A rare collaboration between Bulgari and Manolo Blahnik transforms silk-satin pumps into high-jewelry couture, blending gemstones, craftsmanship, and Italian glamour.
Long before fashion’s current wave of cross-disciplinary collaborations, Bulgari and Manolo Blahnik explored the meeting point between haute joaillerie and couture footwear, resulting in a striking pair of green silk-satin pumps, a design that elevated the statement shoe into the realm of collectible luxury.
Created as a tribute to The Art of Shoes exhibition organized by Vogue Spain, the collaboration drew inspiration from Bulgari’s Festa high-jewelry collection. Diamonds, rubellites, and amethysts adorned the ankle strap, transforming Blahnik’s signature silhouette into a jewel-like object where craftsmanship and exuberant Italian glamour converged. The vibrant satin echoed the brilliance of peridots, while pink-hued gemstones introduced a playful contrast reminiscent of pepperoncini — a nod to Bulgari’s bold color language.
For Bulgari Creative Director Lucia Silvestri, the project marked a rare fusion of two distinct luxury traditions. Blahnik’s sculptural approach to footwear met Bulgari’s mastery of gemstone composition, resulting in a design that felt both theatrical and refined. The collaboration remains a reminder of a moment when high jewelry stepped beyond necklaces and bracelets, finding new expression through fashion.
Originally published in 2018. Presented as part of the editorial archive.
