#INTERVIEW with Kristina Blahnik, CEO of Manolo Blahnik

In a dazzling celebration of style and sophistication, Manolo Blahnik unveils an exclusive capsule collection for Ramadan 2025, seamlessly merging heritage craftsmanship with modern luxury. Designed exclusively for the Middle Eastern market, this limited-edition collection reinterprets the house’s most iconic styles in mesmerizing metallics and an innovative Liquid Gold fabrication. Featuring a radiant new iridescent buckle, the collection is a tribute to the region’s deep appreciation for elegance, artistry, and timeless fashion.

For over five decades, Manolo Blahnik has remained a beacon of luxury footwear, renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and innovative designs. This Ramadan collection reflects the brand’s commitment to honoring cultural traditions while maintaining its global identity. From the reimagined MAYSALE JEWEL to the timeless HANGISI and new additions like GIBOA, GIBFLA, and GIBSLI, each piece captures the essence of celebration, making them the ultimate festive-season must-haves.

The MAYSALE mule, first introduced in 1991 for Isaac Mizrahi’s runway, returns in a shimmering new fabric, reinforcing its status as a fashion essential. The collection also brings a contemporary edge to heritage shoemaking with its light-catching ‘Liquid Gold’ material, embodying the perfect balance of innovation and tradition. Each design in the collection reflects Manolo Blahnik’s unwavering dedication to excellence, with artisans in the brand’s Italian atelier bringing these masterpieces to life.

Exclusively available across the Middle East, this collection is more than just a celebration of fashion — it’s an homage to the spirit of Ramadan. As the season calls for reflection, family gatherings, and joyous celebrations, these exquisite designs offer an elegant companion for every special occasion.

With the ever-evolving landscape of fashion, Manolo Blahnik continues to honor its legacy while embracing new possibilities. This capsule collection sets the stage for future culturally inspired designs, blending the artistry of the past with the aspirations of the future. As the world of luxury footwear evolves, one thing remains constant — Manolo Blahnik’s ability to captivate and inspire, one step at a time.

In this interview, Kristina Blahnik, CEO of Manolo Blahnik, shares insights into the inspiration behind the collection, the balance between heritage and innovation, and how the brand continues to evolve while honoring cultural traditions.

Tanja Beljanski: This exclusive capsule collection celebrates style and elegance for Ramadan. What inspired you to reinterpret your classic designs with this regional and seasonal focus? 

Kristina Blahnik: The Middle East has a strong appreciation for luxury, elegance, and bold design, and we wanted to showcase styles that resonate with our clients here, whether it’s the timeless Hangisi or new statement pieces that celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship that define Manolo Blahnik. It’s always exciting to reinterpret our classic designs in a way that connects with the essence of a place while staying true to our brand’s identity

The collection showcases mesmerising metallics and the innovative ‘Liquid Gold’ fabrication. How did you develop this unique material, and what does it bring to the Manolo Blahnik aesthetic?  

We are always exploring new ways to pair signature craftsmanship with innovation, and the liquid gold fabrication is a perfect example of this. We wanted to create something that embodies pure luxury, something fluid, luxurious and almost ethereal. Gold has always been a symbol of elegance, celebration and timeles beauty and by reinterpreting it is in this innovative textile we have given it a modern wearable elegance.

The MAYSALE JEWEL has been an icon since 1991. What makes this design timeless, and how does this shimmering new edition enhance its enduring appeal? 

The Maysale was first introduced for Isaac Mizrahi’s NYFW collection back in 1991 and has remained a staple in our collection ever since. The classic design, featuring the distinctive buckle, offers the perfect balance of elegance and versatility making it suitable for many different occasions which has cemented its timeless appeal. The updated shimmering finish only enhances the Maysale’s allure, offering our clients a fresh take on our much loved-classic fitting for the festive period.

This collection beautifully merges traditional shoemaking with modern sophistication. How do you balance heritage craftsmanship with contemporary innovation when designing for today’s fashion landscape? 

Craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do at Manolo Blahnik. Our shoes are meticulously crafted in our own factory just outside Milan, where artisans, some of whom have worked alongside Manolo for over 40 years, bring each design to life with an almost secret language. Manolo himself is an endless source of creativity, continuously sketching and refining ideas, visiting the factory each season to oversee the transformation from concept to reality. For over fifty years, we have honored this process, creating designs that are not just timeless investments but also resonate with the modern customer. Rather than chasing trends, we remain dedicated to exceptional design, enduring style, and unparalleled craftsmanship, an approach that has stood the test of time.

From the reimagined Hangisi to the new GIBOA, GIBFLA & GIBSLI styles, each piece in the collection feels deeply connected to the spirit of Ramadan. How do you ensure cultural appreciation while maintaining the brand’s global identity?

When creating pieces that celebrate cultural moments like Ramadan, we prioritise craftsmanship and the essence of celebration. Our approach is about appreciation and deep respect for different cultures, ensuring that we honour traditions authentically whilst staying true to Manolo’s DNA and resonating with our global audience in a meaningful way. The capsule collection feels like a celebration, and we hope our clients will enjoy it as such during this wonderful period.

Ramadan is a time of reflection, family, and celebration. How do you hope your latest collection will connect with people during this special season, and what do you envision for the future of holiday-inspired collections?

Ramadan is a deeply meaningful time centred around family, reflection and celebration. As a family business, these are values we hold extremely dear at Manolo Blahnik.  We hope that this collection will make people smile from head to toe and that these shoes will join our clients around the world at wonderful celebrations for the festive period. We say that Manolo breathes life into the shoes, but what they do next is up to you… As for future holiday-inspired collections, we have some exciting ideas in the pipeline…what this space!

Manolo Blahnik’s Ramadan 2025 capsule collection is a testament to the brand’s deep understanding of timeless elegance and cultural appreciation. With its luminous gold hues, exquisite craftsmanship, and innovative designs, the collection is poised to become a cherished addition to wardrobes across the Middle East. By blending heritage with modernity, Manolo Blahnik continues to redefine luxury, offering pieces that are not only beautifully crafted but also deeply meaningful.

As the season of reflection and celebration unfolds, this exclusive collection stands as a symbol of joy and sophistication, ensuring that every step taken is one of grace and style. With more exciting projects on the horizon, Manolo Blahnik reaffirms its place as a global icon in the world of luxury fashion, promising innovation, elegance, and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship for years to come.

@ kristinablahnik  |  @manoloblahnik