The Hautest Walking Tour: A Chic Ensemble Discovered Manolo Blahnik’s New York Map
With a Manolo Map for his three other homes—London, Paris, and Milan—it was time to make his New York map a reality.
Clad in Ballerimus, Maysales, and Sempiones, Manhattan’s haute monde sauntered through the Upper East Side in pursuit of one goal: discovering all of Mr. Manolo Blahnik’s favorite New York City spots. With a Manolo Map for his three other home cities—London, Paris, and Milan—it was time to make his New York map a reality. Every destination held a story that detailed a formative experience in the city, including the spot where the foundation of Manolo Blahnik was laid: where he showed Diana Vreeland his original sketches of theater sets before she saw the character’s shoes and told him to “focus on the extremities, young man!” 
Photo Credit: Brett Warren
The walk itself was impeccable. Every detail had been thoughtfully curated, beginning with a drink at Bemelmans Bar. Atop heel-embroidered cocktail napkins sat passion-fruit cosmos, and branded tote bags were passed out. Inside, guests found a Manolo Blahnik-inscribed camera and postcards of the destinations they wouldn’t have time to make it to. Keith Taillon of keithyorkcity—a local, social media famed, tour guide—filed off little-known facts as guests sipped their cocktails. Then, with Taillon and his arsenal of knowledge leading the way, the glammed-up group made its way to Central Park.
There, the crowd stumbled upon a Golden Retriever named Diego and his owner, who bore Manolo Blahnik bags housing luxe suede baseball caps in collaboration with Chord, perched on a bench. An artist sat behind his easel capturing the moment. A little bit further down the path, everyone paused to race the sail boats in the little lake, a favorite pastime of Mr. Manolo.
Photo Credit: Brett Warren
Next—and donning their new hats—the troupe made their way to The Frick Collection for a private tour of its sprawling galleries. Upon exiting the museum, a branded stand holding soft pretzels and bubbly water tied everyone over as they strolled to (where else?) the Manolo Blahnik store on Madison Avenue. Slices of Mr. Manolo’s favorite chocolate cake and flutes of champagne were passed out, and guests perused the collection of his favorite books from The Strand—Mr. Manolo’s beloved bookstore—before selecting a novel to take home.
Photo Credit: Brett Warren
With bellies full of chocolate cake and bubbles, a saxophonist atop balcony above the store serenaded everyone as they departed for their final two destinations. First, a pop-in at T.Anthony Luggage, where everyone received a monogrammed dopp kit—their own version of Mr. Manolo’s cherished travel companion. And finally, the group made it to the St. Regis King Cole Bar for its famous Red Snappers (a.k.a. Bloody Mary’s), miniature lobster rolls, and caviar-topped blinis. Champagne flutes were filled: A toast to Mr. Manolo Blahnik and his fabulous Manolo Maps!
Shop The Hautest Shoes From The Tour
Photo Credit: Brett Warren
Photo Credit: Brett Warren
Manolo Blahnik Mario Loafers & Ballerimus
Photo Credit: Brett Warren
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