Rugged soled, metal-eyeleted and often fur-trimmed, the hiking boot is the silhouette of the season. Case in point: Like Gigi Hadid and Stuart Weitzman before them, lauded design duo Rihanna and Manolo Blahnik are offering up their own takes on the trend.
In terms of timespan and press coverage, the Shoe Designer of the Year’s love affair with the Timberland boot rivals her on-again, off-again relationship with a certain Canadian rapper. In the early 2000s, the R&B and hip-hop communities embraced Manolo Blahnik’s stiletto-heeled spin on the utilitarian staple. Giuseppe Zanotti collaborator Jennifer Lopez wore them in her “Jenny From the Block” video, as did style icon Beyoncé in her “Bonnie and Clyde” days.
Thus, for Rihanna x Manolo Blahnik’s suede-heavy Savage collection, the follow-up to their buzzy Denim Desserts debut, the pair looked to the OG hiking boot for inspiration. The result is a three-piece range that’s totally mountaineer-approved.
The ivory or coffee-hued Fallon is a rework of the aforementioned stiletto booties. (The most noticeable update being the furry trim.)
The Fallon Bootie; Image: Rihanna x Manolo Blahnik
The Alexis, which comes in either ivory or cinnamon, is a stiletto-heeled boot that laces to the knee. Its laces, as well as the top of its shaft, are lined in fur.
The Alexis Boot; Image: Rihanna x Manolo Blahnik
And because no RiRi-directed collection would be complete without a pair of thigh highs, the Dominique is a sheepskin-lined over-the-knee boot that can be folded at the top. The boots’ black ponyskin surface is laser-cut in a macro floral brocade design reminiscent of Rihanna’s latest Marie Antoinette-inspired Fenty x Puma collection.
The Dominique Over-The-Knee Boot; Image: Rihanna x Manolo Blahnik
The chic (though not quite PETA-friendly) limited-edition collab hits Manolo Blahnik’s stores and website November 16. Based on Rihanna x Manolo part one, brace yourself for prices upwards of $1,000 and perhaps a few technical difficulties.
[ via WWD ]
