Manolo Blahnik and the Tale of the Elves and the Shoemaker: A Fashion Fairy Tale Memoir

Image of Manolo Blahnik and the Tale of the Elves and the Shoemaker: A Fashion Fairy Tale Memoir
Author(s): 
Illustrator(s): 
Release Date: 
November 1, 2011
Publisher/Imprint: 
It Books
Pages: 
112
Reviewed by: 

“Manolo Blahnik and the Tale of the Elves and the Shoemaker is truly a jewel for anyone with even a fleeting interest in the fashion business—or for those who still believe in the plausibility of fairy tales.”

In the second of a series, Ms. Morton has reimagined the life story of Manolo Blahnik in the form of a fairy tale as she did with the life of Christian Lacroix [Christian Lacroix and the Tale of Sleeping Beauty: A Fashion Fairy Tale Memoir, also reviewed in nyjb].

In this delightful and enchanting telling, Mr. Blahnik’s life is paralleled and intertwined with the lives of a cobbler (the elves and the shoemaker), his wife, and their tale of good fortune after being faced with disaster.

Once again, Ms. Morton creates a fairy tale that is appropriate for children of all ages from the very young to the most seasoned of adults—it would be difficult for the most weathered of fashionistas not to smile and grin in the process. The method she utilizes to incorporate the facts with fiction provides us with entertainment as well as with a chronicle of Mr. Blahnik’s real life.

Who can resist the story of the cobbler and his wife faced with financial ruin when, miraculously, the elves appear during the night to create the shoes that will lead the couple to immeasurable success. The ensuing tale is a wonderfully crafted classic plot of from rags to riches meshed with the life of one of this century’s great talents.

This little treasure of a book is fully illustrated with watercolors and drawings by Mr. Blahnik that enhance the storyline to full effect. The images play to the real life fantasy that defines the design, indeed comprises the DNA, of Manolo Blahnik shoes.

Manolo Blahnik and the Tale of the Elves and the Shoemaker is truly a jewel for anyone with even a fleeting interest in the fashion business—or for those who still believe in the plausibility of fairy tales.

Do not miss the chance to make someone smile or enchant a child this holiday season, gifting them a tale unique enough to be passed on as a family heirloom to generations to come.