Top shoe designer steps out in style in new market

On the opening day of the Manolo Blahnik boutique in Shanghai, a China-exclusive capsule collection was launched to celebrate the grand inauguration. Among them were two pairs named Shanghai and Shanghaisli.

The new capsule collection pays homage to the classic floral artistry found in traditional Chinese gardens with exquisite embroidery and beadwork. When creating the limited edition shoes for China, Manolo specifically drew inspiration from the landscaping concepts of the Yu Garden in Shanghai, built during the Ming Dynasty. Inspired by the exquisite embroidery and rich materials of traditional Chinese brocade craftsmanship, the exclusive edition shoe designs are adorned with symbolic patterns of welcoming spring flowers.

In addition to the shoe designs, the new store's interior design also incorporates elements of Chinese indigenous design, including minimalist local flooring and vibrant furniture designed by Shanghai-based designer Chen Darui.

These designs come form Kristina, a registered architect.This store is also her inaugural design project for Manolo Blahnik.

"If I can build a building, I can build a shoe." This was also a golden phrase that Kristina used back then to motivate herself to join the family business.

"I am able to visualize something in the future of building or what the meaning of this business is going to be. And today, write it down, visualize it, create images of it, design it, and so that everyone with me here and now can understand where we're going and how we're going to get there," Kristina said.