The Iconic Blue Manolos: A Sex and the City Love Story

The Iconic Blue Manolos: A Sex and the City Love Story

(HANGISI | Blue Satin Jewel Buckle Pumps | Manolo Blahnik)The iconic royal blue satin Manolo Blahnik pumps – yes, those shoes from the Sex and the City movie – have become the stuff of fashion legend. These vibrant heels with their glittering crystal buckle are more than just footwear; they’re a pop-culture symbol of romance, luxury, and unapologetic sexiness. Ever since Carrie Bradshaw slipped them on in 2008, the world has been swooning. Let’s step into the story behind these famous blue pumps, from their design and movie debut to their lasting impact on bridal fashion – and even explore some sizzling alternatives for shoe-obsessed fashionistas.

Origin and Design: Born to Stand Out

Every icon has an origin story, and this shoe’s begins with the imagination of master shoemaker Manolo Blahnik himself. The blue satin pump – officially named the “Hangisi” – was launched in early 2008, influenced by Manolo’s love of historic opulence (The Duchess Of Cambridge Proves Manolo’s Hangisi Heels Are Still A Classic-Cool Investment | British Vogue) (HANGISI | Blue Satin Jewel Buckle Pumps | Manolo Blahnik). Blahnik drew inspiration from the glamour of Napoleon’s era (specifically Empress Joséphine Bonaparte’s style) when creating the Hangisi, adorning it with an eye-catching square brooch embellished with 144 sparkling crystals (The Duchess Of Cambridge Proves Manolo’s Hangisi Heels Are Still A Classic-Cool Investment | British Vogue). The Hangisi’s design is pure luxury: an almond-shaped toe, a seductive 105mm stiletto heel, and rich royal-blue silk satin uppers framing that show-stopping crystal buckle (HANGISI | Blue Satin Jewel Buckle Pumps | Manolo Blahnik). Even its name has an exotic twist – “Hangisi” means “Which one?” in Turkish, a playful nod to the many fabulous versions Blahnik would eventually create (Harper's Bazaar | Manolo Blahnik Hangisi | Natalie Hughes).

When this style first hit the scene in 2008, it wasn’t an instant classic yet – until Hollywood came calling. In a savvy collaboration with Sex and the City’s costume designers, Manolo Blahnik custom-made the original Hangisi in that now-famous shade of bold blue for a pivotal plot twist in the film (Bloomingdale: Something Blue). The choice of satin fabric in a vivid cobalt hue and an antique-style jeweled buckle gave the shoe a timeless, almost fairy-tale allure (Bloomingdale: Something Blue). Fashion insiders and shoe lovers took notice immediately. In fact, the Hangisi caused a shopping frenzy upon its debut: at Manolo’s New York boutique, the $885 pair sold out on the movie’s opening day – 60 pairs flew off the shelves in hours – and over 400 eager shoppers joined a waitlist for more (Bloomingdale: Something Blue). (Neiman Marcus even offered its own cobalt-blue satin edition called “Something Blue,” priced a tad higher at $945 (Bloomingdale: Something Blue).) Critics and fans alike were enchanted by the Hangisi’s mix of modern sass and vintage elegance, and a shoe star was born.

A Star Turn in Sex and the City

It’s not every day a shoe shares the spotlight with A-list actresses, but Carrie Bradshaw’s blue Manolos nearly upstaged the entire Sex and the City cast. Some fans even joked it was the movie’s unofficial “fifth star” (after Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, Samantha – and of course, New York City itself) (Bloomingdale: Something Blue). And indeed, these pumps earned their screen time. They feature prominently in three key scenes of the 2008 SATC film, practically narrating Carrie’s journey to happily-ever-after:

• Marking Her Territory: When Big shows Carrie the lavish walk-in closet he built for her in their new penthouse, Carrie places the blue satin Manolos on the shelf as the first item – a flirty claim on her new space and a symbol of their future together (Bloomingdale: Something Blue). (After all, what better way for a shoe-obsessed girl to mark her territory than with her most fabulous pair?)

