Manolo Blahnik is the latest luxury name to open at London’s Burlington Arcade, the 19th-century shopping parade next to the Royal Academy that just went through a major renovation.
The 73-year old elegant shoe designer who became a household name after being front and center in Sex and the City, brought along his niece Kristina Blahnik and her mom, his sister Evangeline to the store’s debut.
Making this the store’s second location in London, the high-end retailer joins names including Ladurée, Chanel-owned Eres, Barrie and Maison Michel, and Harrys of London.
Said the designer about Burlington Arcade, one of the places he fell in love with when he first visited London as a teenager; “I have adored the Burlington Arcade from the very first visit. It has that intimate feeling, and one always feels welcome, especially when the Beadles greet you at the entrance. It is an elegant place with history and tradition, and the shops that occupy it share the same qualities as I find essential in beautiful hand made products. Honestly, I could not think of a better place to be.”