Poirete thumbnail 1
Poirete thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Poirete

Mules
1998/99
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The pair of ‘Poirete’ mules is an excellent example of the designer’s designs from the end of the 1990s when the ‘mule’ style of shoe (a backless shoe which slips onto the front of the foot) was very popular. Blahnik was at this time producing very feminine shoes which referenced historical styles, in particular those of the 18th century. The name of this shoe is that of the early 20th-century designer Paul Poiret who was known for his use of innovative textiles, print and embroidery, often drawing inspiration from folk dress, which he interpreted in a luxurious fashion. Here the seemingly simple grey felt is embellished with silk embroidery and set against opulent chinchilla fur. Manolo Blahnik (1942), CBE, is globally renowned as one of the leading shoe designers in the contemporary fashion world. The design construction and materials of Blahnik’s shoes are always of the highest quality. He begins each design with a sketch, then hand-carves the lasts, selects the materials, and personally oversees the production of each style.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Shoes
  • Shoes
TitlePoirete (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Wool felt, leather and chinchilla fur
Brief description
Pair of ‘Poirete’ mules, embroidered wool felt and chinchilla fur, Manolo Blahnik, Autumn/Winter 1998/99
Physical description
Pair of fur trimmed mules
Dimensions
  • Height: 70mm
  • Length: 270mm
  • Width: 130mm
Marks and inscriptions
  • Manolo Blahnik
  • 'P FLEBO NOLO5O KLIN5O FR. 41739 COL. 9726/CINCILLA'
Credit line
Given by Mrs Fiona McWatters
Object history
RF 2014/831
Summary
The pair of ‘Poirete’ mules is an excellent example of the designer’s designs from the end of the 1990s when the ‘mule’ style of shoe (a backless shoe which slips onto the front of the foot) was very popular. Blahnik was at this time producing very feminine shoes which referenced historical styles, in particular those of the 18th century. The name of this shoe is that of the early 20th-century designer Paul Poiret who was known for his use of innovative textiles, print and embroidery, often drawing inspiration from folk dress, which he interpreted in a luxurious fashion. Here the seemingly simple grey felt is embellished with silk embroidery and set against opulent chinchilla fur. Manolo Blahnik (1942), CBE, is globally renowned as one of the leading shoe designers in the contemporary fashion world. The design construction and materials of Blahnik’s shoes are always of the highest quality. He begins each design with a sketch, then hand-carves the lasts, selects the materials, and personally oversees the production of each style.
Collection
Accession number
T.18:1,2-2015

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Record createdFebruary 6, 2015
Record URL
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