MANOLO BLAHNIK TO OPEN NEW U.S. FLAGSHIP IN MANHATTAN

Manolo Blahnik will open a new U.S. flagship on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in the spring of 2020. The new store will be located at 717 Madison Avenue, and, for the first time in New York, will comprise both men’s and women’s footwear styles.

This is the latest in a series of significant investments in U.S. talent and infrastructure as Manolo Blahnik prepares to bring its North American business in-house on January 1, 2020.

The double-fronted store will be designed by award-winning architect David Thomas of David Thomas Design in collaboration with Manolo and Kristina Blahnik. Thomas specializes in international luxury retail design for high-end brands and private clients and was instrumental in the design of the exquisite Manolo Blahnik standalone boutique in the Palais-Royal in Paris, which opened in June this year.

“The announcement of our new flagship on Madison Avenue is the latest in a series of key investments that we are making, to ensure that we fulfil the potential of the Manolo Blahnik brand in North America,” said Kristina Blahnik, Group CEO. “Our US customer is among the most discerning and knowledgeable in the world. This new store will allow us the opportunity to uphold our promise to those customers as we strive to exceed their expectations in quality, creativity and service.”

“New York is where my journey began,” added Manolo Blahnik, the founder of his eponymous label. “Without guidance from the legendary Diana Vreeland, we wouldn’t be where we are today. New York has always evoked a great sense of excitement for me, a city of endless possibilities. So, it is an honour for me to open on Madison Avenue, an exquisite location, which I remember fondly from our formative years.”

Earlier this year, Kristina Blahnik announced the appointment of Andrew Wright as president of Manolo Blahnik Americas, alongside an experienced team of luxury professionals with strength across all business functions and strategic development. The family-run business continues to grow under the creativity of Manolo Blahnik and trusted leadership of both Evangelina Blahnik and Kristina Blahnik, who celebrates her 10 year anniversary as Group CEO this year.