Manolo Blahnik enters Malaysia

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
Nov 21, 2016

Luxury shoe designer Manolo Blahnik has opened its very first store Malaysia, marking the beginning of an Asian retail overhaul, which includes a Tokyo flagship store slated for next year.

The UK-based, Spanish designer has opened a new 1,022 square foot store in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. 

The new store signals the start an expansion plan across Asia. The refurbishment of the footwear label's Singapore store, currently at Takashimaya, is scheduled, as well as the launch of a flagship store in Tokyo in 2017.

Luxury brand distributor, Bluebell Group, facilitated Manolo Blahnik's Malaysia debut, and will continue to assist in future regional projects.

“Manolo Blahnik is a global brand, but with comparatively small distribution in Japan, Malaysia and Singapore,” said Manolo Blahnik international CEO, Kristina Blahnik.

"With Bluebell now as our partners, we are excited about exploring and building the business in these regions and further territories. I have trust in their guidance and experience, and appreciate their company family values that resonate with our own."

Awash in gold with warm lighting, the store features a "natural geometry and ubiquitous use of bamboo, artful and imaginative interior design," according to an Instagram post by Bluebell.

The current autumn/winter 2016 collection will be available for purchase, highlighting elaborate beading and embroidery, plus gilded brooches and buckles.

In Malaysia, Manolo Blahnik shoes will be priced from RM3,900 (US$883) to RM7,900, while bags start from RM10,000.