Post-pandemic, the fashion world has largely been split into two camps when it comes to dressing – comfort or celebration. The former is the result of the lockdown-induced penchant for loungewear and loose clothing that has proven particularly hard to shake, while the latter has seen the return to 'normal' life embraced through barely-there clothing, sky-high heels and all the fashion finery that was locked away for far too long.
Both the SS22 and AW22 seasons proved that the fashion world is still very much split along these lines, but one very exciting collaboration is here to finally bridge the gap in particularly fabulous style – Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock.
'I bought my first pair of Birkenstocks when I was a young man studying in Geneva,' Blahnik tells ELLE UK. 'Everyone was wearing them at the time and I thought: I must have some for summer. I've worn and adored them ever since.'
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And earlier this year, iconic Spanish designer Manolo Blahnik joined forces with the ever-trusty Birkenstock brand to create a collection of shoes which fuses high fashion, luxury and creative flair with quality and function – and tonnes of that all-important comfort, too.
'Aesthetically we may look different, but fundamentally we share the same values of timelessness, craftsmanship, comfort and always remaining true to ourselves,' says Manolo Blahnik of the collaboration. 'I don't believe in trends and have never followed them. Birkenstock is the same and I have a lot of respect for that.'
The collection featured classic Arizonas and Bostons in rich velvets, jewel tones and embellished clasps – and, unsurprisingly, the whole lot sold out within hours. Those who missed out the first time around have been clamouring to get their hands on a pair ever since, with resale prices reaching upwards of £1,000.
'I couldn't believe how popular the first release was. It sold out almost immediately, the day it launched – it was so exciting' says Blahnik. 'Birkenstocks are iconic and so incredibly comfortable. I was thrilled to interpret their classic shapes using signature designs, motifs and embellishments I've used for decades. It's all about the combination of classic designs done in a surprising way.'
The good news, however, is that the design duo dropped a second collaboration soon after, featuring four new styles in chic monochrome designs and luxe calf-hair and PVC finishes. Even better, the styles (as well as some from the first drop) have been quietly restocked since, and are still available to buy online. Hurray!
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Birkenstock 1774 x Manolo Blahnik Boston embellished velvet slippers
Birkenstock 1774 x Manolo Blahnik Arizona PVC Sandals
Birkenstock 1774 x Manolo Blahnik Boston polka-dot calf hair slippers
Birkenstock 1774 x Manolo Blahnik Arizona PVC Sandals
Birkenstock 1774 x Manolo Blahnik Velvet Sandals With Crystal Buckles
Birkenstock 1774 x Manolo Blahnik Rodra polka-dot calf hair sandals
Birkenstock 1774 x Manolo Blahnik Arizona embellished velvet slides
Top of our list? The Boston polka-dot sandals, which also happen to be Mr Blahnik's favourites. 'The polka dot print is a motif that features time and time again in my collections as a connection to my Spanish heritage. It brings me such joy,' he tells ELLE UK. 'These new styles are so fabulous, I can imagine them being worn with a gorgeous suit or elegant evening dress. It would be unexpected – which makes me love it even more.'
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Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
