Ramadan has quietly evolved into one of the most important moments on the global fashion calendar, and it’s not just modest fashion brands taking notice. From high jewellery to heritage houses, everyone’s paying attention—but when a name like Manolo Blahnik steps into the conversation, it’s worth pausing for. Known for its elegant designs that sit somewhere between timeless and unexpected, the brand has always held a particular fascination with culture, art, and storytelling. Now, for the first time, that fascination turns toward Ramadan, with a capsule collection created specifically for the season. It’s a natural step for a house so attuned to elegance with meaning—and who better to walk us through it than Kristina Blahnik, the brand’s CEO, who shares how the collection came to life, why the timing felt right, and how Manolo’s iconic designs fit perfectly into the Middle Eastern wardrobe.
Ramadan has increasingly become a defining moment in the fashion calendar. What inspired you to create your first-ever Ramadan capsule collection, and why was now the right time for Manolo Blahnik to make this debut?
The Middle East has a strong appreciation for luxury, elegance, and bold design and we wanted to showcase styles that resonate with our clients here, whether it’s the timeless Hangisi or new statement pieces that celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship that define Manolo Blahnik. It’s always exciting to reinterpret our classic designs in a way that connects with the essence of a place while staying true to our brand’s identity. It feels like such an exciting time to make this debut.
Your designs have always carried a deep appreciation for history, architecture, and art. What were some of the inspirations behind this collection?
When creating pieces that celebrate cultural moments like Ramadan, we prioritise craftsmanship and the essence of celebration. Our approach is about appreciation and deep respect for different cultures, ensuring that we honour traditions authentically whilst staying true to Manolo’s DNA and resonating with our global audience in a meaningful way. The capsule collection feels like a celebration, and we hope our clients will enjoy it as such during this period and beyond.
Accessories can elevate every look, and shoes, in particular, can transform an outfit. When you picture a woman dressing for Ramadan’s many gatherings, how do you see Manolo Blahnik’s designs fitting into her wardrobe?
The liquid gold fabrication used in the capsule collection will add a touch of elegance to any outfit. We wanted to create something that embodies pure luxury, something fluid, luxurious and almost ethereal. Gold has always been a symbol of elegance, celebration and timeless beauty and by reinterpreting it is in this innovative textile we have given it a modern wearable elegance.
The house of Manolo Blahnik has always balanced tradition and modern design trends. In designing for Ramadan, a season rooted in both spirituality and festivity, how did you approach this duality to create something meaningful yet wearable?
Craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do at Manolo Blahnik. Our shoes are meticulously crafted in our own factory just outside Milan, where artisans, some of whom have worked alongside Manolo for over 40 years, bring each design to life with an almost secret language. Manolo himself is an endless source of creativity, continuously sketching and refining ideas, visiting the factory each season to oversee the transformation from concept to reality. For over fifty years, we have honoured this process, creating designs that are not just timeless investments but also resonate with the modern customer. Rather than chasing trends, we remain dedicated to exceptional design, enduring style, and unparalleled craftsmanship, an approach that has stood the test of time.
Your creative process is famously intuitive and deeply personal. What did working on a collection for Ramadan teach you, and did it spark any new perspectives on design or storytelling?
I am constantly inspired by immersing myself in different cultures. In the Middle East I have always been enamored with the building’s unique architecture scene, these wonderful buildings by Zaha Hadid or Foster glimmer on the skyline creating this sparkling magical light. This is what inspired me to create the ‘liquid gold’ capsule…the sparkle of the Middle East.
Kristina, as CEO, you oversee the brand’s global evolution. With cultural moments like Ramadan becoming increasingly celebrated in luxury fashion, do you see this as the beginning of more regionally inspired collections from Manolo Blahnik?
Absolutely, we have lots of ideas in the pipeline. Our global community is growing, and we love finding ways to appreciate them and allow them to feel part of our community. We encourage all of our clients around the world to celebrate their ‘Manolo moments’ by sharing and posting images of adventures their shoes have taken them on.
Finally, Ramadan is a time of reflection, generosity, and togetherness. On a more personal note, what does this season mean to you both, and are there any rituals or traditions that resonate with you during this time?
Ramadan is a deeply meaningful time centered around family, reflection and celebration. As a family business, these are values we hold extremely dear at Manolo Blahnik. We hope that this collection will make people smile from head to toe and that these shoes will join our clients around the world at wonderful celebrations for the festive period. We say that Manolo breathes life into the shoes, but what they do next is up to you.
