Fresh off the heels of impressive financial results, Manolo Blahnik is making a groundbreaking move by unveiling The Craft Room, an innovative initiative that grants unprecedented access to the luxury brand’s archives through Virtual Reality (VR) technology. This marks a significant moment for the brand, as it has never before allowed outsiders into its factories and processes.
The Craft Room is a celebration of the artistry and craftsmanship that underpins Manolo Blahnik’s iconic men’s and women’s collections. It offers viewers an exclusive look at the intricacies of shoe anatomy and provides access to a vast collection of content, including behind-the-scenes insights from Manolo Blahnik himself. This initiative offers a glimpse into the designer’s creative process, his mastery of embellishments, the evolution of key styles throughout his illustrious career, and more.
To commemorate the unveiling of The Craft Room, Manolo Blahnik is launching a multi-sensory virtual and physical exhibition in collaboration with xydrobe, a luxury virtual reality (VR) destination. This VR experience immerses viewers in a journey through the brand’s factory floor and into the captivating world of Manolo Blahnik, delivering an educational and immersive encounter.
The exhibition, featuring eight vignettes that delve into the craft process, has been masterfully designed by CEO Kristina Blahnik. The virtual space incorporates the brand’s iconic polka dot motif, which draws inspiration from Manolo Blahnik’s Spanish heritage. The focal point of the experience is a meticulously recreated replica of the designer’s desk.
Kristina Blahnik expressed her enthusiasm for showcasing The Craft Room in the brand’s virtual archives, offering a platform to celebrate her uncle’s illustrious career spanning over five decades. She emphasized the profound importance of craftsmanship to the brand’s identity and proudly welcomed this new addition to their digital space, designed to educate and enlighten others about the art of shoemaking.
The Craft Room and the accompanying virtual exhibition signify a significant leap forward for Manolo Blahnik, providing a unique and immersive experience for fashion enthusiasts while offering an insider’s perspective on the brand’s rich heritage and commitment to craftsmanship.