Manolo, The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards

Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards is a captivating 2017 documentary that offers an in-depth look into the life and work of celebrated shoe designer, Manolo Blahnik. The film, directed by Michael Roberts, scrutinizes the life of the enigmatic creative genius, whose extraordinary designs have adorned the feet of women worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on global fashion.

The title of the film paints an enchanting picture of Blahnik's childhood, paying tribute to the designer's early fascination with fashion. As a young boy growing up in the Canary Islands, Manolo Blahnik was captivated by the local fauna. Consequently, he spent a significant amount of his early years designing tiny, intricate shoes for lizards using foil from Cadbury chocolate wrappers. This whimsical obsession became the foundation of an iconic journey into the world of high-end fashion.

Over the course of nearly ninety minutes, the documentary offers an intimate look into Manolo's world, shedding light on his decades-long career and his passion for shoe design that has never dwindled. The film manages to capture the essence of Manolo's infectious charm, purity of vision, and extraordinary talent for creating desirable, original foot arts.

Notably, Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards features a glittering list of renowned figures from the fashion and entertainment industries, all of whom hold Manolo Blahnik's creativity in high esteem. The film boasts a lineup of A-list testimonials from the likes of Anna Wintour, Rihanna, and Naomi Campbell. In their interviews, these figures detail their love for Blahnik's designs, as well as their respect for his commitment to craft and authenticity.

Photographer David Bailey, internationally acclaimed fashion critic Suzy Menkes, and acclaimed art historian and television presenter Mary Beard are among the other figures who share their thoughts on Blahnik's exciting pursuit of perfection. The commentary from these leading figures offers invaluable insights into the appreciation for Manolo's work and paves the way for audiences to understand the unique appeal of his designs.

The documentary also incorporates the rich tapestry of fashion history as it chronicles Manolo’s ascent to fashion stardom. Garnering recognition in the 1970s after his designs were featured in American Vogue, Blahnik quickly became a staple in the fashion industry. His rise to fame during this era coincided with the fashion revolution of the time, a period marked by unprecedented creativity and rebellious spirit. This juncture in Manolo's career serves as a fascinating intersection of personal creativity and broader cultural transformation, which the documentary explores wonderfully.

Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards also delves into the artisanal aspects of shoemaking, documenting the meticulous handcrafting process that goes into creating a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes. Beyond just the finished product, the film conveys the designer's extraordinary passion for the creation process as well as the skill, precision, and dedication it involves.

Told through a mix of carefully curated archival footage, exclusive interviews and snippets from Manolo's own life, the documentary touches upon some seldom-discussed parts of Blahnik's journey. It explores the designer's fierce independence, including his decision to keep his brand privately owned and his meticulous involvement in the entire design process.

While the film’s narrative primarily centres on Blahnik's creative journey, it also highlights some personal aspects of his life, adding dimension to his character and showing viewers a human side that is equally captivating. It explores Blahnik's art inspirations, relationships, and even his occasional eccentricities. However, to preserve the enigma that surrounds the revered designer, the film carefully balances the personal with the professional, giving just enough glimpses into the man behind the genius, without ever stripping him of his mystery.

Overall, Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards, portrays the life, passion, and creative genius of an icon in an adoring and entertaining manner. It's a film that not only will delight fashion enthusiasts or fans of Manolo Blahnik but can also inspire anyone with an interest in art, creativity, and the pursuit of one’s passions against all odds.