Photograph: Courtesy of Manolo Blahnik

Because the Spanish footwear model launches its Manolo’s Silhouettes capsule, Kristina Blahnik tells us about her lifelong love affair with sneakers and the way she’s transferring the Manolo Blahnik legacy ahead.

“I actually was born in a shoebox; considered one of my earliest reminiscences is from after I was about eight years outdated, sitting on my uncle’s lap and watching him design sneakers,” recounts Kristina Blahnik. Whereas many people have performed gown up in our mom’s too-big-for-us heels, not many can say they’ve pranced round awkwardly in Blahniks—and definitely not within the presence of the enduring designer himself. To Kristina, the 81-year-old Manolo Blahnik is greater than a style visionary — he’s her uncle and a paternal determine who imparted to her the values of craftsmanship, custom and creativity.

Photograph: Courtesy of Manolo Blahnik

A former architect, Kristina unexpectedly pivoted into the household enterprise when she took over its manufacturing logistics for one season. On this lucky twist of occasions that sparked her ardour for the business, she proceeded to spend a number of years studying the whole lot concerning the firm, and ultimately assumed the function as chief govt officer in 2013.

Photograph: Courtesy of Manolo Blahnik

Outfitted with a pointy enterprise acumen and a daring collaborative spirit, she appears to be like again on a number of the most fulfilling tasks she’s spearheaded since being with the corporate. “Opening the pop-up at Liberty’s in 2010 was one of many craziest issues I’ve ever executed. My structure observe designed it, and we made plenty of particular merchandise for it—and all in simply 10 months,” she reveals. Different noteworthy partnerships over time embody a extremely coveted capsule with pop icon Rihanna, in addition to collections with Vetements and Birkenstock. Kristina has since steered the storied Spanish label right into a novel course— one which effortlessly fuses custom and innovation. “We wish to experiment with new shapes and fabrications alongside the traditional types that we provide. For me it’s all about taking our time and trusting our intestine emotions,” shares Kristina.

Photograph: Courtesy of Manolo Blahnik

Only in the near past, the model unveiled its Manolo’s Silhouettes marketing campaign which shines the highlight again on its most timeless designs. The edit options six signature types: The BB, Maysale, Mary Jane, Chaos, Susa and Carolyne. When requested about her private favorite, Kristina picked the subtle Maysale, a low-heeled mule that has been worn by icons starting from Madonna to Marge Simpson. “I put on it just about all over the place—on walks, to work, to dinner. It simply suits so properly into my wardrobe,” she says.

This text first appeared on Elle Singapore.

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