A Regal Romance

Footwear major Birkenstock and iconic shoe designer Manolo Blahnik come together for a collab that’s high on style and glamour.

Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock - Boston Velvet Fuchsia 01

Birkenstock and iconic shoe designer Manolo Blahnik are pleased to announce a collaboration that showcases their mastery of craftsmanship and creativity. Inspired by quality and function – the core ingredients of Birkenstock, Manolo Blahnik unites with the house, furnishing his characteristic embellishments and creative dynamic symbols for iconic Birkenstock styles.

In 2020, Manolo Blahnik and his niece, company CEO Kristina Blahnik, were featured in the Birkenstock Spring/Summer campaign. Photographer Jack Davison lensed the pair in Manolo Blahnik’s first store on Old Church Street, London, wearing their own Birkenstocks. It marked the starting point of an even deeper collaboration – the end result of which is this unique collection.

Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock - Arizona Velvet Fuchsia 02

“Birkenstocks have been in my wardrobe since the very beginning (of time!!) – I have loved and worn mine for many years,” says Manolo Blahnik. “I am thrilled that we have been able to collaborate, fusing the Manolo Blahnik aesthetic with the everyday comfort of Birkenstocks is simply wonderful!”

“Birkenstock share both brand and core design values much like our own and it has been a joy to bring this to life in the new Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock collection,” says Kristina Blahnik.” Timeless, high-quality designs, crafted to be treasured and enjoyed is what we set out to create and I am delighted with the outcome. It is a privilege to cement our relationship further with Birkenstock through this collaboration, following the S/S 2020 Personality Campaign in which my uncle and I featured.”

“We are delighted to collaborate with Manolo Blahnik, whose unrivalled craftsmanship has long set the bar for shoemaking,” says Oliver Reichert, CEO, Birkenstock. “This is a unique collection, fusing our trademark designs with the flair of Manolo Blahnik, to create pieces that embrace a bold and directional aesthetic that takes both to a new level.”

Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock - Boston Velvet Blue 02

The collection reinvents the Birkenstock style with its proudly glamorous detailing, featuring Manolo Blahnik’s trademark emphasis on all eye-catching details. The nonpareil flair for which Manolo Blahnik is renowned meets the premium craftsmanship of Birkenstock, creating a capsule at once radically modern and dynamic for both brands. Embellished with crystals and packaged in exclusive polka dot shoebox and dust bag following traditional Manolo Blahnik design, this richly coloured collection accommodates the best elements of both brands – for a remarkable, regal meeting of creative minds.

The first release of the collaboration is available at 1774.com, manoloblahnik.com, all Manolo Blahnik retail locations, as well as selected retailers worldwide. The second release of styles will launch in June 2022.

Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock - Arizona Velvet Blue 01

Arizona crystal velvet in fuchsia and blue

Playful glamour meets everyday style, in Manolo Blahnik’s show-stopping spin on the Arizona sandal. This rich new visions line sublimely reinvents the Arizona with luxurious upper in velvet, microfiber-lined French piping, and the inspired embellishment of Birkenstock’s buckle with crystals. Marrying chic and comfort, Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock embraces a soulful spin on favourites. Paired with Birkenstock’s anatomically shaped footbed, this Arizona shows the true potential and everyday glamour that you deserve from your favourite pair.

Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock - Boston Velvet Blue 01

Boston crystal velvet in fuchsia and blue

A super-star showcase of luxury design and versatile craft, the Boston Crystal Velvet reinvents a classic for a whole new world of occasions. Inspired and designed by Manolo Blahnik, the premium buckle is playfully embellished with crystals – marrying this new motif with an incredibly luxurious take on the clog, including French piping in colour-matching smooth leather. Embrace this regal and remarkable new spin on a favourite shoe, in fuchsia and blue.

Arizona crystal smooth leather in black

The refinery of the iconic Birkenstock Arizona receives a sparkling twist, courtesy of Manolo Blahnik’s glamorous vision. With the anatomical shaped cork footbed in premium soft leather now accompanied by premium embellished crystals, the Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock collaboration envisions a regal and remarkable twist.

Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock - Boston Amalfi Black 01 Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock - Arizona Amalfi Black 02

Boston crystal smooth leather in Black

Step into a new vision of luxury, thanks to Manolo Blahnik’s dazzling take on the classic Boston clog. Luxurious smooth leather accompanies the crystals now adorning Birkenstock’s signature buckle–the spirit of craftsmanship that both brands celebrate is glamorously shown. A master of detailing, Manolo Blahnik is the perfect partner for Birkenstock’s unrivalled approach to craftsmanship and style.

Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock - Arizona Velvet Blue

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Priya Kumari Rana

Lifestyle Insider is a kind of junction point, connecting people with diverse interests that touch on the more luxurious aspects of lifestyle – fashion, design, travel, food and spirits, art, watches and jewellery, cars, yachts, and aviation, and technology. People today don’t fit into boxes and categories. In our individual ways, we are interested in diverse themes, products, and the challenges that face our world today. You will judge how well this effort of mine caters to your passions and proclivities.

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Priya Kumari Rana

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