At home with... Manolo Blahnik


Manolo Blahnik
The celebrity cobbler will be at the Chelsea Flower Show
© Manolo Blahnik

Celebrated shoe designer Manolo Blahnik loves pottering around in his gardens. This year, he has designed a limited edition ‘Chelsea shoe’ to commemorate the Chelsea Flower Show (20-24th May), and only 10 pairs are being made. They feature a rose print, inspired by Marimekkko. Blahnik reveals what he thinks are the world's most romantic blooms.

I live ... all over the place, but mostly between London, Bath and the Canary Islands.

I'm lucky to have... always lived with – or close to – a garden, and they are all different. In the Canary Islands they are warmer, sunnier. In England, they are mad and unkempt – how else would you want an English garden?

I love ... hydrangeas, mad rambling ivy, sweet smelling jasmine, sequoias, sycamore, ilexes … I could go on and on and bore you to tears.

My favourite garden in the world is ... the Real Jardin Botanico immediately next to the Prado in Madrid. Every time I go to the city I visit the museum first and then take a walk through the gardens.

Manolo Blahnik
Blahnik's limited shoe for The Chelsea Flower Show 2008
© Manolo Blahnik

Since I was a child ... I have walked through those gardens; it is one of the most beautiful experiences. If I lived in Madrid I would visit every day.

The Chelsea Flower Show is ... an institution. Unfortunately I never get the time to go and see it because I travel so much and am never here at that time of the year.This is the first time ever that I am going to the show, so I’m very excited.

My design for Chelsea Flower Show is ... a shoe that is from my Spring/Summer 2008 collection which we re-made in a special rose printed satin. May is perfect for roses, and they are another one of my favourites, so it was an obvious choice.

I'm mad for... lilies. I’ve had Casablancas in my shop since the early days and they have the most heavenly smell.

I drew ... a day lily for the Chelsea Flower Show. It's vibrant and quite romantic in that it lasts for only a day!

I am now working full on ... for my collection for next summer. At this time, I cannot think of anything else.

Snap up this limited edition of Madame Bovary with a jacket designed by Manolo Blahnik (£100) from The Conran Shop. For a snip of the price, fashionistas can drool over Manolo Blahnik Drawings (£24.95) from the Design Museum.

Looking to add more flowers to your life? Check out our article on creating the most stylish floral couture. Resurrect your garden with our help by visitng our new garden page, and get kitted out with some swanky garden furniture.

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