Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/61757
most wanted in his shoes SAKS FIFTH AVENUE DEBUTS THE MANOLO BLAHNIK SPRING 2012 COLLECTION. by alison rowe A fter almost 40 years of designing dream-worthy shoes, Manolo Blahnik has clearly hit upon a winning formula. His first store opened in London's Chelsea district to great acclaim in the early 1970s, but when the Sex and the City spotlight shone upon him two decades later, Blahnik truly vaulted into the stratosphere of coveted names in the US and beyond. Fast-forward to spring 2012, and Saks Fifth Avenue on North Michigan Avenue has just added the designer to its already impressive roster of brands. "Manolo Blahnik is a great addition to the 10022-SHOE floor," says vice president and general manager Jeff Byron. "[His brand] is the epitome of elegance and sophistication." Indeed, Blahnik's elegant aesthetic is something he's been known for over the decades. He turned up his nose at the chunky platforms that were de rigueur in the early '70s (and continues to eschew them today amid a sea of 84 michiganavemag.com sky-high competitors), and was at the forefront of bringing back a more lady- like silhouette with his chic stiletto. This style remains a staple in Blahnik's collections, and the BB leather point-toe pump ($595) and patent-leather T-strap sandals ($755), shown here, are part of his spring offerings now avail- able at Saks. Which isn't to suggest that he plays it safe with his creations: "About half my designs are controlled fantasy," Blahnik notes. "Fifteen per- cent are total madness, and the rest are bread-and-butter designs." Blahnik's debut at 10022-SHOE this year was celebrated with a glitter- ing launch party hosted by Manolo Blahnik president George Malkemus and Michigan Avenue magazine. And it's turning out to be a great retail part- nership. Says Saks's Byron: "[Blahnik's] timeless designs transcend fashion trends and truly resonate with the Saks Fifth Avenue client." Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 N. Michigan Ave., 312-944-6500; saks.com MA photography by david hamsley