Step Into Marie Antoinette’s Boudoir: Manolo Blahnik Presents Limited-Edition Shoe Collection

New Exhibition: Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A

The Victoria and Albert Museum and Manolo Blahnik present Marie Antoinette Style, now open at V&A South Kensington. Curated by Dr. Sarah Grant, the exhibition is the first of its kind in the UK to explore Marie Antoinette, her monumental impact on fashion and design, her legacy, and why she continues to capture audiences generation after generation.

The partnership celebrates Blahnik’s longstanding fascination with the French queen. His connection began in childhood when his mother would read him Stefan Zweig’s 1932 biography as an unconventional bedtime story.

The designer was thrilled to create the shoes for Milena Canonero’s Oscar-winning costumes in Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film, Marie Antoinette, showcasing the ruffles, rosettes and unique details distinctive of the 18th century, all made by hand.

The exhibition showcases an edit of the handcrafted Marie Antoinette-inspired styles Blahnik has designed over the years alongside original sketches. This is the first time that Blahnik displays his working drawings, revealing part of his design process. The partnership marks an exciting full-circle moment as Blahnik’s design process for the candy-coloured pairs began by studying 18th century shoes in the archives of the V&A.

Manolo Blahnik Launches Exclusive Capsule

In celebration of the exhibition’s opening, Manolo Blahnik has designed a limited-edition capsule collection reminiscent of Marie Antoinette’s iconic elaborate style. Blahnik’s enduring fascination with Marie Antoinette is evident throughout his archives, where her fantasy and fairytale aesthetic has inspired countless collections over the years.

Valoisette is derived from a style seen in Sofia Coppola’s film. In iridescent pink with delicate box pleat detailing, frayed silk fringing and a pale brooch, the ornamental style is a tribute to Marie Antoinette’s love of fine jewellery.

Rohan channels the delicate pastels signature to Rococo style. The powderpuff pink hue nods to Marie Antoinette’s makeup and her famous rose garden.

The rosette design on Hebes references the shoes created for the 2006 film in an intricate pattern derived from Marie Antoinette’s furniture with floral detailing cut and tufted by hand.

Discover the remarkable craftsmanship and creativity behind the exquisite capsule, exclusively at Manolo Blahnik stores and manoloblahnik.com.​

Images: ©Manolo Blahnik