Speakers

For over a decade, Kristina Blahnik has expertly steered Manolo Blahnik, merging creative vision with strategic business leadership. As CEO, she has ensured that the brand continues to thrive globally, all while honouring the artisanal craftsmanship and timeless design that define its legacy. Kristina’s ability to innovate without compromising integrity has been crucial in maintaining the brand’s position as a global symbol of luxury and excellence.  

Guided by the principle, “To optimise, not maximise,” Kristina’s approach to leadership is centred on sustainable, long-term growth. This philosophy has been central to the brand’s global expansion, which has seen Manolo Blahnik’s retail footprint grow from two to 20 boutiques, with a strategic focus on markets including the Middle East, Asia, and North America. In 2024, Kristina led the brand’s first foray into mainland China with a flagship in Shanghai and the establishment of a Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise (WFOE) in the regiongh. In addition to a joint venture in Hong Kong which saw the opening of additional 3 new stores in the territory, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s international growth and supported the wider vision for the brand’s future in Asia.  

Kristina’s unique background as a chartered architect gives her a refined eye for design, blending precision with creativity. Her architectural expertise was pivotal in the early days of the brand’s evolution, having worked on the design for Manolo Blahnik’s first exhibition at the Design Museum in 2003. Today, she continues to work closely with her uncle, Manolo Blahnik, on every collection, ensuring that each design reflects the brand’s rich history and commitment to craftsmanship. One of her proudest achievements is the launch of the Manolo Blahnik Archives in 2021, a virtual platform celebrating the brand’s 50th anniversary. The Archives has attracted over a million unique visitors and won multiple awards for its innovative approach to digital storytelling, offering fans worldwide an intimate look into the history of the brand and the artistry behind its creations.  

Kristina has also been instrumental in driving high-profile collaborations that have broadened Manolo Blahnik’s appeal to new audiences. A notable example was the 2016 collaboration with global icon Rihanna, which resulted in a three-part collection that garnered global attention. That same year, Kristina oversaw the co-branded collaboration with the Swiss ready-to-wear label Vetements, which won the Best Collaboration award at the Footwear News Awards. Most recently, the 2022 Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock collection, which launched to immediate success and sold out worldwide on the day of release. These collaborations have not only introduced Manolo Blahnik to fresh, diverse audiences but have also demonstrated the brand’s ongoing creative mastery across multiple disciplines.  

A passionate advocate for social responsibility, Kristina launched the Manolo Blahnik Foundation in 2022. With a mission to make a meaningful and lasting impact, the Foundation focuses on mental health, animal welfare, and supporting new generations in the creative industries. Its efforts also extend to global humanitarian aid, with the Foundation pledging support to various global causes. In 2024, Kristina led Manolo Blahnik to earn Great Place To Work certification, a recognition of the positive, supportive, and inclusive workplace culture she has cultivated.  

Throughout her tenure as CEO, Kristina has overseen the growth of the business from just 10 full-time employees to over 250 by the end of 2024, all while ensuring the company remains true to its family values and artisanal heritage.  

Kristina’s vision for the future is clear: to continue leading an innovative, forward-thinking team that pushes boundaries, challenges the status quo, and ensures Manolo Blahnik’s legacy of creativity, artisanry, and family remains protected for future generations.