Manolo Blahnik

49-51 Old Church Street
Chelsea, London
SW3 5BS
Tel: 020 7352 8622

Those who worship at the temple of Blahnik (an exclusive Chelsea salon where you ring a doorbell to be admitted) praise the revered designer's talent for creating flattering, feminine, sexy shoes. Heels are high (as are prices), colours striking, materials diverse. As always, the art is in the detail. Celebs and fashionistas flock to him.

Manolo Blahnik Shoe Shop London

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Vogue.com biography of Manolo Blahnik

Manolo Blahnik reviews

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The shop assistants are great! Bryony helped me choose and fit the most divine shoes and was friendly and respectful. This shop is a one off, with designs not available in the US.

Useful review?
 by violethill, 06 Dec 2009
Went to the London store on Saturday and NEVER again. After walking for what seemed like forever to find the store we were met by the most unhelpful assistant, who when we walked into the shop got up from her chair and disappeared to the stockroom never to be seen again. Limited in choice, and with no service being offered we left the store. Went to Prada and were served by the most helpful staff we could have wished for. Now we know how Julia Roberts felt in Pretty Woman. Such a let down.

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 by laughingsk81147, 06 Jul 2009
Went to the Chelsea store on Tuesday and was treated very well by Jamie. My husband died in March after a long illness and he always promised to buy me a pair of Manolos, so as it would have been our 30th wedding anniversary on Tuesday it seemed a fitting thing to do to go to the shop. I bought two pairs and am very pleased with them, I love them.

Useful review?
 by jan15259, 27 May 2009
I purchased a pair of Manolos here this weekend for my 40th birthday. The store is beautiful and the staff were friendly and helpful. I admit to having some trepidation before I went in but they were lovely. I think they treat everyone the same - exactly as it should be! And I love my beautiful shoes!!

Useful review?
 by thatgirl39, 24 May 2009
I once bought a pair of Manolos on eBay from a reputable US seller. When I received them I was sure they were fake. I contacted the London Manolo Blahnik store and spoke with Richard, who was exceedingly charming, friendly, and exceptionally helpful. I returned the shoes to the seller, and in future will go direct to the store.

Useful review?
 by Alex_K, 21 May 2009
I visited the Manolo store recently and just loved the way I was treated. The staff are very helpful and polite, no matter what you are wearing. I haven't been to the NY store but I surely will go there to compare.

P.S. As a result of the perfect service they gave me, I ended up taking three pairs of Manolos instead of one (which is what I had intended to buy).

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 by zandaz, 19 May 2009
I visited the London store for the first time recently. I was a little nervous after readng some of the comments on here! But I was pleasantly surprised - I was treated with respect and served by a helpful, professional and friendly member of staff (I think he was Australian). I bought a lovely pair of shoes and was glad I ignored the negative reviews and went.

Useful review?
 by karenna1982, 20 Apr 2009
I have been to both stores, NY and London. More to the London store and always been served by Richard, who is fabulous. He spends time with you, does not rush you and will help with your choice. Last time I went though, in Oct '08, I was made to wait outside in the rain for 15 mins by another more snooty sales assistant. When Richard recognised me on my entrance, this sales assisstant couldn't have been more apologetic. Had he just treated me like Richard does, he wouldn't have put himself in a position to have to. It has tainted my view of the store but won't stop me going back time and time again.

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 by jennie1, 10 Apr 2009
After travelling from Liverpool to London, and walking for more than one hour along the King's Road, I was extremely excited to reach Manolo Blahnik. Money in my purse and ready to get spending. How let down I felt. Not only was the store like a discount shoe shop, there were hardly any shoes to look at, let alone try on. And no sign of my so desperately wanted silver Sedbury sandals. Boxes were piled high and staff were very snooty. I left feeling so disappointed.

However, I soon forgot my disappointment once assisted by the wonderful staff at Jimmy Choo, Sloane Street, and those too of Gina in Old Bond Street. If I ever want a pair of Manolos, which I do, I will take a trip across the pond to the real store.

Useful review?
 by cheshirecat1406, 06 Apr 2009
It was absolutely amazing! Buying Manolos is an extraordinary experience and you just can't go wrong there - especially with that gentleman who guides you through this shoe heaven. PS: The blue 'diamond' ones from SATC are waiting for their owner.

Useful review?
 by Loli, 06 Nov 2008
I have been to Manolo Blahnik many times and have always been treated with nothing but patience and respect. I am just a working class girl - I don't have a Chanel handbag, I don't wear Uggs or Louboutins every day - but when I go Manolo's they give me their time and the best adivce to buy my ONE pair a season. Sounds like some people obviously have a chip on their shoulder. It's not about the service but something else they aren't getting somewhere else!

