While other footwear brands have aggressively expanded into multiple categories – from fragrance to apparel and beyond – Manolo Blahnik has always prided himself in doing one thing and doing it very exceedingly well: shoes.
With that, it came as a surprise to learn that the London-based footwear impresario is dipping his toe into handbags with a new capsule of minaudières to be sold at first at his New York City boutique. The Hangi, Nadi and Okka styles will be available in August with the additional styles available in Europe down the line.
It’s a logical next step for the brand managing director (and niece) Kristina Blahnik eyes expansion even as her uncle continues to do all designs himself sans assistants, as he told FN in our recent cover profile. “Every shoe has to be perfect,” he has said.
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The collection of six satin and crepe de chine evening bags feature leather interior lining and Swarovski crystal embellishment. Prices range from $1725 to $1925.
“Every woman needs a jewel,” says Blahnik on the new handbag designs, which are meant to complement and work in tandem with his fall ’15 footwear collection. “Something very special and beautiful. There is nothing more stunning than a feminine hand holding a gem-like object.”
Click through the slideshow below to explore the full collection.
