by opening a virtual museum. The museum, titled “Manolo Blahnik: A New Way of Walking”, will be accessible worldwide starting on November 18. The aim of the virtual museum is to allow the public to explore Manolo Blahnik’s archives through five digital rooms, combining art, craftsmanship, and modernity in a future-focused world.
Manolo Blahnik has been creating iconic footwear for both men and women for the past 50 years. The brand’s success can be attributed to the legendary Spanish designer, Manolo Blahnik, who has always involved his family in his work. Together with his niece and company CEO, Kristina Blahnik, Manolo Blahnik has spent months developing this major project to offer visitors an immersive experience of the brand’s 50 years of success.
Rather than opting for a traditional retrospective exhibition, Manolo Blahnik has chosen to embrace new technologies and create a virtual museum that can be accessed by a global audience. By doing so, the luxury fashion house positions itself as a pioneer in the industry. The virtual experience, created in collaboration with curator Judith Clark and digital design studio Ronin, includes sketches, films, photographs, and previously unseen models.
Kristina Blahnik expresses her excitement about the opening of the company archives to the public, emphasizing that this virtual experience is just the beginning. Each of the five digital rooms offers a different perspective on the brand’s history. The Palette Room showcases 80 sketches arranged in a spectrum of colors, providing viewers with untold stories. The ’70s Room traces the designer’s evolution through various visual materials. The 12 Friendships room explores the relationships and encounters that influenced Manolo Blahnik’s work. The Gold Room and Our Family rooms highlight the brand’s extravagant creations and its team members’ contributions.
The virtual museum aims to inspire and educate visitors by providing them with an opportunity to connect with Manolo Blahnik and learn about its rich history and expertise. It is a unique chance to discover the brand even if physical access to its shoes is not possible.
In addition to the virtual museum, Manolo Blahnik has released a special “Gold” capsule collection as part of its anniversary celebrations. The collection includes a variety of footwear crafted using intricate materials such as feathers, lace, and macramé. The “Bells” line within the collection takes inspiration from the designer’s childhood and features miniature bells reminiscent of his mother’s charm bracelet. The anniversary collection is available for purchase both in stores and online, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to high-end craftsmanship and innovation.
The opening of Manolo Blahnik’s virtual museum and the release of its special anniversary collection commemorate the brand’s 50-year legacy in the fashion industry. By embracing new technologies and creating immersive digital experiences, Manolo Blahnik continues to captivate audiences and reinforce its position as a leader in luxury fashion.
For more information about Manolo Blahnik’s virtual museum and anniversary collection, visit their official website and social media platforms.
Links:
1. Manolo Blahnik Official Website: https://www.manoloblahnik.com/
2. Manolo Blahnik Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manoloblahnik/
