After an absence of seven years on the menswear scene, Manolo Blahnik has dusted off his sketchbook - and created a line of men's shoes so fabulous, they are pretty much guaranteed to knock your man's socks off.
The six-piece collection runs the gamut from safely stunning (the red suede Oxford brogue), to the outrageously gorgeous (in the shape of leopard print sandal, Bir). "It's not a big collection," reflects the designer, who was honoured with a CBE just a couple of weeks ago. "There are some simple sandals in beautiful materials, and a few classics - with a twist. I thought it was time to bring back some colour into the male wardrobe." Look out for the collection, due in store from February.
Personally I think they are bit "out-there" for most of the men I know, even the most fashion forward. I'm also not a huge fan of open shoes for men, so I like the red pair the best.
I'm sure they will be popular but my tastes for men tend to be much more formal and, I guess, preppy/country club-ish. Ideally, I would dress a man in Brooks Brothers and JCrew.
My favorite shoes for men are white suede bucks.
I think this just goes back to my tennis/cricket/croquet fantasy. Look at these - a wingtip version!
Unless you are exercising, this is about as casual as I think men should go - a dark brown boat shoe. Sperry is ideal but these Brooks Brother ones are nice.
Dress code - "whites", sweaters, 3-piece suits with vests or sweaters underneath.
I don't like these guys though. Think Johnathan Rhys Meyers in Match Point.
No Tevas, no sandals. Let's have a little class here, please.
