Watch Manolo, The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards

Manolo, The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards is a documentary film from 2017 that tells the life story of legendary shoe designer Manolo Blahnik. The film explores the creative process and artistic inspiration that have driven his career for over 45 years. Directed by Michael Roberts, the film takes the audience on a journey through Blahnik's childhood in the Canary Islands, where he first discovered his love for shoes and fashion. We learn about his early influences, including his grandmother's fashion sense and his father's love of flora and fauna, which inspired some of the unique patterns and colors that have become signature elements of his designs.

The film also explores Blahnik's early years in Paris, where he studied art and worked as a set designer before turning his talents to shoes. We see how he developed his keen eye for detail and his obsession with quality materials, often spending hours poring over samples to find just the right fabric or leather.

Throughout the film, Blahnik himself provides insight into his creative process, revealing the sources of his inspiration and the challenges he faces in translating his visions into reality. He speaks candidly about his love of shoes as objects of beauty and art, rather than mere commercial products, and how he strives to push the boundaries of traditional shoe design while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship.

The documentary also features interviews with some of Blahnik's closest collaborators and friends, such as fashion photographer David Bailey and classics scholar Mary Beard, who add their own perspectives on his impact on the fashion world and his enduring legacy as a designer.

One of the film's most charming elements is its frequent use of animated sequences, depicting scenes from Blahnik's life and work in whimsical, childlike drawings. These help to capture the playful spirit and creative energy that have been at the heart of his design philosophy since the beginning.

Overall, Manolo, The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards is a captivating and inspiring portrait of a true fashion icon, whose love of beauty and dedication to his art have made him one of the most revered shoe designers of our time. Whether you're a fashion lover, a shoe aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates the power of creativity and passion, this documentary is not to be missed.

Manolo, The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 52.