Manolo, awarded by the Queen

It's ironic. He is from Spain and in general, Spanish people barely know him (maybe it's because he and his designs don't appear as much as they must to in Spanish mags). The latest shop he opened was in his own country, in Madrid, two years ago, and he is on the business from the Seventies (which in part proves my theory about Spanish and the interests for him). He is one the best shoe-maker ever. My first post in this blog was for him, the great Manolo Blahnik, because he knows how to make a woman dream, only with a pair of shoes, isn't it amazing?

Thanks to his timeless and shameless pieces he became one of the most succesful designers ever. He was awarded honorary CBE (Commander of the British Empire) by the Queen in recognition of his status as one of the most successful and influential designers of our time. (As a Spaniard he is not eligible for the full accolade). He has never had any training in shoe-making, and he is responsible for the design of all his creations.

Mr Purnell, Culture Secretary, said:
“Manolo Blahnik is one of only a handful of designers whose name is synonymous with their product. His avant garde designs mixed with timeless classics. By basing his business in London, Mr Blahnik has played a huge part in enhancing the reputation of the capital as a leading fashion industry centre.”

Mr Blahnik said:
"It is the greatest privilege to have been appointed by Her Majesty the Queen to receive such an honour for my small contribution to the fashion industry in Britain. I'll always be proud and grateful for it."

* All the declarations are from:

Government Department of Culture

He has received more international prizes, and I'd like to point out the Special Awarded by the CFDA, Balenciaga Award and Neiman Marcus from USA. He was named doctor "Honoris Causa" by the Royal Academy of Arts (London) and the Aguja de Oro (Spain -"gold needle") among too many more.