Spanish fashion and shoe designer Manolo Blahnik has this week launched a brand new, super-chic colouring book, in the hopes of bringing a sense of creative calm and peacefulness to households the world over during this unsettling time of isolation.
Created in partnership with the U.K.’s Mental Health Foundation, and released via the companies SMILE Project, fans and followers of Manolo will be able engage with the designer’s work whilst celebrating the, sometimes forgotten, art of colouring, by downloading a selection of original sketches from the iconic Blahnik archives, stripped back to outlines, designed to be coloured in by hand.
Participants taking part in the project, are encouraged to share their work on social media, by using the hashtag #ManoloBlahnikSmiles.
“Creative freedom is a form of escapism, something we need now more than ever.” Mr. Blahnik explains in a statement accompanying the release of the book. “I have used my creativity not only to entertain my own imagination but also in hope that I bring happiness to others and make them smile! This time, I ask the world to do the same – let us all spread joy, share creativity and inspire one another.”
The Art of Colouring Gallery
MARGOLINA
Spring / Summer, 2013
For the Margolina slingbacks, Manolo looked to the June 1962 edition of British Vogue which was Jean Shrimpton’s first cover for the magazine. It was photographed by David Bailey and showed only a glimpse of the model’s eye beneath an extravagant daisy-covered hat.
ODALISCA
Spring / Summer, 2012
The sculptural Odalisca sandals tap into Manolo’s passion for ancient Greek culture in the time of Alexander the Great. This bold style is drawn from the distinctive forms and recognisable terracotta and black colour palette of the painted ceramic vases signature to this time.
HENLEY
Autumn, 2018
Wholecut Oxford shoe, Henley is inspired by Manolo’s love of Africa. This began with the classic Moroccan music he would listen to as a child and is translated here in the fine zebra print calf hair material.
TORTURA
Spring / Summer, 2000
The Tortura style is Manolo’s love letter to Sicily, a constant source of inspiration and one of his favourite places to visit time and time again. The magnificent combination of coral and vibrant colours sums up his passion for the island.
ACANTHUS
Spring / Summer, 2012
Botanicals are a constant focus for Manolo. Acanthus is inspired by the plant of the same name, native to his childhood home in the Canary Islands, another recurring reference point. The impressive spread of leaves and towering spire of its flowers were used to create this whimsical silhouette including the heel.