British luxury footwear brand Manolo Blahnik has opened its first store in Hong Kong with long-time partner Bluebell Group. The brand cooperates with Bluebell in the markets of other Asian countries, such as Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan, writes Footwearnews.com.
The first boutique opened at Hong Kong's Lee Gardens on March 22, while the second will open at Pacific Place in the last quarter of 2024. There are also plans to open a third boutique, the location of which has not yet been confirmed.
The Lee Gardens boutique, designed by Nick Leith-Smith, features original geometry. The focus of the interior design is on a square shelving system with panels on the interior walls. The shelves are visible through a curved glass display case.
Inspired by a concept originally used at the Manolo Blahnik boutique in London's Burlington Arcade, the design has been updated to include a silk gradient lining on the shelves where the merchandise is displayed.
Christina Blahnik, CEO of Manolo Blahnik, said the joint venture in Hong Kong marks the next stage of its relationship with Bluebell Group and meets its ambitions for growth in the "dynamic" Hong Kong market.
The brand began active promotion in Asian countries after winning an intellectual property battle in Chinese courts in 2022.
It is noted that 2022 was a landmark year for the Manolo Blahnik Group: sales grew by 69% to 118,2 million euros, and profit before tax more than tripled to 21,9 million euros amid strong demand for styles such as Hangisi and Maysale. Although the company is based in the UK, it reports results in euros because it manufactures in Italy.
That same year, the company thanked its employees by issuing bonuses worth more than €2022 million in November 1. Its operating profit increased fivefold in 12 months to 23,7 million euros.
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