PHOTO COURTESY OF BALENCIAGA
At his debut for Balenciaga, Pierpaolo Piccioli reimagined Cristóbal Balenciaga’s sculptural codes with assured restraint. The Sack Dress returned, together with ready-to-wear accented with signature florals and precise tailoring. For fall-winter 2026, Balenciaga now turns to Manolo Blahnik, forging a collaboration rooted in shared Spanish heritage.
Both Manolo Blahnik and Cristóbal Balenciaga hail from Spain, a lineage defined by austere elegance and high drama. Piccioli’s vision brings artisanal savoir-faire into the everyday, yet never loses its couture poise. As a result, heritage and modernity move in confident step.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BALENCIAGA
The collection comprises a low-heeled mule and two slingback variations, offered in either 50 MM or 105 MM heels. Importantly, the designs move away from chunky shoe trends. Instead, they celebrate the graceful décolleté of the foot, signalling a return to refinement.
Here, Manolo Blahnik’s archival shapes meet Pierpaolo Piccioli’s contemporary sensibilities. This results in three bejewelled styles crafted in silk-satin and lined in Balenciaga’s signature grey. Crystal embroidery references Cristóbal Balenciaga’s 1960s bijoux, paired with Blahnik’s signature low-cut vamp.
As part of the fall-winter 2026 collection, the Balenciaga x Manolo Blahnik shoes arrive in stores from May 2026. This exclusive collaboration clearly favours enchantment over excess, so if that’s your vibe, stay tuned to find out more.
