Manolo Blahnik

>> After being overtaken for a few years by Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik is back in the spotlight. Recent deliveries of a particular Manolo pump sold out so fast, Bergdorf Goodman had to institute a waiting list. “Manolo’s shoes are very much in the spirit of this moment’s clothes, pared down, with simple lines, and I hate to say ladylike, but classic,” said Linda Fargo, SVP for women’s fashion at the store.

“We do a very, very strong business in his shoes,” added Jonathan Joselove, SVP and merchandise manager for Neiman Marcus, noting that the stores have difficulty keeping certain Manolos in stock.

As the New York Times points out, Kate Moss wore a classic pair of Manolos for her wedding this past Summer, and Sarah Jessica Parker was shot exclusively in the Blahnik BB pump in the August issue of Vogue. “I walked in [for the shoot] and looked around and saw all these shoes, and then I spotted the Manolos and it was like water in a desert,” Parker explained. “I was just so excited to see a simple black pump.”

Of Louboutin's more embellished shoes and signature red soles, George Malkemus, president of Manolo Blahnik USA, says: “It was a chic idea for a minute. You wore a red sole, and everyone knew you spent $1,200 or $1,400 for your shoes. And I would say there was a period when certain customers abandoned us and moved into that world.” But, as Blahnik himself added last week: “The gimmicky thing I’m not very keen on. I’ve never been tempted to do these hideous furniture shoes.”

Kate Middleton was all business in a navy Roland Mouret dress and matching Smythe blazer while on her way to board a private jet headed for Canada with Prince William. Kate kept with her dark-hued color scheme by adding navy Manolo Blahnik pumps and a Mulberry tote. We finished off the Duchess's ladylike look with gold teardrop earrings and a simple ring. Shop now to get her exact dress and blazer with other complementing pieces.

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Emmanuelle Chriqui was a bright ray of sunshine on the purple carpet at the 2011 CFDA Fashion Awards in NYC. She donned a strapless yellow mini by David Meister and embellished Manolo Blahnik sandals. Ippolita hoops, a gold box clutch, and a matching cocktail ring were the perfect accessories for her colorful ensemble. Shop now to get her exact earrings with other similar items.

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• Top models get photographed with no retouching for Viva London — Vogue UK
• Chloë Moretz would love a fashion line, ‘maybe when I’m 16’ — The Cut
• Manolo Blahnik and shoeboxes at the SCAD — Racked
• An exclusive peek at Aiko's Resort 2011 collection — Vogue Daily
• Elle Fanning's style icons are Alexa Chung and Marilyn Monroe — People StyleWatch
• The best SoCal bathing suit boutiques — Refinery29
• Fashion conundrum: what shoes to wear to a beach wedding — Lucky
• Riot act: punk-inspired Spring fashion — Teen Vogue
• YSL's Muse Two Artisanal is both chic and socially responsible — Purse Blog

The Condé Nast Traveler Hot List Party brought out a bevy of gorgeous celebs, including Ms. Brooklyn Decker. Brooklyn showed off her toned body in a curve-hugging Diane von Furstenberg mini and suede Manolo Blahnik pumps. She finished off her party style with Jennifer Meyer hoops, a pink lip, and lots of mascara. Shop now to get her exact dress and earrings with other like items.

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