Manolo Blahnik International Limited was established in 1970 by Manuel "Manolo" BLAHNIK RODRIGUEZ. The first boutique was acquired in Chelsea, London. In 1977, BLAHNIK created his first American collection. These were sold in 1978 through Bloomingdales. BLAHNIK opened his first boutique in the USA in 1979. Now a globally recognised brand, its headquarters remain in London with offices and partners around the world. A privately owned and family run company, Manolo Blahnik still heads the brand as Creative Director and Chairman. He worked with his sister Evangelina Blahnik as Managing Director from 1981 until his niece Kristina Hulsebus Blahnik took over as CEO in 2013. Kristina is currently working on expanding and optimising the business worldwide and manages all aspects of the family venture.