Quotes from Manolo Blahnik

I'm mad for satin.

I'm very painful to deal with when I create a shoe.

Papa died when he was 77.

Paris is paramount for fashion, always was - always will be.

I'm very self-critical.

Sometimes I hate a shoe in seconds.

I like women with style to wear my shoes.

I put everything I think is sexy into my shoes.

I don't belong to anyone.

Really, the '70s and '80s were a blur.

I hate celebrities.

I eat a lot of chocolate.

I don't know why my shoes are so popular - I am always surprised and mystified by it.

You realize how much fun we did have, with no money at all. We'd stay in peoples' homes in Tangiers. When you're young, you invite yourself.

Remain dignified, dress well, be good to other people and you'll be fine.

I think I am one of the smallest surviving brands.

Some people just use beautiful things to just shop or to have a tribal feeling - 'Oh, blah, blah, blah, I'm wearing Hermes; blah, blah, blah, I'm wearing Saint Laurent; blah-blah blah' - because it's like a need, a tribe, recognition: 'Ahh, my Rolex.' But I run away from anything which is too recognizable - it's my nature.

I was possessed by London.

In London I feel free; nobody bothers anyone and everyone is free to express themselves.

I don't consider myself a fashion designer.

I do think one should have clean feet.

I've never been tempted to do these hideous furniture shoes.

Maintenance is terribly important.

You put high heels on and you change.