Manolo Blahnik unveils collaboration with Balenciaga
The luxury fashion houses of Balenciaga and Manolo Blahnik have come together for a special collaboration celebrating the “dual Spanish roots” of both brands and the “elegance of craft” that unites them.
Luxury footwear designer Manolo Blahnik has collaborated with Balenciaga creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli on three styles for the fashion house_s autumn/winter 2026 collection that honour the “enduring spirit” of the house_s founding designer_ Cristóbal Balenciaga.
Inspiration for the Balenciaga x Manolo Blahnik styles came from designs in the Manolo Blahnik archive_ selected by Piccioli_ and “fused together”. The collection features a low-heeled mule and a slingback set atop a 105mm or 50mm heel with a décolleté cut to reveal skin_ connecting to Piccioli_s creative approach at Balenciaga.
All three styles are crafted in silk satin and offered in a variety of colours_ including black and emerald green_ with lining in Balenciaga grey. They also feature crystal embroidery across a low-cut vamp_ drawing inspiration from Blahnik_s signature style of making shoes that resemble jewels and recalling 1960s bijoux made by Cristóbal Balenciaga.
Commenting on the collaboration_ Blahnik said in a statement: “Don Cristóbal Balenciaga is_ to me_ the ultimate designer. I have adored his work for as long as I can remember. As a Mediterranean boy myself_ I have always felt a deep connection to his Spanish culture and sensibility.
“To be partnering with Balenciaga_ and with Pierpaolo_ fulfils a lifelong dream. Pierpaolo_s direction for Balenciaga resonates profoundly with my own ideas of how the modern woman should dress in 2026_ a vision of timeless elegance rooted in craftsmanship and enduring beauty.”
Kristina Blahnik_ chief executive of Blahnik_ added: “To see Manolo_s work enter into a dialogue with Balenciaga is incredibly special. This collaboration speaks to the artistry of shoemaking and the power of creative exchange_ where heritage becomes a foundation for innovation_ and the result feels both timeless and incredibly modern.”
Manolo Blahnik has previously collaborated with Birkenstock and singer and entrepreneur Rihanna.
