Where To Buy
If you want to own your own pair of Manolos, you might want to check out the selection at your local high end department stores. Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys usually carry this line. Or, you can shop directly at a Manolo Blahnik boutique. There is one in New York and also one in Las Vegas, as well as half a dozen or more located around the world.
You can also often find Manolos on Ebay. Just be sure you are bidding on an authentic shoe. Some of the signs of a “real” Manolo to look for include the traditional black and white label inside the shoe, or a special collection label with Manolo Blahnik’s signature. In addition, Manolos have white dust bags with black lettering.
What It Costs
If you have to ask what it costs for a pair of Manolos, you probably can’t afford them. They start at about $525 for a classic pump or slingback without embellishment and go up from there. Generally, the more embellished styles cost more, as do designs made from exotic leathers. The most expensive Manolo is a pair of alligator boots that sell for $14,000. Then there are lots of shoes that fall in the middle.
Here are some styles and prices that will give you an idea of what you can expect to spend on such exquisite footwear:
- The popular Mary Jane style Campari shoe sells for $555.
- A low-heeled mule with a giraffe print is $695.
- A jeweled thong sandal sells for $915.
- A leopard print sandal with a jeweled ankle strap is $1,090.
- Over-the-knee suede boots go for $1,450.
- A crisscross alligator slide retails for $1,455.
- A brightly colored crocodile slide is $2,685.
- Alligator boots are $14,000.
So you can spend anywhere from $555 to $14,000 for a pair of Manolo Blahniks.
If money is no object, you can also purchase a Manolo Blahnik leopard print clutch to match your shoes for $1,355.
Not Just For Women
While Manolo Blahniks have been made exclusively for women up until now, the audience has just gotten wider. Starting in the spring of 2008, Manolo launched a new line of men’s shoes that is currently available in Europe and is expected to come to the United States in the future. The collection, which fashion insiders predict will be too trendy to appeal to the average American male, features brightly-colored options, including red suede oxfords, blue sling backs and leopard print sandals for men.