Manolo Blahnik shoes are dreamy in many ways. His footwear is so gorgeous that, if you're a shoe girl like so many of us are, it will haunt you in your sleep.

Sarah Jessica Parker has said she could "run a marathon in a pair of Manolo Blahniks." But sadly, they're so expensive, most of our footwear fetishes are left unfulfilled and we can only fantasize about actually owning a pair.

"Manolo Blahnik Drawings" is a new book featuring the sketches Mr. Blahnik creates early in his shoe designing process. The tome shows over 120 of these, in full color, with captivating and fanciful details like raspberries, laces and stiletto heels that should be impossible to wear, but somehow are crafted into perfection.

The sketches are organized by decade, starting in the Seventies and going up to the current one. So, for now, you can live vicariously through the amazing artwork.




Mr. Blahnik speaks through his drawings, and friends Anna Wintour, Andre Leon Talley, Michael Roberts and Anna Piaggi share their thoughts about the designer and his genius in short essays at the beginning of the book. There are also quotes throughout, including the always direct Madonna, who says "Manolo Blahnik's shoes are as good as sex ... and they last longer."

Like the shoes themselves, this book of sketches is irresistible, and far more affordable for shoe dreamers on a budget!