Manolo’s Shoe Blog

Manolo says, here is the Manolo’s latest column for the Express of the Washington Post.

Dear Manolo,

I’m completely taken with the latest hot trend, gladiator sandals. Could you recommend a pair for me?

Marilyn

Manolo says, like most peoples, when the Manolo hears the word “gladiator” he thinks immediately of the paradoxically thuggish, yet sensitive, Australian he-man Russell Crowe, all shouting and broody, as he hacks his manly-man way across the movie screen, clad only in the mini-skirt, shiny breastplate, and fancy leather mandals.

Indeed, not since Victor Mature and Kirk Douglas were the big movie stars in the 1950s, have raging testosterone and man sandals been so thoroughly mixed in the mind of the public.

And so it is surprising that now, in 2008, the girliest of girls are eagerly wearing these most muy macho of ancient feetwear.

While the Manolo generally approves of the trend, he must caution that not everyone is suited to the style. They work best for young women of particularly feminine shape and demeanor. Others of different configuration may well invite unfavorable comparisons to Cato the Elder.

Of course, if you are going to follow the trend then the best way to do so is with these costly, golden Giuseppe Zanotti sandals, which have been spotted most recently on Gwyneth Paltrow, and if that is not the definition of trendy feetwear..

Manolo says, this week the Manolo has been thinking much about the gladiator sandal trend, to the point that tomorrow his column will be dedicated to the topic. However, today he wishes to show you these, the Gladio from Stuart Weitzman, which are undoubtedly the most delicate gladiator sandals ever made.

Manolo asked, whose shoes?

Manolo answers, it is the beautiful Charlize Theron.

Congratulations to the Manolo’s good friend Mr. Henry, who was the very first to recognize the celebrity and her shoes.

Manolo says, these shoes, the aptly named Felicia from the Kate Spade, have made the Manolo happy with their cheerful colors and shiny crystal adornments. What greater praise can be given than this? For as St. Augustine has said, “Felicity, is certainly more valuable than the kingdom.”

Manolo asks, whose shoes?

Manolo shouts, The Eurovision Song Disaster has returned!

Manolo says, this week, Spirit Fingers asks us to identify giant rocks on lovely hands.

Manolo says, it is Monday and you are back again at your desk working away, while outside the spring has riotously sprung.

Suddenly, and unaccountably, you long to be out in the country, riding horses with tall, blond, very WASPy men in rugby shirts, which is exceedingly odd, as you have not ridden horses since the summer you were fifteen, when the only thing on your mind was ponies, ponies, ponies! (At home, somewhere in your parents attic, there are still five cardboard boxes filled with nothing but Breyer models and the collected works of the Pullein-Thompson sisters.)

Then, in September of that year, you discovered boys.

And so, to be now suddenly thinking of riding horses with the blond WASPs can mean only one thing, you passed the Ralph Lauren advertisement at the bus stop on your way to work.

Look! Here is the Velma from Ralph Lauren Collection, the horsey but sexy high-heeled sandal.

Manolo says, here is the best of the week from the Manolosphere.

Diable…

Porque sólo Anna Wintour es capaz de movilizar a tanta gente, entre diosas y lagartonas, animales y caballeros, en un mismo lugar y a una misma hora con la sola finalidad de vivir la moda por una noche completa.

Plumcake…

I’m sure that modern science, once it has sent a middle-aged man to Jupiter supplied with pills ensuring readiness for all the interplanetary nookie he can, ahem, stand, that the fine doctors and scientists will turn their heads to creating a film that is actually glamorous at a molecular or even sub-atomic level.

Patri…

Primero les muestro una selección que en su día hice buscando por la red del calzado “it” del momento, yo personalmente me quedo con la versión romana de G. Zanotti.

Mr. Henry…

When served fresh, however, boiled with ham hock as Mr. Henry remembers them, they taste creamy, mildly nutty, and divinely sweet. Mr. Henry’s favorite boyhood vegetable, one day about 45 years ago they simply disappeared from the market.

Francesca…

Mmm, Francesca loves a good sale at Nordstrom.

Twistie…

It wasn’t just a chance to gawk at pretty cakes and snark on wedding gowns and decide how I would have done things differently.

Isidore Gallant…

It’s a shame that he’s largely been forgotten, even though he’s one of the most intriguing sports figures in American history.

Never teh Bride…

Single ladies, MSN said, should eat their ice cream and have a cat while they still can. Now I found out, compliments of CNN, that married lads better learn to like skulking about in basements and garages.

Diablesse…

La bocanada de aire fresco se recibe como un golpe de oxígeno a mitad de la asfixia, los estilos individuales se separan como la tierra que se agrieta para dividir los continentes.

Raincoaster…

It’s only May and already the always hotly-contested Mother of the Year award is reaching temperatures approaching that of the heart of the sun.

Glinda…

At that age, it is downright adorable to go grocery shopping wearing an orange striped shirt, red shorts, and a superman cape.

Spirit Fingers…

The nice lady bodyguard is just protecting Justin from his fans