Manolo Blahnik has received the Luxury Legend award by UK’s leading luxury body, Walpole. He was presented the award by model, Yasmin Le Bon and journalist, Anna Murphy, during a glittering ceremony in London last night.
The shoe designer, whose career spans 45 years, still doesn't see himself in such illustrious terms.
“A legend? I don’t think I’ll ever be a legend," he said. "That’s maybe in other people’s minds — but not in mine. I am just lucky that I enjoy what I do!”
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The award follows a busy few years for Blahnik, with a high-profile collaboration with Rihanna, an acclaimed dedicated documentary, Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards, and a touring exhibition, as well as the opening of his first standalone menswear store in London's Burlington Arcade. His latest award is one of many, perhaps most notably his honorary CBE presented to him by the Queen in 2007.
“To say Manolo is a legend is far from hyperbole, it’s almost an understatement," said Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank.
Blahnik, 75, told us in an interview last year that, while praise is appreciated, age has helped him "care less about what people think".
"When you reach a certain age, you don't give a damn," he said. "I'm an old boy now. That's the truth. Reputation, fame and being well-known, those things never entered my head. As long as I don't kill people, then I'm happy with anything."
Other Walpole 2018 winners included Mulberry, Fortnum & Mason and Belmond. Bazaar editor-in-chief Justine Picardie presented Erdem and the Royal Ballet with the award for Creative Collaboration.
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