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Manolo Blahnik Irie Quilted Slingbacks

Shoes like the Manolo Blahnik Irie Quilted Slingbacks are starting to feel more current than they have in quite a while, but has spending some time outside of the spotlight affected Blahnik's shoes? Does the old master still have the touch, or will you be looking elsewhere for your trendy shoes this year?

As we've spoken about several times in the space, the thin-heeled, high-platformed shoes of the past several seasons are started to feel not-so-fresh. Chunky heels and platformless pumps have made a very strong comeback for 2011, so what does that mean for famous platform-hater Manolo Blahnik shoes?

I was surprised to find that I had trouble finding a shoe I genuinely liked to illustrate this post. I love Blahnik's Mary Janes, but I've written about those previously. He makes some nice suede pumps, but I like the overall shape of the less-expensive Kate Spade doppelganger better. None of his platformless shoes are as sexy as Pigalles Louboutins shoes.

The shoes above throw off a very Chanel-esque vibe with the quilting and color scheme, and although they look a little bit Ladies Who Lunch, I think that they could be styled in a more casual way to feel more current. But I still can't help but wonder: Has manolo blahniks unwillingness to make platforms left him behind, even as trends swing back his way?