Blahnik and Bata awarded
Although they may come from opposite sides of the world and one is twice the age of the other, Thomas Bata and Manolo Blahnik have both made an incredible impact in the global footwear industry, and this week saw the two ‘footwear giants’ recognised for their achievements.
Manolo Blahnik was presented with an Honorary CBE (Commander of the British Empire) by British culture secretary James Purnell in recognition of his “status as one of the most successful and influential designers of our time”.
Born in the Canary Islands in 1942, Mr Blahnik has maintained a dominant position in the high-end footwear market since setting up his business in London in the early 1970s, attracting high profile clients such as Madonna, Princess Diana and Kylie Minogue.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Purnell said, “Manolo Blahnik is one of only a handful of designers whose name is synonymous with their product. His avant-garde designs mixed with timeless classics. By basing his business in London, Mr Blahnik has played a huge part in enhancing the reputation of the capital as a leading fashion industry centre.”
Meanwhile, the head of Indian shoe empire Bata Shoes, 93-year-old Thomas Bata, was presented with an award for his outstanding contributions to promoting India in Canada by the Canada India Business Council (CIBC). Having opened a small factory in Konnagar in 1932, the company now employs over 8,000 staff and operates 932 stores around the world.
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