In a world of its own, Manolo Blahnik London has opened its
doors for a heavenly retail experience that will seduce and
captivate with the fusion of bold colours and vintage pieces.
Nestled within one of the world’s most celebrated department stores, Harrods, Manolo Blahnik London has a heavenly shoe store, designed by Nick Leith-Smith Architects. In close collaboration with Manolo Blahnik himself, the architects transformed the exclusive space specifically for Blahnik within the fifth floor ‘Shoe Heaven’ salon, purely dedicated to footwear.
Set apart from the rest of the floor, with its own staircase and entrance, the concession was designed to resemble the layout and atmosphere of a grand salon. Evoking the interiors of a grand fin-de-siècle mansion and inspired by the architecture
of the virtuoso Austrian architect Josef Hoffman, the impression is flamboyant. Strong geometric forms, in neutral tones are used to transform the ceiling, furniture, timber screens and display areas, by a composition of vertical lines and diagonal forms. Sliding library shelves, glass cabinet and custom-built vintage furniture act as the platform for the display of the shoes.
The seductive sight of Manolo Blahnik shoes fills the displays, while these splashes of colour are echoed and accentuated in the bold upholstery of the chairs and sofas. The space was furnished with a selection of original Danish furniture from the early and mid-nineteenth century, which was re-upholstered in bright colours. Complementing the seating, similar tones were integrated in Blahnik’s own designs for silk lampshades and chandeliers, which along with bespoke metalwork, were crafted specially for the project. Enticing and bold, the collaboration reflects the strong brand values and the identity of this iconic shoe designer.
nickleithsmith.com
