Monolo's

[viva_la_moda]

Hey,
I'm just doing some research for my coursework, and as I am so shoe obsessed I've decided to base it on them. Can you tell me why would you want to buy the Manonolo Blahnik shoes (except for the fact that they are gorgeous!) at such huge prices? e.g. because of the quality, status symbol etc.
Thanx, you would really help me.
BTW this season's "must have" is a pair of neon, flamboyant Louboutin heels. They will guarantee a fetish vibe and envious sighs.
P.S. Sorry for the misspelled title, not really friends with my brain today.

[shoesense]

Here's my two cents:

I don't own a pair of Manolo's, but I would very much like to--in my case, it will have to be flats (harder to come by!) because I can't wear his usual stilettos, and not even his 2-inch heels (too high/flimsy for me). Why? The name and the symbolic status is the major consideration, I have to admit (yes, I am that shallow). But together with the name comes a guarantee of quality--best quality materials/leathers, superb craftsmanship, elegant designs. You can get a pair of pumps anywhere for a few bucks, but you pretty much know they won't last and you wont' want to wear them that often. Manolo Blahnik consistently produces beautiful designs, without a doubt, albeit a little on the conservative side.

On the other hand, I wouldn't want a pair of Manolos that would not fit me or in which I would be uncomfortable walking. I'm past that stage of vanity--though not past the 'brand' stage of vanity, sadly.

At this point in the game, especially in this post-'Sex and the City' fashion age, Manolo's shoes suffer from overexposure, if anything. Amazingly, their uber-popularity makes them a little too mundane, too accessible (yes, despite the price).

As about the price: see quality, above. I've learned the hard way that if you want a pair of shoes that last, you've got to pay the price now (or you will pay later, either in shoe repairs, foot discomfort, or the 10 pairs of cheap shoes you'll have to go through instead of 1 pair of expensive, well-made ones).

That said, I would only buy Manolos on sale, ebay, or some website that offers me some sort of discount. I don't expect to only pay $40 for a pair, of course, but I wouldn't go above $250, max. I'm a cheap fashionista, that's for sure!

[jitterbugbaby]

I must say I agree on most of these points.

I personally don't feel the need to own a pair of Manolo's, but Christian Louboutin's... I'd lie, cheat, and steal for a pair.

I agree that it's the lure of the brand and the lure of the luxuriousness that make shoes like these so appealing. And for me, that doesn't just mean that the brand is famous and expensive. There are plenty of high-end brands that I actively DON'T want (ie Louis Vuitton).

It's something about the specific image the brand projects. Manolo's project an image that doesn't inspire that "must have" feeling in me. But Louboutin's, with the sass of the red sole and the slightly edgier styles... that gets me hooked bigtime.

As Shoesense said above, I'd have to get flats or low wedges. I'm not about to pretend I could (or would want to) walk in 4+ inch heels. And I'd certainly only buy them on sale. But the science of branding has certainly sucked in this particular victim.

[JuneHawk]

I'm with the others when it comes to the symbolic status, quality, excellent craftmanship, elegant designs, luxury etc. On top of that, they feel like heaven on your feet. They are incredibly light and ver comfortable, even with sky high heels. It's just a combination of all those things that appeal to me. In addition to all that, wearing a pair of Manolo's (or any other famous, expensive brand to be honest) makes a girl feel like a million bucks and somehow it transforms you in a way you never knew was possible; You are wearing the best of the best and the rest of the world can kiss your behind.....sorta

June

[VANmiracle]

... excellent craftmanship... On top of that, they feel like heaven on your feet. They are incredibly light and ver comfortable, even with sky high heels.
June

I agree completly with this! But status? Who cares? Love it or leave it. :-)