Useful review?
 by iamjenaki, 12 Oct 2008
I have been to the New York shop and the London shop. The NY shop was by far the most pleasant experience. It was bustling and people were trying on shoes all over the place. The staff were fantastic - friendly and down to earth. I expected similar in London. Unfortunately not the case.

On one occasion I was there the shop smelled of damp, which I was surprised about. There wasn't nearly as much choice as New York. I found the staff extremely snooty and felt that there were about 4 pairs of eyes watching my every move. In the end I felt uncomfortable and left. I have never had that feeling in Louboutin, Gina or Jimmy Choo. Yes, the shoes are beautiful, but the experience should also be pleasant. I don't expect to be judged by snooty sales staff. Yes, I can afford to buy them if I wish.

Useful review?
 by harriesj (2 reviews), 09 Oct 2008
Just called them to enquire about availability of Mladari shoes (alas, not in London). The sales assistant called Stephen was extremely friendly and helpful.

Useful review?
 by ity, 02 Oct 2008
I totally agree with the two reviews about the horrible male member of staff at the Manolo store. I went in to ask about getting in a particular shoe and could he help and he turned me away and said "No"! Even though I went in to the store wearing Manolos and carring an incredible Chanel handbag, ready to spend money as I have done many times in the New York boutique. I will never go back. I would much rather a trip to New York with nice service than being turned down by a member of staff in London who would not be able to afford Manolo Blahniks anyway!

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 by EE, 07 Aug 2008
The people managing these shops really ought to know they are there to serve the customer, regardless of whether or not they are wearing Uggs or Christian Loboutins. I own both and, believe me, should a celebrity happen to walk in wearing Uggs I can tell you the service received would be with the widest cheese-eating grin ever. Remember sales people, you are there to provide assistance not double standard slop. People are watching and listening very closely and any bad rap goes straight to the top. So make sure you're on your toes, whatever type of shoes you're wearing!

Useful review?
 by Lady M, 20 Jul 2008
Extremely disappointed with the attitude of the man who turned out to be the 'manager'. I was tended to by a charming young lady and could not decide between 2 pairs of shoes I had picked out. I was parting with a lot of money but the manager proceeded to be very rude to me, as if I was taking too much time to make up my mind. Em, the amount of money I spent in 15 minutes mate was most likely a week's wages to you. Also, talking about customers that have just left your shop in a somewhat distasteful manner is extremely rude and unprofessional.

This store should not rely on returning customers. Don't they know we can get Manolo's across the pond? I for one won't be back - I'll spend my money elsewhere.

Useful review? 1
 by nicky.montgomery, 16 Jul 2008
Went there today and the staff were lovely! I was wearing jeans and trainers and didn't feel in the least bit intimidated or that I received any less service than anyone else in the shop. I certainly don't agree that you should have to get dressed up to go shopping, even for Blahniks!

Useful review?
 by lancewood, 17 May 2008
I'm sure that looking the part means everything to those who can't afford to lose face. If you feel that you have to put on the latest season's Chanel just to enter such a store, it would suggest to me that not only are you self-obsessed and shallow but, most importantly, that you have no comprehension of the works of art that are Manolo's shoes.

If you are willing to spend over the odds, then it shouldn’t matter how you dress. In fact, I’d like to see more ‘Clarks’ employees going into such stores in their uniforms than over-the-top dramatists living off their husband's credit cards and/or daddy’s inheritance. These individuals who look down their noses at people who can in fact afford the likes of Blahnik but choose to wear casual clothing should be equally criticised. Why should everyone adopt the attitude of the likes of the sales assistant from ‘Pretty Woman’ (i.e. because you don’t look the part, you must not be able to afford it)?

It shouldn’t matter if you're rich or just saving up to treat someone special. Enjoy the shoes, Manolo’s work, and forget about the hit or miss reception at the store.

Useful review?
 by G_G, 10 Jan 2008
I haven't visited the London store, but it does occur to me that if you want to turn up to a high class shop such as this and try on some gorgeously expensive designer shoes, that perhaps it wouldn't be too much to ask to dress the part! If you feel comfortable dagging around in Ugg boots and high street jeans, perhaps you should stay a Clarks customer.

Useful review? 1
 by StuartW, 03 Jan 2008
I visited the store in July. I arrived to find a queue outside the shop - the summer sale had just started the previous day (wasn't I lucky, considering I'd come all the way from N. Ireland to buy shoes!). After 40 mins' wait, it was my turn to enter the shop. Having heard negative reports re. staff, I must say that was not my experience at all. I met an assistant called Jamie, who was delightful, helpful and good fun. After exchanging cards and buying 2 pairs of shoes, I departed, promising on my next visit to bring a cake!

Useful review?
 by Jenny's Cakes NI, 27 Nov 2007


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