Does the word “Manolos” ring a bell? Surely,after the Sex and the City scene where Carrie rants over the price of the designer “Manolo” shoes, Manolo Blahnik’s already great name among those “in the know” was elevated to “everyone knowing” who he is.
As a high designer, Manolo Blahnik resisted the mass-market collaborations that have exploded within the most popular high street retail stores. But succumbing, he has joined with J. Crew for a line of their Bebe heels.
Celebrating his 40 years in business this year, Blahnik revealed his collection in February due to be in Bebe stores.
The busy man has also collaborated designs with Sarah Jessica Parker(i.e. Carrie from Sex and the City) fοr Fashion’s Night Out.
Ahram Online asked costume designer Nermine Said’s opinion on the cyclical influence between entertainment and fashion. Said has designed costumes for theatrical productions abroad and works tightly with the American University in Cairo theatre department. Said was the one who suggested that Sex and the City is a prime example of the marriage between entertainment and fashion.
“You see, it is interesting that you can't really tell from where trends begin: from the designers or from celebrities wearing designers’ clothing and appear on TV or in theatres and so on, so that people then try to dress like them.”
“Each one of the characters has her own style,” she says excitedly. “For example, Carrie and her big flowers. She is really the extreme.” Flowers, Said has noted has been making a marked appearance lately.
“For sure actors and celebrities help in anchoring the looks and trends.”
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Where to get Manolos
Egypt
Bebe on El-Arab Street, Mohandessin
City Stars
Dubai
Burjurman Centre
Deira City Centre
Dubai Festival City
Dubai Marina Mall
Mall of Emirates (Bebe as well as Harvey Nichols)
Marina Mall
Midriff City Centre
The Dubai Mall (Manolo Blahnik)
Lebanon
ABC Dbayeh & Ashrafieh
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