In the world of luxury, few brands are able to stand the test of time, but a select few have gone the distance and remain coveted names decades, or even hundreds of years later. Although trends come and go with each passing year, certain high-end footwear brands like Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik have left a permanent mark on the industry through their classic, timeless designs, creating investment shoes, boots and other types of footwear that will never go out of fashion and will always look fabulous, no matter what.
So, how exactly do they do it? Well, it goes without saying that quality is key. Having built a legacy of expert craftsmanship and inspirational design, they’ve managed to captivate generation after generation, with grandmothers, daughters and granddaughters alike reaching for the same pairs of shoes and the same styles, again and again. That’s not to say that there haven’t been innovations along the way; in fact, far from it. But whilst brands like these regularly dream up ‘of the moment’ designs that align with current trends, there is always a tried and tested classic collection underpinning everything else that they do.
The prestige of footwear brands like these only grows with each passing year, with a rich history and heritage only adding to the overall sense of luxury.
These four brands have found the perfect recipe for success, and have stood the test of time like no other.
Christian Louboutin
With over 30 years of history behind it, the Christian Louboutin brand might not have been around for as long as some, but it has well and truly made its mark with its iconic red-soled shoes, which have become one of the most highly coveted, and are now synonymous with elegance and luxury.
Taking a classic less-is-more approach to its flawless craftsmanship and design, Louboutins are about as timeless as you can get when it comes to shoes – but that doesn’t mean you can’t find an edgy pair amidst those classic black stilettos, if you’re so inclined.
Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens enjoys an even richer history that goes back as far as 1947, and while it might not be the first brand that comes to mind when you’re thinking of luxury footwear, make no mistake – because these classic shoes and boots are exactly that.
Made from only the highest-quality materials, it’s true that they are a symbol of edgier and more modern fashion, but increasingly, we’re seeing timeless elements combined with modern trends in the fashion world, and a pair of Dr. Marten boots or shoes has quickly become a staple for the kind of laid-back, off-duty style that is popular today.
This is another great example of a brand that knows how to create iconic styles that will never fall out of failure, as well as regularly coming up with new offerings to keep fans interested.
Jimmy Choo
A brand that quickly rose to prominence following its launch back in the early 1990s, Jimmy Choo is an undisputed global powerhouse in the realm of luxury footwear. Its glamorous designs have seen the brand mentioned regularly on iconic fashion-centric TV shows like Sex and the City and Gossip Girl over the years, and with good reason – because its strappy stiletto sandals and courts are the utmost in style and sophistication.
It’s little wonder they have become such a red carpet favourite, and so beloved of celebrities and luxury fashion influencers alike.
Manolo Blahnik
Another brand that is a regular on the red carpet is Manolo Blahnik, which of all of these iconic luxury footwear brands, has been around for the longest. Established in 1970, it’s a brand that has become synonymous with timeless elegance, and a rich history and heritage have cemented its place as one of the most trusted and highly sought-after brands in luxury fashion and footwear.
In fact, Manolo Blahnik has amassed something of a cult following over the years thanks to its dedication to impeccable craftsmanship and timeless designs, and its ability to come up with fail-safe limited edition models that sell out almost instantly. This brand, too, made an appearance in Sex and the City, with leading lady Carrie Bradshaw famously wearing a pair of its iconic Hangisi pump – which every fashion-conscious female should have a pair of in her wardrobe.
