I do not recall us featuring this bootie yet on our blog. Which is a pity, really. As some other blogs have noted, Mr. Blahnik’s ’Patoso’ from the Fall 2009 collection, is worth us taking at least a peek or two.

From the Manolo Blahnik website:

I’ve gone absolutely mad for warriors this season … (Fall ‘08) . I’ve put Samurai masks on boots. (FANO) and metal discs that have come straight out of a crusaders suit of armour (PATOSCO). I’ve used shapes that are articulated, and incorporate shields (Satine designed for Christopher Kane, DELIS) for a modern, powerful woman … a kind of medieval Amazon, if that makes any sense.

The Patoso is also briefly referenced in a September 2008 interview with Manolo Blahnik by Carola Long at The Independent:

Blahnik shows me two of his own latest creations: a pair of fine-heeled grey boots covered in metal discs has been inspired by the Crusades, and are reminiscent of chain mail, while a pair of ankle boots with a leather grille around the ankle is “a cross between a ribcage and one of those horrible plants you have in hotel entrances in Hawaii, really common plants. No not an aspidistra, urgh! Every Victorian house had an aspidistra, urgh!” Aspidistras are just one of the things Blahnik expresses a comedic dislike for, along with platform shoes and noise. Every time a phone rings or a siren wails, he announces that he is being persecuted.

Am I the only one who reads or watches Manolo Blahnik interviews and then is automatically reminded of an energetic little teddy bear? Oh my, did I just refer to one of shoe-couture’s own members of ‘designer-royalty’ as a teddy bear? Why, it seems I did.

As of yesterday, the Nieman Marcus website had at least one of these amazing shoes left in stock - a situation that has now, sadly, changed (Which is a shame, really, as the price had dropped from  $1395 to $628). So, if you are interested in this style, a stock check of local Nieman Marcus stores, as well as Manolo Blahnik boutiques, will now be in order.

Anyway, from sketch to reality, this is one original shoe.  The balance achieved between the metallic elements and softer bow at the ankle is a pretty amazing dichotomy.  Overall, this is a fantastic visual feast. It is, unfortunately and unequivocally, not my style.  It does, however, own a special place in that wholely imaginary room of my house where all of the most decadent, if not always practical, shoes are kept on immaculate display in their own little glass displays; existing purely for simple visual pleasure. Sigh.

4 Comments »

The Nieman Marcus ‘Cusp’ website is having an ‘Up to an Extra 50% off’ sale (Online prices include all discounts).

Some of the featured shoes:

Manolo Blahnik’s Green Satin Buckled Sandal $337.80 $805 @ Cusp.com.

Modern Vintage Buckled Maryjane Pump $94.20 $225 @ Cusp.com

LAMB Platform Cap-Toe Booties $218.40 $520 @ Cusp.com. 

Dolce VIta Spectator Maryjane Pump $58.20 $145 @ Cusp.com

As always, have fun & happy shopping!

1 Comment »

The view out my front door is a veritable Winter Wonderland:

So, rather than wish for a White Christmas, which would be nothing shy of redundant, I’ll share my wish for Something Blue. 

Just Cavalli Blue Satin Peep Toe Heel $163 $545 at DJPremium.com; All for one lucky size 7/37 out there in shoe-land. Looking at these, I am somewhat reminded of Carrie’s SATC $945 blue satin Manolo wedding shoes; maybe it’s the color & elegant lines.

Crisp and Ice Blue - What a perfect Winter Treat!

3 Comments »

It seems like each department store is trying to one up each other - first Saks went on sale early and to be able to compete, others followed suit. The result is that we can now participate in Black Friday sales on Black Tuesday.  And now that we have the internet for reference, we can enjoy shopping without the hassles of standing in line at the stores.

Today, I was able to get my hands on the salon shoes lookbook from Nordstroms.   The shoes on sale will have their sale prices listed next to them and are officially on sale starting today (11/25).  Here’s a sampling of what is currently available.  And for the complete list, I will direct you to the shoe forums.  The designers on sale include: Chanel, Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Dior, Gucci, YSL,  Valentino, Stella McCartney, and Lanvin.  Let me know if this is useful to you - it took a while to format the pictures but if it is a good reference for at least one person, than my work has been justified.

For those interested in making a purchase, please call Henry at the Salon Shoes in Nordstroms Houston Galleria and tell him ShoeBlog sent you.  His number is (832)201-2700 ext 1600 and he will ship the shoes to you for free. 

1 Comment »

Next fall, Christian Louboutin will be introducing 8″ inch platform shoes to adoring fans around the world. According to Louboutin, “I hear they can be painful but women keep asking for them.”

Even Manolo Blahnik, of SATC fame, is designing heels in the upper stratosphere. While most of his heels stand tall at the 3-4″ inch mark, reports are that Blahnik’s 6″ inch heels, which were newly introduced this year, already make up 30% of his business (Note: I’m somewhat doubtful of this. I cannot find ANY 6 inch Manolos on Saks and Neimans and I suspect these two department stores account for much of his sales).

Now, I have a hard time walking in shoes with 3+ inch heels and maybe 4 inchers if the shoes sit on a platform. When I do wear high heels, I am not hiking great distances as I’m trying to look good, not run a marathon. I’m willing to endure for the sake of beauty and fashion. But, these ridiculous heel heights are where I draw the line. I will not risk an embarrassing fall, endanger my body, or wear something so utterly impractical, even if it will make me stand as tall as a model.

Readers, let me ask you. Would you wear 8 inch stilettos? Or have you also seen the peak of shoe heights and, like the stock market, think what goes up will come down too? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Before you weigh in, for a little perspective and visualization purposes, these stunning and sexy Louboutin Altadama Pumps ($995 at Saks) in exotic watersnake have 5 1/4″ heels.

And all my shoe sympathies go out to this poor model who fell not just once but twice (make sure you catch the end of the video) in a span of 24 seconds.

Sources: WSJ and TheAustralian

12 Comments »