Legendary Spanish shoe designer Manolo Blahnik’s connection to Britain is deep-rooted and long-standing – hailing from the Canary Islands, he moved to London in 1969 and opened his first boutique on Old Church Street in Chelsea not long afterwards. An effusive Anglophile, he continues to use London as the base of his now-extensive business and has even become a fan of local cuisine (his favourite, Blahnik previously told Wallpaper*, is the bread and butter pudding from historic London restaurant Wiltons).
As of this month, Blahnik has chosen London department store Harrods – perhaps Britain’s most well-known luxury retailer – to open a new ephemeral boutique dedicated to his ever-growing menswear collection (open until 31 July 2023). It marks the first dedicated pop-up to the men’s arm of the business, and will comprise over 60 different styles with six pairs exclusive to the Harrods space. ‘I simply adore Harrods, it is an iconic institution and one of London’s most recognisable landmarks,’ said Blahnik of the choice. ’I could get lost in the store for hours.’
