Alongside Milena Canonero’s Oscar-winning costumes, Blahnik actually created a series of original footwear for Sofia Coppola’s critically acclaimed film Marie Antoinette. His love for the story and style began long before his work with Coppola, when his mother would read Stefan Zweig’s 1932 biography as an “unconventional bedtime story,” which is pretty iconic.
While the movie’s release is nearing its twenty-year anniversary next May, the Marie Antoinette aesthetic fails to go out of fashion and continues to inspire many ongoing trends, including florals, corsets, ruffles, and pastels.
The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is partnering with Blahnik and has created a limited edition capsule collection of delicate pieces that are “reminiscent of Marie Antoinette’s iconic, elaborate style.”
Let’s take a look at a few of his designs that are a direct allusion to the film and the French queen…
Valoisette
This style of shoe is called the Valoisette. The center brooch is a direct correlation to Antoinette’s elegant jewelry collection. The pink silk around the top and front is constructed using box pleats.
Hebes
This next style is called the Hebes. The pattern on the front refers to Antoinette’s iconic furniture, as it mimics the same floral detailing and fringed edges.
Rohan
The final style, and my personal favorite, is called the Rohan. The powderpuff pink is representative of Antoinette’s makeup and is reminiscent of her rose garden at Versailles.
Moving Forward
The mixture of colors, textiles, and structures is a truly beautiful combination that embodies a modern take on the film and how Blahnik has evolved as an artist. Much like Marie Antoinette herself, Blahnik’s signature style isn’t going anywhere and continues to prove that some aspects of fashion can truly be timeless.