Manolo’s Shoe Blog

Manolo says, and he appears to be exceedingly happy to see us.

Manolo shouts, Olé!

Is the Manolo the only person in the fashion press to recognize that Galliano’s Spanish theme for the 60th anniversary of the House of Dior is partly the homage to Manolete, the greatest torero who ever lived, and whose sensational death in the bull ring occurred in August of 1947, at exactly the moment Christain Dior was beginning his business?

It is not as if Manolete is competely unknown, they are making the movie about his life, with Adrian Brody in the title role.

It is perhaps the less well known fact that the Manolo, himself, was named after Manolete.

Manolo says, Galliano! With the poochy little belly and the Dita von Teese and the barn door open!

Manolo says, Pepe, don’t forget the hedges!

**

And now the Manolo must clarify the few things.

Yes, the Manolo likes to gently mock the John Galliano, mostly for his theatrical dress and his outrageous runway behavior. And yet, even as the Manolo mocks, he must also acknowledge that, more than any other current designer, John Galliano has the ability to be sublime.

Indeed, he is one of the few working designers whom the Manolo is willing to call the genius. This judgement, long held by the Manolo, has been further confirmed by his most recent Parisian show, the Fall 2007 prêt-à-porter collection.

There are pieces in this collection that the Manolo finds beautiful, and smart, and filled with character and charm and individuality and movement. And it is not just the individual clothes, but the entire gestalt of the show, with its detail and whimisicality, which impresses. Even the shoes, although ultimately unwearable, look good.

Manolo says, one of the Manolo’s internet friends has asked the Manolo the question.

Hey Manolo,

Just want to preface that I absolutely love your fashion blog (but I bet you hear that all the time)! But anyway, as I was perusing the latest issue of Vogue, I ran into a little article about how platforms are coming to an end ( A New Altitude p352). Is this true? Will my 5′ 3/4″ frame never again surpass the average height for women?

What are you thoughts?

Carmel

Fresh from the internets this very morning, the Manolo gives you the John Galliano’s Fall 2007 ready-to-wear collection from the Dior.

Yes, the platforms they are not completely yet out.

Although, to judge from the height and the color and the excessive strappiness we have moved from the restrained and classical period of the platforms into the final decadant period before they leave the scene for the few years. You have until perhaps the end of the year to enjoy them.

The Manolo has spoken.

Manolo says, be still the Manolo’s beating heart, for it is yet another visit from the Manolo’s favorite funky little fashion troll, and he has arrived bearing the post-apocalyptic fashion treats!

In both cases, it is the man purse that makes it work.

“Galliano says, Admit it, big boy, you want what Galliano has.”

Manolo says, for some reason, this picture makes the Manolo sad.

Manolo shouts, Galliano!!!!!

P.S. Of the course, in the absense of the Manolo, the Izzy had already made the hilarious comment.

Manolo says, behold, scenes from the carpet of red at the opening of latest show of Museum of Metropolitan Art’s Costume Institute.

Galliano! With the Charlize! And the blondy shaggy poodle doo!

Apparently, in many states the beastility is not illegal.

Darth Talley and his evil consort

Il maestro di tutti maestri.