Manolo Blahnik is expanding its footprint in China with a new Shanghai location. The luxury retailer's latest space is part of a phase three expansion at Plaza 66.
A London-inspired design at Shanghai's Plaza 66
The new boutique is a curated experience that bridges the gap between London and Shanghai.. According to the brand, the space was developed in partnership with Shanghai-based spatial design specialists BYB Vision and draws heavy inspiration from the Manolo Blahnik boutique located in London’s Burlington Arcade. To bring this vision to life, the brand collaborated with Beijing-based designer Chen Darui to create bespoke furnishings .
The interior also serves as a gallery of sorts, featuring a sketch wall that showcases a selection of Mr. Blahnik’s original ink illustrations. The collections showcased in the space draw from a wide range of aesthetic themes, including the swinging '60s era of London, the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Lowlands, and the rich, ornate hues found in Italian castles.
Fall 2026 collections and the return of the Maysale
Shoppers at the Plaza 66 location will have early access to the Fall 2026 collection. The boutique also maintains its roots by stocking heritage pieces like the Maysale, a style originally created for designer Isaac Mizrahi in 1991. Fans of the brand's more glamorous aesthetic will also find the satin and crystal-embellished Nadira and Hangisi styles.
Beyond these classics, the boutique is placing a heavy emphasis on footwear for the upcoming season.. The Winter 2026 lineup will introduce two specific boot silhouettes: the Ofaralex, which features a pointed toe and sculptural heel, and the Sonsal, a suede version with a more relaxed block heel. This focus on seasonal silhouettes is part of the brand's effort to refresh its presence in the region.
Navigating a €83.5 million revenue dip in 2025
This expansion comes at a pivotaal moment for the U.K.-based luxury brand. As reported in August, Manolo Blahnik faced a "challenging" 2025, with total revenues falling to 83.5 million euros—a 3 percent decrease compared to the previous year. The brand noted that these results were largely impacted by difficulties at its major wholesale partner, Saks Global.
Despite these headwinds, the company is pivoting toward a more controlled retail model. The brand currently operates 24 stores globally, with 14 being directly operated flagships and 10 managed through franchise partners. While the 2025 fiscal year was difficult, the CEO has expressed confidence in a more buoyant year ahead,noting that direct-to-consumer trading is already showing double-digit growth year-over-year.
Can the Shanghai flagship offset the Saks Global volatility?
While the brand is clearly leaning into its standalone store strategy, several questions remain regarding the long-term stability of this pivot. It is currently unclear how much of the brand's recent "buoyant" momentum is tied specifically to the Asian market versus a general recovery in Western direct-to-consumer sales.
Furthermore, while the company is investing in "longer term" standalone locations,the report does not specify how many more boutiques are planned for 2026 or if the brand will continue to reduce its reliance on large-scale wholesale partners like Saks Global.. whether this expansion in Shanghai can provide the necessary cushion against wholesale volatility remains to be seen.
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