London Fashion Week welcomes the legend, Manolo Blahnik

The most fashionable place in the world right now is of course London. A sentiment that clearly isn't lost on Manolo Blahnik as this morning the celebrated luxury footwear designer hosted a special presentation of his spring/ summer 2014 collection as part of London Fashion Week. It was the designer's first ever official spot on the Capital's fashion week schedule and the announcement, made back in August, was met with much excitement from London's fashionable elite.

A sight to behold: Manolo Blahnik spring/ summer 2014

Image courtesy www.vogue.co.uk

And boy were they were right to be excited. Held in the plush screening room at the Covent Garden Hotel the presentation was delivered via a short film shot by Micheal Roberts and starring Rupert Everett and Lucy Birley. But naturally it was the shoes that were really the stars of the show and all eyes were on the actors' feet as they danced tantalisingly before the audience's eyes.

The Royal Seal of Approval: The Duchess of Cambridge 

oozes class and power in her "Manolos"

Image courtesy of www.wwd.com 

Manolo Blahnik, born in Gran Canaria, is known (and indeed loved) for his signature style of delicate stiletto-heeled sandals and mules. Elegant, refined, though in no way simple or plain, the "Manolo" has been worn by everyone from Princess Lady Diana to our modern-day princess The Duchess of Cambridge. This royal connection was referenced in the designer's spring /summer collection by way of a pair of ornate gold slippers. There was also a regal scattering of fabric covered button fastenings, cushion tassels and jewel toned satin pulled together with impeccable stitching. In fact the notably highly-stylised designs set an altogether regal tone. Albeit, one that was infused with Blahnik's acute sense of fun and fantasy. It was a very British affair, if I may say.

Shoe fit for a Queen: Manolo Blahnik spring/ summer 2014

This season's take on the classic black "Manolo" stiletto sets a regal tone

Manolo Blahnik spring/ summer 2014

Images courtesy of www.vogue.co.uk

That in no way, however, insinuates that the the designer was shunning his Spanish roots. For there was plenty of suede fringing, not to mention vintage Spanish embroidery, adorning his classic court shoes. The vivacious mix of colours- pink, blue, red, olive green, yellow- also struck a playful flamenco note; these shoes were made for dancing all right. Personally, I would be dancing in the pink suede sandals with patchwork fringing. Or the ruby satin lace-up pumps. Gorgeous.

 

Sticking to his Spanish Roots: Manolo Blahnik spring/ summer 2014

Images courtesy of www.vogue.co.uk

Manolo Blahnik's latest shoe range is nothing if not an infectious clash of cultures: Spanish style and sensuality mixed up with the ironic, rebellious nature of British humour. What could be more alluring, more desirable? Plus it signifies the designer's personal affiliation with both communities, like the uniting of his two worlds; his Spanish roots and his present day life residing and working in the British countryside (the designer lives in Bath would you believe?!).

My very own dancing shoes: Manolo Blahnik spring/ summer 2014

Image courtesy of www.vogue.co.uk

Following the success and subsequent furore of today's presentation I'm hoping that Manolo, an honourary British resident since 1968, is here (at London Fashion Week) to stay!

Au revoir Hermès!

Image courtesy of marieclaire.co.uk

On Monday, 27th May, we be bid a sad farewell to the Hermès family who, this year, celebrated their 176th anniversary and for the past week have been residing at the Saatchi Gallery in London. In what turned out to be a truly inspiring new kind of fashion exhibition, the artisan craftsmen working under the Hermès helm set up a live workshop in a space at the Saatchi Gallery.

Image courtesy of styleandminimalism.com

The Hermès Festival des Métiers, which ran from the 21st May until Monday, offered an intimate insight into the detailed and painstaking work that goes into creating some of the French heritage brand's most famous pieces. The Kelly bag, for instance- designed by Robert Dumas in the 1930's and still one of the luxury leather goods label's best-selling handbags- could be witnessed in creation, from start to finished product. Actually, that is not strictly accurate as each bag takes a reported 16-18 hours to make!

The Lady's favourite: Mrs Beckham loves her Kelly bags

Image courtesy of savvymode.com

Also available for viewing were watches and fine jewellery, belts and the iconic Hermès printed silk scarf. The Saatchi Gallery say they hoped the 'animated presentation would encourage (sic) interaction by giving visitors the opportunity to meet and exchange with the Hermès' artisans and experience first-hand their unique savoir-faire'. 

I think one of the most special things about this exhibition is that it is Hermès, I mean the Hermès. A brand that is cloaked in a certain degree of mystery and relatively understated, Hermès manages to retain its unquestionable authority in the luxury fashion and accessories stakes. And it has done for many years now, hence its reputation as a French heritage label which is steeped in historical reference. That such a formidable fashion house would pack up their more-than-likely ultra stylish abode in the ever-chic Paris to slum it in London (Ok, so not exactly slumming it at the Saatchi Gallery I know, but still...) was really quite an event to behold.

Classic heritage fashion: The Hermès print scarf

Image courtesy of dovecotedecor.blogspot.com

London was the latest stop for The Hermès Festival des Métiers tour, which has also visited Beijing and Shenyang and will be on its way to Düsseldorf as we speak. Lucky Germany.