Luxury / news
Manolo Blahnik Opens Shanghai Flagship at Plaza 66
Manolo Blahnik has opened a new flagship boutique at Plaza 66 in Shanghai, inside the mall’s Phase 3 Pavilion Expansion. The space was designed under CEO Kristina Blahnik and features bespoke furnishings and a wall of the founder’s original ink illustrations.
Located in the newly unveiled Phase 3 Pavilion Expansion at Plaza 66, the store places the British footwear house alongside a curated line-up of international luxury brands. Manolo Blahnik described the opening as a move to strengthen its presence in China and reflect its long-term commitment to the market.
The interior was designed under the creative direction of CEO Kristina Blahnik and takes cues from the brand’s Burlington Arcade boutique in London and its signature “living room” concept. Beijing-based designer Chen Darui created bespoke furnishings, while a sketch wall displays a selection of founder Manolo Blahnik’s original ink illustrations.
The boutique opens with selected styles from the Autumn/Winter 2026 collections. The line is described as drawing on London’s Swinging Sixties, the Scottish Lowlands landscape and the decorative palettes of historic Italian castles.
At its August earnings release, the company reported 24 stores, including 14 directly operated flagships and 10 run by franchise partners. New boutiques opened in Miami, Milan and Costa Mesa, California, in 2025, and a Beijing store opened in January 2026 as part of its push into high-growth markets.
Kristina Blahnik said Shanghai is an important market for the brand. The Plaza 66 opening adds to Manolo Blahnik’s retail expansion in China following the Beijing boutique.