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.