It was never going to be an under-the-radar affair, but no one at Manolo Blahnik headquarters expected the virtual tornado that struck when Rhianna’s shoe collaboration with the star designer went live last week.

Not long after the blinged-out, six-piece Denim Desserts collection popped up on the brand’s website on May 5, followed by a quick flag by the singer on social media, the entire system crashed like a black hole imploding. At that point, the only option for panicked fans desperate to get their hands on a pair of the singer’s $5k-plus thigh-high boots or $2k sequined pumps was to hot-foot to a Manolo Blahnik boutique before the limited edition collection sold out – provided they lived in London, New York and Hong Kong, which had exclusives on the collection. (Only 400 pairs total will be sold in each store.)


Jennifer Lopez, on the other hand, scurried nowhere, given @Badgalriri had couriered her a pair of the bedazzled cowboy chap boots as a gift, along with a note bowing down to the former’s original “baddest” gal crown.
Rhianna x Manolo, Dancehall Cowgirl Jewel, $3257. SHOP NOW
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Rhianna x Manolo, Sea Salt Sequins, $1304. SHOP NOW
RihannaxManoloSeaSaltsVogue4March16_NEW
Rhianna x Manolo, RIH VI’s, $1304. SHOP NOW

Cover Image: courtesy Manolo Blahnik