We have seen every great fashion documentary going, so needless to say we are most excited at the prospect of Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards, which celebrates the life and career of shoemaker extraordinaire Manolo Blahnik. The film – so called because lizards were the young, design-mad Manolo’s first models – includes contributions from fashion luminaries such as Anna Wintour, who famously won’t step out in anything else. We chatted to him ahead of the film’s London premiere tomorrow…
Shoemaker Manolo Blahnik is ready for his big-screen premiere
THE TRICK TO BEING ABLE TO WALK IN HEELS ALL DAY? There is no trick at all! Shoes simply have to be well made. But good balance always helps.
WHAT ARE THE SHOES YOU WEAR LIKE? Oh, my shoes are very boring. Sometimes I wear colour, but I prefer it on other people.
THE SHOP WHERE YOU COULD SPEND THE MOST MONEY? Anderson & Sheppard on Savile Row – I have shopped there for as long as I can remember, at least 45 years! As soon as I could afford it, that is where I went – they make the most beautiful suits.
STYLE ICON? Tina Chow [the late model and jewellery designer] – she was the most elegant person I have ever encountered. The way she put clothes together was extraordinary.
YOUR MOTTO? Keep going, keep going, keep going!
IF YOU COULD DO IT ALL AGAIN, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY? No, never!
THE EMOJI YOU USE THE MOST? Honestly, I don’t know what an emoji is. Is it smiley people? [Takes a look at them on his phone.] Oh, I like the runner – keep on running, I say! I love the dogs, too. Oh, and the flamenco dancer – why not?
THE BLAHNIK BOX-SET OF CHOICE? Big Little Lies – Nicole Kidman is simply marvellous.
IF WE COULD TAKE YOU ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW WHERE WOULD IT BE? Always Bath, but I visited Prague and St Petersburg for our touring exhibition and I felt very happy there too.
Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards is in cinemas from 29 September; manoloblahnik.com
THE BAG TO BAG NOW!
Meet Aurora London’s Gigi, which Front Row has tried and tested and declares to be the most perfect size and shape around (it’s very similar to the Gucci Disco, but is a sixth of the price). Order it in burgundy for maximum usefulness.
The brilliant new collection from By Far for Whistles is slightly more affordable than a wardrobe full of Manolos. Particularly good are the block-heeled slingbacks, £235, a style that continues to reign this season. whistles.com
WEAR WHERE
Legendary nightspot Annabel’s reopens this autumn in new digs – a fabulous Berkeley Square townhouse, where Charlotte Tilbury has designed the ladies’ powder room and Mario Testino heads the cultural committee. Annual memberships from £750. annabels.co.uk
The Garden Room at the new Annabel’s nightclub in London’s Berkeley Square
Earrings, £59, Karl Lagerfeld, karl.com