Manolo's Shoe Blog

JUL
2012 30

Olympic Gold Medalist Ryan Lochte Loves the Shoes!

Manolo says, 130 pairs of the shoes! Mr. Lochte’s dream is to eventually become a clothing designer. “I want to be different, and fashion gives me that outlet to do that,” he said, lounging on a couch after a practice in loose basketball shorts, a T-shirt that read “Google Me” and black Dolce & Gabbana slippers. For public events, he steps it up: Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren have dressed him, and he was signed by Ford Models. […] “Ho, I think I have about, a total of 130 pairs of shoes,” Mr. Lochte said, warming to the subject. “So…

JUL
2012 30

Alicia + Olivia Larimore Cutout Platform for the Monday

Manolo says, it is Monday and you are back at your desk, suffering from the Olympic hangover. Originally, you had the big plans for the weekend — go to the market of the farmers, ride your bike in the park, do the laundry– but then, on the Friday night, you started watching the opening ceremony, and you were hooked. The next thing you know, you were avidly watching skeet shooting. (Oh, that Kim Rhode!) By Sunday night it was clear that the Olympic marathon did not refer to the footrace, but to your concentrated television viewing. Indeed, you had barely…

JUL
2012 28

We Are Not Amused, Olympic Edition

JUL
2012 28

Shoemaker Saturday: Shoe Making in the 1930s

Manolo says, this silent color film is the remarkable artifact of shoemaking as done 80 years ago. What is most refreshing and happy-making is how little has changed over this time. Shoes, especially the best quality shoes, are still made in the same way, mostly by hand, with the help of durable machines of antique design. Undoubtedly, some bright boy will soon enable the robots to entirely take over the making of the shoes, and we will be both richer and poorer for it.

JUL
2012 27

Madonna: Keepin It Classy

Manolo says, behold, the two sides of Madonna, devilish and angelic First… Showing us her wares, like the fallen Magdalene. Second… Writhing in divine ecstasy, like the holy mystic.

JUL
2012 27

Manolo the Columnist: Authentic Saddle Shoes from Hush Puppies

Manolo says, here is the Manolo’s latest column for the Express of the Washington Post. Dear Manolo, This entire summer, my husband has insisted on wearing the same pair of sports mandals, despite the fact that they’ve grown shabby looking and smelly (something I did not know was possible for a sandal). With the end of summer approaching, can you recommend something casual that he might like? He’s moderately outdoorsy, and fit, and prefers khakis and plaids, in other words, he pretty typical. Audra Manolo says, the Manolo frequently gets the plaintive missives from the women who wish to restyle…

JUL
2012 26

Manolo’s Thursday Miscellany

Manolo says, here are the few things which may help you past the idle moment… They’re a bit Advanced Fashion so potentially not for the average user, although I honestly don’t think they’re as tough to pull off as most people think. There are some written medieval sources on possible female breast support, but they are rather vague on the topic. The manifestation of that may change from day to day, but the elements of joyful dressing for me are Movement, Color (not necessarily *vivid* color), Harmony, and just a bit of Edge.

JUL
2012 26

Madonna’s New Truth or Dare Shoes are Boring & Derivative

Manolo says, the Manolo does not wish to be so cruel as to kick someone when they are down, but zzzzz… Shoe designing is not easy, and yet other celebrities, such as the Jessica Simpson and the Carlos Santana(!) have been able (with professional help) to produce the decent looking shoes for the mass market. Madonna has played it safe, predictable, with her blacks and grays and shapes we have seen before. She needs to introduce either the trendier colors, the unusual finishes, or the more daring shapes, probably all three. Since she she has none of these, there is…

JUL
2012 26

The Hoop

Manolo says, amazing and wonderful!

JUL
2012 26

Whose Shoes Wednesday…The Answer!

Manolo asked, whose shoes? Manolo answers, it is the Helen Mirren! Congratulations to the Manolo’s internet friend, the Danna, who was the first to correctly guess this week’s super fantastic vintage personage of note.

JUL
2012 25

The Chinese Fashion Police

Manolo says, wearers of mandals and Crocs, beware!

JUL
2012 25

Clarice Satin Pump from Kate Spade for the Wedneday

Manolo says, this is how things sometimes work in the world of the Manolo: he is looking at the shoes, and suddenly, something catches his eye, and delights his fancy, and he is moved to cry hosanna and put it on the humble shoe blog for all to admire. Such is the case with this, the Clarice Satin Pump from the Kate Spade New York, the perfect shoe for the festive celebration where the bold color is required.