Happy Birthday to My Favorite Shoe! Manolo’s Mary Jane turns 30

Manolo Blahnik’s iconic Mary Jane is turning 30! My favorite shoe from my Sole Mate is celebrating a milestone birthday. Carrie Bradshaw famously called the shoe “an urban shoe myth”.

We all know it’s not a myth… mythical might be a better word to describe the classic silhouette.

Blahnik came out with the shoe for his Autunm-Winter 1994 collection. He had just done a grand and ornate collection so he wanted to create something with a little more restraint according to his webisite.

He took the classic Mary Jane and added a twist or two. A 3 and 1/2 inch heel, a pointy toe and used patent leather to give it a little sex appeal.

It was a huge hit. American Vogue did a 7 page editorial spread on the new look in their August 1994 issue.

It’s still a huge hit today. It’s gone through some changes over the years. The heel height is a little taller and now comes in an array of colors and patterns. The shoe still sells out and is an iconic piece of fashion that every woman should have in their collection.

When I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Blahnik at Saks Fifth Avenue during Boston Fashion Week he asked me what other colors he should make the shoes. I gave him a resounding, “All of them!” response. He laughed, then signed the bottom of my black patent leather Mary Janes. NO, I don’t wear them! They’re in a shoe shrine along with a self portrait from one of his books that he also signed for me.