Manolo Blahnik Expands In Asia, To Open Stores In Japan, Singapore, Malaysia

Manolo Blahnik fans from Asian countries like Japan, Singapore and Malaysia are in for some good news. The designer footwear brand is all set to expand in Asia. The company has tied up with Bluebell, the luxury importer which will hold the distribution rights and manage retail development in Singapore, Malaysia and Japan.

Manolo Blahnik will open its first “shop-in-shop” in Singapore, Japan and Malaysia this fall. The launch will be well-timed with the legendary shoe designer’s Fall/Winter 2016 collection. Bluebell will help the label establish corners in leading department stores.

The store in Japan will be designed by Nick Leith-Smith Architecture and Design. The first flagship store in Tokyo will be ready in 2017, according to Footwear News.

The 1,022-sq.-ft. Manolo Blahnik standalone storefront in Malaysia will be located within the Pavilion Mall in Kuala Lumpur. The Manolo Blahnik shop-in-shop will be run by Bluebell Singapore. The store will undergo renovations later this year.

“Manolo Blahnik is a global brand, but with comparatively small distribution in Japan, Malaysia and Singapore. With Bluebell now as our partners, we are excited about exploring and building the business in these regions and further territories,” said Kristina Blahnik, CEO, Manolo Blahnik International, talking to Footwear News. She added that she had trust in the guidance and experience of Bluebell Group and appreciated their company family.

Meanwhile, Rihanna and Manolo collaborated on a limited edition capsule collection launched on May 5. Six pieces figure in the new collection that has sandals, pumps and boots. The Spring/Summer 2016 shoe collection has been inspired by RiRi’s hand tattoos.

The Rihanna x Manolo Blahnik Denim Desserts is a denim-driven collection, and ranges from $940 to $3,995. Each shoe is crafted with denim, sequins and artisan embroidery. The designer said that they even reported sale of a pair in Vietnam.