Case Study // Manolo Blahnik

We were delighted to add to our portfolio of electrical installations within London’s iconic store Harrods, this time a boutique for legendary shoemaker Manolo Blahnik. Once awarded this project we accomplished the challenge of successfully completing the electrical design, Installation, commissioning and handover to the client within a minimal two week period.

A lighting scheme by ‘Lightworks’ met the requirements for a low ambient light level with the need for brightly lit products and was achieved with high quality adjustable downlights with a 24 degree low glare optic and 35W 3000K Ceramic Metal Halide lamp. This focused the customers attention immediately on the shoes when entering the space. Small groups of fittings rather than a more regular linear array was agreed to create a more minimal architectural appearance and to ensure the majority of the ceiling remained clean and uncluttered looking.

Harrods requirement for 25/30% instant strike lighting for customer navigation in the event of a mains failure was taken care of by the concealed LED and 8 of the adjustable downlights were supplied with Halogen lamps to ensure the correct light levels were met for this requirement. The completed retail lighting solution installed created stunning aesthetics within the boutique.

Working alone without assistants or apprentices, Manolo Blahnik is solely responsible for the design of every one of the thousands of shoes that bear his name. He has dominated shoe design since setting up in business in London in the early 1970s; his shoes have rapidly become a symbol of pure classical style for the 21st century. Blahnik's boutiques are located in London, New York, Las Vegas, Dublin, Athens, Madrid, Istanbul, Dubai, Kuwait, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore and Stockholm.

Testimonial: What the client said..."The project was completed within a short time scale to the high standard befitting of a luxury store with minimal snagging. This was achieved within the agreed budget for the project. We would certainly use Archer Electrical again and happily recommend them"- Grant Pendreigh, Contracts Manager, Garenne Shopfitting