Manolo Blahnik vs. Roger Vivier: A Comparative Guide for Shoe Lovers

Worn by socialites and celebrities alike, both Manolo Blahnik and Roger Vivier are celebrated for their luxurious craftsmanship, style, and distinctive design philosophies. 

Although they cater to a similar, older crown, and although there are similarities between some of their designs, both brands cater to slightly different tastes.

In fact, I'm updating my original ‘Roger Vivier vs. Manolo Blahnik' post from way back in 2012 (yes, I've been writing shoe articles for THAT long!).

The post featured a side-by-side comparison of blue satin wedding pumps with buckles from both brands' bridal collections, which initially sparked the confusion between the two brands.

As someone who learned a lot about footwear, and especially Manolo Blahnik when working a shoe designer who was a big fan, let’s explore the key differences between these iconic brands to help you determine which one aligns more with your style.

1. History & Legacy

Manolo Blahnik: Founded in 1970 by Spanish designer Manolo Blahnik and handcrafted in Italy, this brand quickly gained a reputation for its upcale and refined designs, known for their sleek lines and sophisticated appeal.

As a hands-on shoemaker, Blahnik himself has always been deeply involved in the design process. He is often captured sketching and overseeing the production of his shoes. In fact, like Christian Louboutin, has often been the face of his brand and campaigns. More about Manolo Blahnik, here.

Roger Vivier: The french designer, initially trained as a sculptor, with a background in stage design, has been around since the 1930s and is known as the Fabergé of Footwear.

The brand credits itself in 1954 with inventing the first heel with a metal rod insert, eventually paving the way for the first stiletto heel. 

Vivier’s designs are known for their bold, sculptural approach to footwear and the 60s mod aesthetic. You can read the full history of Vivier, right here.

Roger Vivier shoes are also exclusively made in Italy.

2. Design Spirit and Philosophy

Manolo Blahnik: Blahnik’s designs are characterized by high end craftsmanship and leathers created refined pumps with, feminine silhouettes and a modern edge. 

The shoes often feature pointed toes, slim stiletto heels, and luxurious materials like satin and leather.

Rather than chasing trends, Manolo is inspired by specific items and themes that inspired him in the moment. These are often literal interpretations of objects of inspiration and themes. 

His designs can range from simple classics to over-the-top whimsy within the same collection, playing with colors, shapes and embellishments.

Manolo’s brand creates dress shoes and accessories for both men and women. No sneakers are present in his collections.

Manolo Blahnik’s designs are known for: 

• Sleek stiletto heel and pointed toe
• Hangisi Pump: the jeweled buckle wedding shoe, made famous by Carrie Bradshaw’s character in S ex and the City.
• Campari Pump: Mary Jane pumps
• BB Pump: the timeless pointed toe pump

Roger Vivier: Vivier’s design approach brings his classic retro designs to life. The brand is known for its use of bold embellishments, architectural elements and the ever-present pilgrim buckle, and architectural elements in its shoes.

Unlike Manolo, the brand does include more trend-based designs, appearing in shoe style form. For instance, the 2024 Fall collection includes Chelsea boots, loafers, lug sole boots and Mary Jane ballet flats, which are currently an ever present footwear trend. 

The brand exclusively caters to women’s shoes and accessories, and does include trendy sneakers in their collections.

Roger Vivier’s designs are known for: 

• Pilgrim buckle, in metal, fabric or “strass form”, block heels and square toes
• Signature Belle Vivier: block heel pump with metal pilgrim buckle
• 60s Mod aesthetic

3. Occasions and Fall 2024 Collections

Manolo Blahnik: Manolo Blahnik shoes are often associated with special occasions, due to their high heels and often ornate designs and decorations. 

That said, his classic pumps are a classic go-to for both elevated occasions and the perfect pumps to wear with a suit for working professionals in the corporate world. 

Manolo also offers a wedding collection featuring various flats, sandals and heels in satin, lace and sparkly fabric materials in white or colored for the bridal party. However, the brand also offers more versatile styles, such as kitten heels and flats, suitable for everyday wear.

Manolo offers more than just shoes for both men and women, including bags belts and scarves for women.

Roger Vivier: Roger Vivier’s designs are known for their versatility, transitioning seamlessly from day to night. The brand’s flats and block heels are ideal for various occasions, from business meetings to casual outings.

The brand offers a wider range of products than Manolo with many more bags and wedding bags and accessories.

4. Comparing Designer Wedding Collections

Manolo Blahnik:

• Offers the widest range of classic pumps, sandals, mules and flats in white, beiges, dark hues and bright colors like blue.
• Shoe styles vary from simple satin styles and minimal strappy sandals to styles ones with ornate crystal detailing.
• No accessories offered in the wedding collection, however a couple of bags in the main collection appear to pair well with some of the classic bridal shoes.

Roger Vivier

• Offers a wide range of products in its bridal collection including shoes, handbags, belts, jewelry, hair clips, tiaras and even some jewelled capes
• As Manolo, the designer’s classic styles are offered in bridal fabrics + colors, while also offering patent, jewelled and buckled shoes with various heel heights and designs.
• Vivier’s bridal designs appear more everyday wear with block heel pumps and patent designs (possibly catered for the mother-of-the bride)and offers fewer fancy designs.

5. Price Ranges

Manolo Blahnik: shoes typically range from $700 to $1,200 USD, the top price often reserved for the famous Hangisi pump.

Non-embellished tall boots come in at over $1,500, while the more ornate designs can reach well over $2,500.

Roger Vivier: shoes have a higher price range, with most pairs falling between $800 and $1,500. The bags can go upwards of 5K USD.

The iconic Belle Vivier pumps, with their signature buckle, are among the brand’s most popular designs, often priced around $750.

The most expensive boot from their collection is around $2,000. Every design that includes the “strass” buckle, costs more.

Where to Buy Manolo Blahnik Shoes:

• Manolo Blahnik Site (limited styles)
• Bergdorf Goodman
• Neiman Marcus
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Nordstrom
• Net-A-Porter (many exclusive designs)

Where to Buy Roger Vivier Shoes:

• Roger Vivier Site
• Bergdorf Goodman
• Neiman Marcus
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Nordstrom

Which Shoe Designer Is for You: Manolo Blahnik or Roger Vivier?

Choosing between Manolo Blahnik and Roger Vivier ultimately comes down to which individual design you prefer and brand aesthetic you’re drawn to. 

For classic, elegant designs with a modern twist, Manolo Blahnik might be your go-to. Both quirky and classic styles can align well with his designs. 

If you prefer a bold shape and a vintage feel, Roger Vivier could be the perfect match. I can see a vintage or preppy style being drawn most to this brand.

Both brands offer something unique, making them standout names in the world of luxury footwear, catered to an older demographic. Salvatore Ferragamo markets to a similar group.

Many of their shoe styles in their current collections do look similar, likely based on seasonal shoe trends aligning. However, they  do have distinct aesthetics, which I hope this article helped you see!

So which one is your favorite, Manolo Blahnik or Roger Vivier? 

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