Rihanna’s collaboration with the shoe maestro Manolo Blahnik was announced in March, 2016. The first collection – Denim Desserts – hit the stores on May 5, 2016. The collection was available online and at Manolo Blahnik’s stores in London, New York and Hong Kong. Speaking of her decision to work with Blahnik, Rihanna said:
“I chose to collaborate with Manolo because throughout the years he has proven to be the most timeless and diverse in his designs. His craftsmanship is like no other.”
Speaking of Rihanna, Manolo said:
“It’s in the movement of the neck. She turns and looks at you and you are just done. She’s got it. This girl has power. She has something different. I saw her move. You either have that kind of grace or you don’t.”
The second collection – Savage – was released on November 16, 2016. It was inspired both by Rihanna’s penchant for suede and shearling and her love affair with the Timberland work boot.
The third and final collection – So Stoned – arrived in July 2017. Each style was created in PVC so that the straps look almost invisible and the bold Swarovski crystals take centre stage. A Perspex heel adds to the barely there aesthetic.
DENIM DESSERTS COLLECTION
1. Sea Salts
The nonchalance of Rihanna’s style in cool denim is beautifully united with the femininity of Manolo’s elegant creations. Indigo/light blue denim pointy toe pumps with front strap and ankle buckle.
- Upper: 100% cotton.
- Sole: 100% cow leather.
- Lining: 100% kid leather.
- Heel measures 105mm.
- Italian Sizing. Made in Italy.
2. Dancehall Cowgirl
Bold denim envelopes the ankle – these boots are made for dancing! Indigo denim lace-up ankle boots featuring pointy toe and stiletto heel.
- Upper: 100% cotton.
- Sole: 100% cow leather.
- Lining: 100% kid leather.
- Heel measures 105mm.
- Italian Sizing. Made in Italy.
3. Rih Vi’s
A favourite silhouette of Rihanna, Rih-Vi’s delicate embroidery gracefully adorns the foot. Light blue/indigo denim sandals with sequin-encrusted front strap and adjustable ankle strap.
- Upper: 100% cotton.
- Sole: 100% cow leather.
- Lining: 100% kid leather.
- Heel measures 105mm.
- Italian Sizing. Made in Italy.
4. Sea Salts Sequins
Shimmering sequins elevate one of Rihanna’s favourite strappy pumps. Light blue/indigo denim sequin-encrusted pumps featuring pointy toe, front strap and ankle buckle.
- Upper: 100% cotton.
- Sole: 100% cow leather.
- Lining: 100% kid leather.
- Heel measures 105mm.
- Italian Sizing. Made in Italy.
5. 9 to 5
This sensual thigh-scraping boot evolved from the pair’s vision of a confident, decisive woman who knows what she wants. Denim thigh-high boots with almond toe and stiletto heel finished with embroidered sequin trim and a jewel-buckled waist belt.
- Upper: 100% cotton.
- Sole: 100% cow leather.
- Lining: 100% kid leather.
- Heel measures 115mm.
- Italian Sizing. Made in Italy.
SAVAGE COLLECTION
1. The Fallon
An update of the iconic working man’s boot which Manolo first designed in 1994, the pair have created this year’s version with a furry trim. White suede lace-up ankle boots featuring fur trim on ankle and rubber tread.
- Upper: 100% calf suede.
- Sole: 50% kid leather,
- 50% rubber.
- Lining: 100% calf shearling.
- Heel measures 105 mm.
- Italian sizing. Made in Italy.
2. The Alexis
The embodiment of the Savage collection is born from Rihanna’s love of shearling and Manolo’s flair for creating beautiful stilettos. Tan suede knee-high boots featuring pointed toe, shearling trim and lace-up detail.
- Upper: 100% calf suede.
- Sole: 100% cow leather.
- Lining: 100% calf shearling.
- Heel measures 115 mm.
- Italian sizing. Made in Italy.
3. The Dominique
Testament to her love of shearling and stiletto heels, Rihanna and Manolo created a thigh-scraping, femme fatale of a boot. Black brocade thigh-high boots featuring shearling lining and lace-up detail at back.
- Upper: 100% calf leather.
- Sole: 100% cow leather.
- Lining: 100% calf shearling.
- Heel measures 115 mm.
- Italian sizing. Made in Italy.
SO STONED COLLECTION
1. Purple Chalice
Ideal for the height of summer, this barely there sandal is infused with Mr Blahnik’s love for embellishment and Rihanna’s modernistic edge. PVC ankle strap sandals featuring multi coloured Swarovski crystal embellishment on front strap and Perspex high heel.
- Upper: 100% PVC.
- Sole: 100% cow leather.
- Lining: 100% goat leather.
- Heel measures 105 mm.
- Italian sizing. Made in Italy.
2. Spice
Mr Blahnik’s love of an elegant, mid-heel is combined with Rihanna’s daring edge to create an opulent and lavish silhouette. PVC open toe mules featuring red Swarovski crystal embellishment detail and Perspex block mid-heel.
- Upper: 100% PVC.
- Sole: 100% cow leather.
- Lining: 100% goat leather.
- Heel measures 50 mm.
- Italian sizing. Made in Italy.
3. Bajan Princess
This barely there sandal is adorned with lavish crystals – a unique showpiece which epitomises Rihanna’s unique, modern style. PVC open toe mules featuring blue Swarovski crystal front strap and Perspex high heel.
- Upper: 100% PVC.
- Sole: 100% cow leather.
- Lining: 100% goat leather.
- Heel measures 105 mm.
- Italian sizing. Made in Italy.
4. Poison Ivy
Rihanna’s daring edge is undoubtedly evident in this show stopping piece, adorning the lower leg in Mr Blahnik’s beloved embellishments. PVC knee high gladiator sandals featuring multi coloured Swarovski crystal detail up the leg, 3 adjustable PVC straps and Perspex high heel.
- Upper: 100% PVC.
- Sole: 100% cow leather.
- Lining: 100% goat leather.
- Heel measures 105 mm.
- Italian sizing. Made in Italy.