Mr Blahnik continuously draws inspiration from different geographical locations across the globe, for Autumn 17 we remain close to home and visit Scotland. The landscapes, the heritage, the tweed and the poetic nature of the country have been the key, yet subtle themes which have brought this collection to life.

The Hebrides, Scotland's magical western islands, encapsulate the sense of escapism, with a small population, nature is allowed to reach its full potential. Rugged off shore beaches, see breezes and plants in their natural habitat, have inspired many of the styles in this collection. Representing the elements of organic nature, we see fluid multicoloured shapes decked in suede on SIRANA a d'orsay cut out and RONDA a geometric pump which introduces the new BULBI heel drawn from floral bulbs.

Iconic to Scotland, Mr Blahnik pays tribute to tweed. In eye - popping colours and frayed raw edging, symbolic of the primitive Hebrides Islands we see tweed in a variety of styles this Autumn. Fashion styles include the AMATORA a cut out pump with ankle strap, in contrasting colours, tomato red and lime green with a bicoloured heel and ARMIDA, a shoetie in decadent pink, finished with a velvet bow. Classic styles have also had the tweed makeover, the infamous HANGISI and MARRIA are offered in loud sugary tones, which sweetly compliments the signature embellished buckle.

Mr Blahnik has a constant admiration for heritage and historical figures who have impacted and shaped the world somehow. This collection Mr Blahnik has been inspired by Janis Joplin the 60's musical legend and her psychedelic sense of style. Key styles include the JANISA a kitten heeled mule and JOPLIN a buckled ankle strap flat, both in a metallic antique snakeskin. The PELOSUSFE, a luxury feathery slider, in soft nudes and pastels, is the nod to the pop phenomena's kindred and liberal personality. The CUQUITA reveals the singers bold and daring side, a red suede ankle boot with intricate leather handmade detailing is undoubtedly a stand out style of the Autumn collection.

Architecture has always been a constant source of inspiration for Mr Blahnik, in this collection we turn to the Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann. famous for clean lines, simple shapes, the use of monochrome and challenging the 'art nouveau' concept. These creative elements have been translated onto styles MARLONIA, a signature stiletto, with panels of graphic monochrome prints. ATADA, a simple pump with a twist; featuring strap detailing that encapsulates the foot finished with a statement buckle.

Mr Blahnik is often inspired by other artists and for Autumn 17, we see references of the artist Alexander Calder famous for sculptures made with delicately balanced or suspended shapes that move in response to touch or air currents. These shapes are translated onto boots, flats and sandals. ESCAL, a simple ankle strap sandal, decked in suede has been finished with subtle scallop edging. SONSOLES, a tweed boot is juxtaposed with vivid suede detailing on the toe and semi circle shapes which decorate the sole edging.

Never absent from a Manolo Blahnik collection, is the element of embellishment. For Autumn, Mr Blahnik has looked to Catherine the Great of Russia and her exquisite taste in jewellery for a new take on embellishment. Ornate, leaf like diamante trims an array of styles including TRIONFA an elegant pump, TRIONFAFLAT a beautiful flat and TRIUNSLOFLAT a luxury slider all in rich sumptuous satin.

 

About Manolo Blahnik

With a career spanning 45 years, Manolo Blahnik is one of the world's most influential footwear designers. His shoes have spellbound an international set of adoring and loyal devotees across the globe. Blahnik is a craftsman. To this day he makes a trip to the factories in Milan every season for a few weeks to bring every collection to life. All the shoes he develops are based on his sketches which get translated into prototypes at the factories. The exquisitely shaped lasts and heels he creates for his shoes are still perfected with his very own hands.

Through the years Manolo's achievements have been recognised by various bodies in many countries, most recently the Couture Council of America and one of the biggest an Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) awarded by her Majesty The Queen. He has also published numerous books, the latest being Fleeting Gestures and Obsessions with Rizzoli in 2015. Most recently Mr Blahnik was awarded Collaboration of the Year Award by Footwear News, for the SS17 collection VetementsxManoloBlahnik.

Along with a leading women's line which includes evening and day bags, the brand also has a successful men's collection.

Manolo Blahnik has 310 points of sale in 34 countries worldwide with 13 standalone stores and a recently launched ecommerce platform - manoloblahnik.com.