It would be quicker to name those who haven’t worn Manolo Blahnik shoes on the red carpet. From The Journal cover stars Theo James, Paul Mescal and Chiwetel Ejiofor to Leonardo DiCaprio and Colman Domingo, as well as rising stars such as Archie Madekwe and Omari Douglas – the list goes on. The reason? The word “icon” is thrown around a lot in the fashion industry, but the octogenarian designer is a true sartorial icon. From his own signature dapper suits to his beautifully crafted shoes, which he has been meticulously perfecting for over five decades.

Mr Blahnik, as he’s known in the industry, has a knack for creating shoes that have artistic flair in spades, and yet are utterly timeless – striking that elusive balance between comfort and aesthetics. With a number of exclusive styles launching on MR PORTER this summer, we sat down with the legendary designer in his Mayfair atelier to get his (very reliable) tips to finding the perfect shoe…

“First and foremost, invest in craftsmanship. A truly well-made shoe transcends trends and it becomes a companion for life. Craftsmanship is, to me, the soul of any beautiful shoe. It’s what elevates a simple design into an object of quiet artistry. Comfort is paramount. A shoe that causes discomfort alters the way you walk, the way you stand, even the way you carry yourself. Style means nothing without ease.

“And, finally, never shy away from a touch of creative flair. A bold buckle, an unexpected hue, a rich texture these are the little whispers of individuality that make an outfit. I’ve always adored independence and a bit of eccentricity. If something catches your eye and stirs your spirit, don’t hesitate to buy it. Fashion should bring joy.”

“When it comes to evening shoes, fit is everything. They must embrace the foot with precision and be snug, but never constricting. Comfort is paramount. I simply cannot abide heaviness in a shoe. One should feel as if they’re gliding, not stomping. A proper evening shoe lends poise, grace, and quiet confidence.

“I adore a brightly coloured sock. Paul Smith remains a personal favourite. A flash of unexpected colour is just marvellous. But, above all, the shoe must match the occasion. For black tie, a classic Oxford like our Snowdon offers timeless sophistication. For smart casual evenings, I love the relaxed refinement of a Derby or a sleek boot, such as the Sapele or Borneo. And for summer suiting, nothing speaks quite like a loafer. The Truro or Perry are divine – light, elegant, and beautifully relaxed.”

“For sun-drenched days, the Chiltern sandal is ideal – minimal, elegant, and unpretentious. The leather softens beautifully with wear, becoming uniquely yours.

“For evenings, a raffia loafer like the Padstow brings effortless polish. It’s light, smart and elevates any linen look or unstructured suit.

“And no holiday is complete without an espadrille. The Nerano is my go-to – easy to wear, breathable and imbued with understated elegance. These are shoes for walking along coastal paths or sipping an aperitivo at sunset.”