Manolo Blahnik is walking the edge for autumn/winter '08-'09. While he has collaborated with designers from Ossie Clark to Perry Ellis and Cerruti in the past, this year he walks the line with Thakoon [4], Christopher Kane, Rag & Bone [5] and Alexander Wang [6].

As a design innovator who never alienates his core luxury consumer, Blahnik's collaborations reveal fresh looks. The master cobbler's well-honed shoe knowledge is revitalized by each wave of fresh inspiration, resulting in innovative lasts and details: for Alexander Wang he uncovers hard edges with a peep toe and gladiator ankle cage; the Satine for Christopher Kane reveals rich, deep hues in a luxe satin; and, for Thakoon, he emphasizes femininity through scalloped details on a black-and-white palette.

Step lively, now.

—Meghan Cleary