Manolo Blahnik is once again expanding its presence in the United States with a new boutique that will open in November 2025. Marking the brand’s first-ever opening in Southern California, the historic new shop will be located in the famed South Coast Plaza, one of the region’s most luxurious and dynamic shopping centers.
Imagined by Manolo Blahnik’s signature store design firm Nick Leith-Smith Architecture + Design, the South Coast Plaza boutique will feature a striking geometric façade created by a circular motif which continues through to the interior’s bespoke rugs and wallpaper. The boutique’s exterior features two vitrines, one to showcase each of the season’s standout styles for men and women. Inside the shop, individually rotating wall slats create floating shelves to display footwear and bags, allowing the configuration to be customized to each new collection. Chairs and benches swathed in custom English houndstooth by Holland & Sherry invite clients into the relaxing atmosphere, while the full-service coffee bar delights with seasonal confections.
A full-scale replica of Manolo Blahnik’s workstation will be on display, featuring his most beloved art supplies and personal photography. The desk where Blahnik sketches his inspirations, the first step of bringing each collection to life, welcomes clients to discover the world of Manolo Blahnik.
British architect Nick Leith-Smith, who has worked with Manolo Blahnik since 2003, was inspired by one of Manolo Blahnik’s favorite artists and a main protagonist in the Art Deco movement’s European roots, Josef Hoffmann. The homage to Hoffmann’s geometric shapes, ornamental detailing, and bold monochromatic designs can be seen in the form of rich and unique materials and an unabashedly black-and-white color scheme. The art deco-inspired modern design, infused with nods to storied British heritage, make this space both incredibly unique and completely true to Manolo Blahnik.
Manolo Blahnik says: “Opening at South Coast Plaza is a tremendous honour. This historic centre has long stood as a beacon of fashion and culture in California. To now have a boutique among its illustrious offerings feels exciting. American clients have always embraced my work with such passion, and I’m thrilled they will now have a new location to discover exclusive styles.”
CEO Kristina Blahnik says: “We are delighted to open a new home of Manolo Blahnik in California, allowing us to engage with our clients on the west coast in such a renowned location. As a family business, community is at our core, values that we share with South Coast Plaza. It’s a new chapter in our story…rooted in elegance and craftsmanship.”
The store will launch with the Winter 2025 collection which embodies the commitment to both heritage and innovation that is so precisely Manolo, melding inspirations from artists and artwork of all mediums. The collection celebrates boldness in color and character, and the emphasis remains on creativity and craftsmanship.
About Manolo Blahnik:
With a career spanning more than 50 years, Manolo Blahnik is one of the world’s most influential footwear and accessories designers. His shoes and craftsmanship have spellbound an international audience of adoring and loyal devotees. In 2019, Blahnik acquired its own atelier and production facility in Vigevano, Pavia, Italy.
Manolo Blahnik has an established global retail presence across 30 countries, including a flagship boutique on the iconic Madison Avenue in New York City. The brand is available in over 270 of the world’s leading luxury retailers, spanning Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. In addition to its international retail footprint, Manolo Blahnik operates a global e-commerce platform at www.manoloblahnik.com, offering customers worldwide access to its collections.
Throughout the years, Blahnik received several accolades around the world, including the Luxury Legend Award attributed by the independent British luxury body Walpole and the Couture Council of the Museum of FIT’s Award for Artistry. In 2007, the late Queen Elizabeth II presented Manolo Blahnik with an Honorary Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for his contribution to British fashion. He has also published numerous books, the latest being ‘The Art of Shoes’ published by Rizzoli in 2017. Along with a leading women’s line, which includes shoes, bags, belts and scarves, Blahnik also designs collections for men.
In 2021, Manolo Blahnik celebrated its 50th anniversary by launching The Manolo Blahnik Archives: ‘A New Way of Walking.’ This interactive virtual exhibition explored the breadth of the house’s archives and the shoemaker’s constant thirst for innovation. In 2023, this digital exhibition introduced behind-the-scenes footage of the brand’s Italian atelier as part of a new virtual room called ‘The Craft.’ Viewers could witness Manolo’s design process and unique techniques for the first time and meet the real artisans who bring the iconic Manolos to life. www.thearchives.manoloblahnik.com
In 2024, Manolo Blahnik has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces in Retail, Hospitality and Leisure by Great Place to Work. This accolade is testament to the brand’s commitment to fostering a workplace culture where creativity, collaboration and passion thrive.
