LONDON — Manolo Blahnik International Ltd. is planning “significant strategic investment” in its North American operations as it prepares to take control of business in the region after 37 years.
The company said Tuesday it would reveal more details in due course. It will take the reigns of the North American business on Jan. 1, 2020.
As reported Monday, long-term licensee George Malkemus, president of Manolo Blahnik USA, and Anthony Yurgaitis, vice president of the company, announced that the two parties have chosen not to renew their license.
Kristina Blahnik, global chief executive officer of Manolo Blahnik International Ltd., is looking forward to what lies ahead. “These are very exciting times for Manolo Blahnik. The USA and Canada are a core part of our business, which we are fully committed to.
“We thank George and Tony for their success in building the North American foundations and we look forward to announcing plans for significant growth and investment,” she added in a statement.
“George and Tony have been very good friends for decades. We have shared a great deal over the years and on behalf of the Blahnik family, I wish them well for the future. Change can be hugely beneficial and this heralds a promising new era for our company,” said Manolo Blahnik, founder and creative director.