Manolo Blahnik 2000s Mixed Animal Print Calf Hair Clutch
View Similar Items
Manolo Blahnik 2000s Mixed Animal Print Calf Hair Clutch
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Height: 6 in (15.24 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)Length: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)
- Place of Origin:Italy
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Scottsdale, AZ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU16726592162
Manolo Blahnik
There may be no designer with as wide a breadth of references as the fashion and footwear icon Manolo Blahnik, whose stated sources of inspiration for the creation of his sublime shoes include — but are not limited to — Diana Vreeland, ancient Greece, 21st-century architecture, Spanish cinema and Piet Mondrian.
It’s a fittingly robust list for someone who has spent a lifetime in the self-described “pursuit of beauty.”
Born in 1942 in Spain’s Canary Islands, Blahnik had an early exposure to shoemaking: During World War II, his designer-shoe-loving mother enlisted a local cobbler to teach her to make her own footwear from available materials. The young Blahnik was intrigued.
After briefly studying law in Switzerland with the intention of becoming a diplomat, Blahnik moved to Paris, where he took a job in a vintage clothing shop while studying art at École des Beaux-Arts as well as set design at the art school of the Louvre. It wasn’t until years later, however, that he would realize his calling as a shoe designer. In the late 1960s, Blahnik relocated to London, where he worked for both the Sunday Times and Vogue. In the early 1970s, the renowned American Vogue editor Diana Vreeland saw his sketches and urged him to pursue footwear.
After a debut collection for celebrated fashion designer Ossie Clark — featuring models that Blahnik had gotten to know through his work in the fashion industry, among them Twiggy — received acclaim, he created footwear for illustrious dressmaker Jean Muir and apprenticed with professional shoemakers in London to perfect his craft. By 1973 he had bought out the shoe boutique Zapata and made it his own. Bloomingdale’s introduced him to the American market with a collection a few years later.
Vintage Manolo Blahnik shoes are famous for their theatricality, as the designer is well known for the whimsical, fantastical elements he brings to footwear, often in an explosive palette. “I have always approached color in a bold way, from all angles and variations,” he once said. “Always searching for the poetry of an impossible color.” Tack on teetering height as a trademark that took shape from early on.
“Those poor girls couldn’t walk properly, but people loved it,” the designer recalled of his early models. “Sir Cecil Beaton said to me, ‘Is this a new way of walking?’” To take it from pop culture, it indeed might have been: People are still talking about the night that Bianca Jagger dazzled, horseback, at Studio 54 in a Halston dress and Blahnik shoes on her 30th birthday, and, decades later, the footwear icon was rendered a household name during the long-running television series Sex and the City.
Today, Manolo Blahnik remains a virtual synonym for luxury shoes. Find a range of his footwear and handbags on 1stDibs.
- Fendi Hard Case Logo ClutchBy FendiLocated in Scottsdale, AZWe are feeling this Fendi! Circa early 2000s, this rare clutch features 'Fendi' on the front face in black patent leather, a hard case exterior with a neutral colored speckled tortoise shell finish, and an optional chain shoulder strap (can crossbody). Includes a magnetic closure that opens to reveal a roomy woodgrain leather interior. Chic and hard to come by, this clutch is the ultimate novelty...Category
Early 2000s Italian Clutches
$3,250 - Gucci Velveteen Monogram Bag, 1970sBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZThe classic Gucci monogram bag! Black and brown monogram all over print on velveteen fabric. Black leather piping and interior. “GG” gold metallic clasp- push from the top and bottom...Category
1970s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Escada Lace Clutch with TasselBy EscadaLocated in Scottsdale, AZ90's structured lace clutch by Escada. Mirrored gun metal structured case with black suede trim and back with a silk lace front. Studded ring handle with coiled tassel, black beadin...Category
1990s Italian Clutches
- Pierre Cardin 1970s Monogram Suede ClutchBy Pierre CardinLocated in Scottsdale, AZEveryone needs a great vintage clutch in their collection! Circa 1970s, this Pierre Cardin dark mocha suede clutch features the recognizable Pierre Cardin monogram, gold hardware and...Category
1970s American Clutches
- Nancy Gonzalez 2000s Genuine Crocodile ClutchBy Nancy GonzalezLocated in Scottsdale, AZShow some class with this Nancy Gonzalez clutch! Circa 2000s, this clutch is made from genuine crocodile skin with a black/brown finish. Features...Category
Early 2000s Colombian Clutches
- Rare 1980s Fendi Snakeskin Crossbody BagBy FendiLocated in Scottsdale, AZIncredible 1980s Fendi snakeskin clutch handbag in grey and red with grey leather accents. Fully lined interior with zip pocket. Tuck in the long strap...Category
1980s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
- Faux Tortoise Shoulder Bag/Clutch, c.1980sLocated in Alford, MAConvertible clutch in faux tortoise shell features a textured goldtone clasp and gold chain. The chain folds away to convert to a clutch. Fabric interior with side compartment. Made ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Escada Forest Green Lizard Skin Shoulder Bag with Removable StrapsBy EscadaLocated in New York, NYEscada's wonderfully detailed forest green lizard skin flap-over shoulder bag is accented with removable shoulder straps for used as a clutch if desire. The shoulder straps...Category
1990s Italian Shoulder Bags
$1,385 Sale Price45% Off - Chanel 2006 Vintage Velvet & Patent Camellia No. 5 Shoulder Clutch Evening BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel No. 5 Vintage Black Velvet and Patent Leather Camellia Shoulder Bag circa 2006 black velvet velvet effect floral appliqué logo patch to the front...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel 2002 Vintage So Black Long Medium Shoulder Convertible Clutch Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Vintage So Black Long Medium Shoulder Bag Year 2002 {Vintage 22 Years} Black nylon canvas with a flap top CC turn-lock closure Leather entwined chain shoulder strap Black metal hardware Carry it as a clutch or shoulder bag Interior has a black fine textile...Category
Early 2000s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Stuart Weitzman Black and Brown Stone Clutch and BagBy Stuart WeitzmanLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis Stuart Weitzman bag is made of black satin with dark brown stones all along the front. The bag can be used as a clutch or shoulder bag and com...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Clutches
- Carlos Falchi Black & Gold Embossed Alligator Calfskin Clutch/ Shoulder BagBy Carlos FalchiLocated in New York, NYCarlos Falchi wonderful black and metallic gold embossed alligator calfskin clutch has the option to use as a shoulder bag as well if desired. Black lizard skin is detailed on...Category
1980s American Shoulder Bags