Kristina Blahnik, CEO of the iconic Manolo Blahnik brand, has always had a different path in mind. She never aspired to take over the family business, opting instead for a career in architecture.
However, since joining the company in 2009 to assist her uncle, the legendary Manolo Blahnik, and becoming CEO in 2013, Kristina has blended her architectural expertise with the craft of shoemaking in ways that continue to define the brand’s future.
In a recent interview with Glamour UK, Kristina shared her thoughts on how she has redefined Manolo Blahnik’s legacy, steering the company into the next era while staying true to its roots.
“We are not a fashion brand,” Kristina says emphatically. “We would never define ourselves as a fashion brand. Manolo himself always called himself a cobbler, but I see us as specialist artisans creating objects that happen to be shoes.”
Kristina's architectural background plays a significant role in how she shapes the future of the company. Creating a shoe, she explains, is not just about design but about engineering.
“Heels are tested to failure, machines stretch and check the pressure points, then there’s the placement of the strap across the foot or ankle... there’s so much technicality that goes into it,” she reveals. This focus on precision and craftsmanship mirrors her approach to running the company, where long-term vision and forward planning are at the heart of every decision.
Her training in architecture has also shaped how she views the future of Manolo Blahnik. “It’s about looking at what the next 500 years look like for the name Manolo Blahnik,” she explains. “I use that skill more than anything in the world that I live in now.” For Kristina, success isn’t just about the here and now—it’s about creating something that will stand the test of time, much like the shoes that have become a symbol of luxury and sophistication across the globe.
Though her uncle Manolo’s designs have remained an enduring influence, Kristina has introduced subtle yet impactful changes to the brand since taking the helm. One of her first additions was the espadrille, a nod to the brand’s Spanish roots, and she also introduced a minimalist tennis shoe, inspired by her grandfather’s love for the sport. “If we're going to do something with a rubber sole, it needs to be minimalist,” she says.
Despite the pressure to diversify into more mainstream products like trainers, Kristina has remained focused on the brand’s legacy. “That would’ve been an easy win,” she admits, “but it would be the wrong decision. We’ve kept our categories quite narrow, and people know exactly what they’re getting from us.”
Under Kristina’s leadership, the brand has expanded into new markets, with recent store openings in Shanghai and Milan. These milestones are a testament to her ability to stay ahead of the curve while staying true to the brand’s artisanal roots. As she navigates the future of the company, Kristina remains committed to craftsmanship and artistry. “We are a specialist artisan object, not just a shoe,” she affirms.
Beyond the business side of things, Kristina is equally passionate about fostering the next generation of artisans. The brand has partnered with UAL to offer scholarships, and she envisions eventually creating programmes at their factories and ateliers to nurture young talent. For Kristina, success is about more than profits; it’s about making a lasting impact on the world of craftsmanship.
“I want people 20 years from now to come to us and say, 'I bought these Manolo Blahnik shoes 20 years ago, and I still hold onto them because they’re part of my memory, they’re part of my life,’” she reflects. “That’s the kind of legacy I want to build.”
Kristina’s vision for the future of Manolo Blahnik is one rooted in tradition, quality, and forward-thinking innovation. As she continues to steer the brand with both passion and precision, it’s clear that the legacy of Manolo Blahnik is in safe hands.
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