The partnership introduces three couture-inspired shoe styles developed under Pierpaolo Piccioli’s creative direction
Balenciaga has launched its first footwear collaboration with Manolo Blahnik, introducing a capsule of shoes first unveiled in the House’s Fall 2026 collection, Body and Being. Available from May 19 in selected stores, the project reflects Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli’s continued emphasis on couture craftsmanship and collaboration with specialist artisans.
The Balenciaga | Manolo Blahnik collection includes three styles: a low-heeled mule and slingback silhouettes offered in both 105mm and 50mm heel heights. Drawing from archival Manolo Blahnik designs selected by Piccioli, the shoes are crafted in silk satin and lined in Balenciaga’s signature grey leather.
“This collaboration came to life for very personal reasons. I simply like Manolo,” Piccioli said in a statement. “To me, Manolo Blahnik is synonymous with elegance and as he’s Spanish, like Cristóbal Balenciaga — there’s a certain shared sensibility there.”
Across the collection, asymmetrical crystal leaf embellishments are hand-embroidered over low-cut vamps, combining jewelry-inspired detailing with footwear construction. The decorative motifs also reference archival Balenciaga bijoux from the 1960s, reinforcing the historical dialogue between the two houses.
The launch campaign focuses on still life imagery, positioning the shoes among wardrobe objects to emphasize craftsmanship, materiality, and couture finishing techniques. Styles are available in black, gris plume, grass, lime, and violet silk satin, accompanied by co-branded packaging including custom shoeboxes, dust bags, and tissue paper.
The collaboration arrives as Balenciaga continues to refine its post-athletic footwear direction under Piccioli, shifting attention toward couture references, artisanal production, and archival elegance.
