Life & Style
Manolo’s Majesty
True design royalty, Manolo Blahnik could be described as a jeweller for the feet, such is the finery of his footwear. Now, with his sponsorship of Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A, Blahnik celebrates the exquisite opulence of France’s most famous queen.
A Note From Manolo Blahnik
“To celebrate Marie Antoinette in London, and in such a landmark way, is a dream and a privilege. With the opening of the exhibition, I am once again entranced by her influence. Since childhood, I have been captivated not only by her gowns and grandeur, but by the way she used style as both self-expression and escape. She was bold, theatrical, daring… always ahead of her time. To me, she remains fashion’s first true icon.
“Supporting this exhibition feels deeply personal, for it was within the V&A’s walls that I first began my own research into her world. To honour her, I have brought a touch of Versailles to London’s Burlington Arcade, creating an installation of glistening chandeliers and hand-drawn murals – a momentary dream of 18th-century splendour.”
“For me, style has never been about fashion… It is about instinct, grace and the art of carrying yourself with ease. True elegance is effortless; it cannot be bought, only lived.”
Manolo Blahnik
