Manolo Blahnik Wants to Make You Smile

When I met Manolo Blahnik he was even sweeter than I ever could’ve imagined.

Me with Manolo Blahnik

He didn’t understand why there were hundreds of women lined up at Neiman Marcus in Boston to see him. It was that humble attitude that made me adore him. I didn’t think I could adore him any more, then I saw this:

Mr Blahnik and his niece, Kristina Blahnik, created a fabulous coloring book in conjuction with the company’s SMILE project which was launched last year.

She told Vogue, “Smiling has many proven health benefits and we wanted to share some of what we have found is helping us.”

Then the two partnered with the Mental Health Foundation in England to release it. The coloring book has his original sketches, untouched, so his fans can take the time to breathe during this crisis and put their own spin on five of his beloved shoes.

The Mental Health Foundation is providing resources so people can manage their mental health during this new normal.

His website says that “drawing is an activity close to Manolo’s heart and to the house and one we believe can bring a sense of calm and encourage mindfulness.”

He told Vogue, “I chose the sketches which are very personal to me and meaningful, in light of such an important cause.”

And he had a special message for Vogue readers:

“Dear Vogue readers, I hope you are all keeping safe in these uncertain times. We have to remain positive and take care of one another. We will get through this and we will come out of it more united and stronger than we have ever been before.”

The original sketches are available for a free download Here

Once you’re done, share your finished sketches on Mr Blahnik’s Official Instagram at manoloblahnikhq and use #ManoloBlahnikSmiles.

Enjoy and I hope it makes you smile as it did for me.