One of the perks of being an AGO volunteer is reciprocal admission to many Toronto and Ontario attractions.  For instance, your AGO volunteer badge will give you and a guest access to the Bata Shoe Museum, where you can enjoy the new exhibit Manolo Blanik: The Art of Shoes.

Blanik, the Spanish fashion designer and founder of the high-end show brand, was born in 1942. His shoes have been featured in many pop culture films, videos and TV shows. The most familiar of course is the shoe collection belonging to one of the lead characters Sex in the City.

Blanik’s parents wanted him to be a diplomat and sent him to University of Geneva to study politics and law. He changed his studies to Literature and Architecture and later moved to Paris to study art at the École des Beaux-Arts. In 1970, Blanik met with the, then, editor-in-chief of US Vogue, who after viewing his portfolio said, “Young man, make things, make accessories, make shoes!” He followed her advice and the rest is shoe history!

Enjoy the exhibit!

-Cara-Lynn Nisenbaum