Last night, West Village’s iconic Italian bistro Saint Theo’s got a Manolo Blahnik makeover. The evening toasted the launch of the iconic brand’s virtual room, entitled ‘The Manolo Blahnik Archives, The Craft’. The high-touch experience transported guests to an alternate Manolo Blahnik universe through a digital lens.
On a school evening, the brand attracted a varied guest list from the creative industry. Participants including Kathryn Gallagher Bruna Tenorio, Jennifer Fisher, Igee Okafor, Tina Leung, Roze Traore, Ana Khouri, Amy Fine Collins, Carolyn Angel, Rickie de Sole, Ashley Avignone, Britt Theodora, Alexandra O’Neill and Sabine Getty were all in attendance for the elegant affair.
In addition to the virtual experience, the room was filled with Manolo memorabilia, from sketches of sparkling stilettos to photos of artisans perfecting their craft. After a vibrant cocktail hour, the group sat down at the groups of cozy candlelit tables for dinner. The menu included all the signature recipes of Sint Theo, such as the chicory salad, lemon linguine, spicy cherry tomato spaghetti, branzino and dark chocolate budinos, an Italian delicacy, for dessert.
Before everyone dug into the delicious dishes, the brand’s director of digital and customer experience, Andrew Wright, stood up to address the audience. “It’s incredible to see so many familiar faces and meet new friends tonight,” Wright began. “Mr. Blahnik wanted to share his archives and spread joy with the world in honor of the art of shoemaking, so we are thrilled to debut our exclusive digital experience tonight.”
Even musician and songwriter Rainey Qualley flew in from across the country for the starry night. Between courses, Qualley took center stage to serenade guests with a special medley of songs, including some of Mr. Blahnik’s favorites. Of course, longtime friend of the house and model Pat Cleveland qualified Qualley cheering from the sidelines.
To end the evening, the powerful singer performed one of her own heartfelt songs, leaving guests craving endless encores. Alas, the evening drew to a close and attendees took to the city streets filled with a renewed love for the timeless brand’s brilliance in merging craftsmanship and technology.
