MANOLO BLAHNIK
Judging by the media, the rest of the country may have all but forgotten about Hurricane Sandy , but the devastation left behind by the super storm is still fresh in the memory of most of the tri-state area as those affected begin to pick up the pieces. Just Friday night we learned Obama has formally asked Congress for $60.4 billion dollars in an effort to alleviate the suffering of so many who lost so much. Although helpful and necessary this relief package will barely put a dent in the total bill Sandy wracked up, and more installments are expected as damage continues to be assessed.
Back in the day wearing mules signified social status. Because they could simply slip off one’s foot, workers couldn’t wear the shoe, but the privileged males and females who didn’t work, showed off their heels in these backless beauties. Today, wearing mules won’t say much about your social status, but it will denote a certain level of style. Many of the world’s hottest designers are re-establishing the look for today’s fashionistas and we are getting on board!
As it turns out, the upcoming collaboration between fetish-worthy footwear designer Manolo Blahnik and purveyor-of-preppy brand J. Crew was merely wishful thinking. Sad but true, the on-again, off-again pair are off again—but leaving us hopeful for the future.
It all started with J. Crew’s fabulous Fall 2012 collection, the presentation made memorable by the addition of sweet Manolo stilettos in J. Crew exclusive colors and fabrics. (Cue infinite blogger buzz.) In February, post New York Fashion Week, J. Crew creative director Jenna Lyons announced the collaboration of dreams, only to be met with a shocking response from Blahnik himself. “I was recently contacted by J Crew to do something with them, so I sent them over 45 pairs of shoes, and they announced we were doing a collaboration. I had no idea about it," the designer told British Vogue. In a quick recovery, Lyons, and undoubtedly the entire public relations crew, reconciled the misunderstanding stating to The Daily, “We are in a good place with [Manolo Blahnik] now. Everything's okay.” It was decided—41 styles priced from $595 to $645, slated to debut this fall. (Cue additional blogger buzz.)
In this business called fashion, designers will come and go; some get their 5 minutes of fame, while others are here to stay, and still there are those that have the creativity to start, and the tenacity to make a wow-worthy reappearance. We here at Joonbug have found a few of our favorites that have made names for themselves in the past, and come back to remind us why we loved them so much to begin with!
Manolo Blahnik’s kitten heels are back for this spring with stylish celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker making their rounds in NYC to collect as many pairs as they can get their hands on! Yes, Manolo Blahnik has grace us with the classic pointed toe heel presence for years, however, it has been a while since we have seen much from him and this season he’s coming back with a double whammy. His collaboration with J. Crew for Fall 2012 was definitely a great way to get back into the mix with the classic pumps in great fabrics. Next on the list is Hong Kong’s luxury retailer, Lane Crawford where vintage shoes by Manolo Blahnik that date all the way back to 1974 will be part of an exclusive collection at the retailer including his notorious Mondrian pumps, and lace-up booties.
Shoe lovers—especially vintage shoe lovers—will revel in this collection of twentieth century footwear. Over one hundred years of shoe design, explored decade by decade, are bound into Vintage Shoes. The most collectible and influential shoes from the past century are chronicled through stunning imagery and specially commissioned photography, curated by Caroline Cox. Vintage collectors benefit from the shopping, sourcing, and caring guides for vintage footwear. A glossary of the shoe designers from Salvatore Ferragamo to Vivienne Westwood will expand even the most dedicated shoe lover’s knowledge on the history of footwear. Most excitingly, Vintage Shoes features a forward by the purveyor of scarlet soles (who’s designs will soon be coveted vintage pieces in their own right)—Christian Louboutin.
Vintage Shoes by Caroline Cox; $29.99
After establishing a much sought-after ready-to-wear line, Rachel Roy, and seeing the success of her Rachel Rachel Roy diffusion line, the designer is ready to tackle the next fashion frontier: a footwear line.
“Here’s the thing about me and shoes....I really feel like it’s the one item that, no matter how much you make, it is worth saving your pennies for," offers Roy in a statement to WWD. Further, the designer adds, “I don’t want shoes unless they are strong and sexy. I don’t want them to be just strong or just sexy...my collection is just that - strong and sexy. It represents the woman I want to be.”
You’ve received your first (of many) holiday party invitation (s). Check. You’ve started looking through your closet for what to wear. Check. You want new outfits. Check. We’re here to help make that happen, for all 100% of you (!), with our holiday style guide of affordable vs. high-end looks that will make you a show-stopper at any party you attend this season.
Sleek & Sexy:
Pairing a sleek dress with a fun pair of sparkly heels has holiday party written all over it. We’re loving this purple satin dress from Dolce & Gabbana (left, $1,385) and these glitter platform pumps from Jimmy Choo (left, $745). Can’t quite swing the prices? Good news: find a similar look from H&M (dress, $40) and Wet Seal (heels, $30) for a fraction of the cost. Throw in some fun accessories and you’re ready to go!
Throngs of people, bubbly popped and flowing, plastic swiped left and right--sound familiar? It should if you witnessed last night’s beautiful madness, and judging by the sheer amount of style conscious consumers, we are betting you did. With so many exciting events to choose from and industry celebrities to spot, we cursed the laws of physics for limiting our corporeal forms to only one place at a time! Here were our picks for the hottest spots of the night.
A top priority on our list, Manolo Blahnik was our first stop, and we were not the only ones with the idea! Shoe lovers and Sex in the City fans alike (who are we kidding, they are one and the same) lined the block all the way to 6th avenue for a potential moment with Ms. Manolo herself, Sarah Jessica Parker. Fighting the paparazzi was not an easy feat to catch a glimpse of SJP as she arrived, looking as chic as ever (seriously, the woman drinks from the fountain of youth) in a leather, laser-cut frock by Prabal Gurung and white, pointed-toe Manolos, of course. Sarah Jessica sat in the back of the store graciously signing autographs and shoes from the collection she co-designed with Manolo Blahnik. We also spotted Andre Leon Talley at the event sporting his signature caftan. Inside the store, guests tried on as many Manolos as their hearts desired amidst offerings of hors d’oeuvres and champagne by Il Gattopardo.
Shoe and foot fetish lovers unite! We came across an especially creepy interesting story this morning about a company called Chocolate Sole Lounge that organizes dates between men and women in exchange for shoes. But hold your pedi's, there's no Louboutin or Manolo in this bunch. Brands include Dollhouse and Nine West --which will put you back at least $40. (Or $19.99 if you get them on discount at Ross.) Also, apparently women can "have their own business" by hosting shoe parties whilst attracting foot fetish weirdos guys from all over the country. (No biggie, it's just like Avon! )
Could it be? Imagine how Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, & Samantha were in their high-school/college years?
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