• The Cinderella Moment: Later, in the film’s most heart-melting scene, Mr. Big proposes to Carrie not with a ring, but by kneeling down and gently sliding that crystal-buckled blue pump onto her foot (Bloomingdale: Something Blue). It’s a modern-day glass slipper moment – a clever twist that nods to fairy-tale romance. This was no accident: Blahnik created the Hangisi specifically for this “glass slipper” proposal scene (Bloomingdale: Something Blue), knowing how meaningful it would be for Carrie (and shoe lovers everywhere). The camera lingers on the satin shimmer and sparkle as Big fastens the shoe, effectively turning the Hangisi into a stand-in for an engagement ring. (And with those 144 Swarovski crystals glinting, who needs a diamond, right? )

• “Something Blue” at the Wedding: Finally, Carrie says “I do” to Big at a low-key city hall ceremony – and she makes her bridal look pop by wearing the blue Manolos as her “something blue.” In her simple vintage suit, those bold pumps add a touch of Carrie’s signature flamboyance as she literally steps into married lif (Bloomingdale: Something Blue)】. The shoes carry emotional weight: they’ve been with her through closet foreplay, heartbreak, and reconciliation, making it all the more poignant (and stylish) when she wears them to wed the love of her life.

Throughout the film, the blue Hangisi heels symbolized Carrie’s personal style and her relationship with Big. They were feminine yet fierce, whimsical yet sophisticated – just like Carrie herself. It’s no wonder Sarah Jessica Parker (who famously ad-libbed “Hello, lover!” at the sight of Manolos in the TV series) gave these pumps such a starring role. The movie turned the Hangisi into an object of pure romance on screen, immortalizing it as an icon for shoe lovers. As one fashion writer quipped, you could practically replace one of Carrie’s best friends with the blue Manolos and not miss a bea (Bloomingdale: Something Blue)】. Few fashion pieces have ever had such a memorable character arc in a film!

“Something Blue” – The Shoe’s Cultural Impact

After Sex and the City, the blue Hangisi wasn’t just a movie prop – it became a global phenomenon. Brides everywhere suddenly wanted Carrie’s something blue for their “I do.” The Hangisi pump quickly became the ultimate bridal shoe flex, combining the tradition of “something blue” with high-fashion cred. In the years following the film, countless SATC-inspired brides stepped out in their own blue Manolos to channel a bit of Carrie’s magi (Harper's Bazaar | Manolo Blahnik Hangisi | Natalie Hughes)】. Style influencers and celebrities joined in: fashionista Olivia Palermo famously wore navy Hangisi pumps as her “something blue” when she married Johannes Huebl in 201 (Harper's Bazaar | Manolo Blahnik Hangisi | Natalie Hughes)】. Even pop culture moments beyond the SATC universe paid homage – Lady Gaga’s character donned a pair of white Hangisis in the House of Gucci wedding scene (talk about cross-movie icon status! (Harper's Bazaar | Manolo Blahnik Hangisi | Natalie Hughes)】.

The media couldn’t get enough of these heels. They graced magazine covers, wedding blogs, and endless social media posts. Vogue praised the Hangisi’s timeless appeal, noting it has been reinvented in over 100 colors and materials since 2008 and remains instantly recognizabl (The Duchess Of Cambridge Proves Manolo’s Hangisi Heels Are Still A Classic-Cool Investment | British Vogue)】. The shoe’s signature jeweled buckle became so coveted that other designers scrambled to feature statement brooches and buckles in their own collections – a trend sparked largely by the Hangisi hype. Meanwhile, demand for Manolo Blahniks surged; retailers reported the blue Hangisi as a perennial best-seller year after yea (Harper's Bazaar | Manolo Blahnik Hangisi | Natalie Hughes)】. (Net-a-Porter and Nordstrom have had to restock this style continually because it simply never goes out of deman (Harper's Bazaar | Manolo Blahnik Hangisi | Natalie Hughes)】.) The Sex and the City effect was very real: Manolo Blahnik saw a new generation of shoppers coveting his creations, with the Hangisi leading the charge.

The cultural impact went beyond brides. The Hangisi became a status symbol for fashion-forward women – a shorthand for classic glamour with a twist. Royalty even took note: in 2022, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, posed for an official portrait wearing a pair of emerald green Hangisi heels, proving these pumps can even appear in palace halls and still look chi (Harper's Bazaar | Manolo Blahnik Hangisi | Natalie Hughes)】. From Hollywood to high society, the Hangisi’s message was clear: bold color + sparkle + elegance = an instant style statement.

Perhaps most tellingly, the blue Hangisi seeped into the mainstream so much that fast-fashion brands rushed to create lookalikes for those on a budget. (Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, after all.) High-street retailers produced their own cobalt satin pumps with rhinestone buckles – in 2022, Zara offered a dupe of Carrie’s heels for about £59, mirroring that electric blue hue and square brooch to make every fashionista’s dream a bit more attainabl (The new Zara shoes that look just like Carrie Bradshaw's fave high ...)】. Whether splurging on the original or snagging a savvy copycat, women everywhere wanted a taste of that Carrie Bradshaw sparkle.

In short, the Hangisi didn’t just influence fashion trends; it became a cultural touchstone. It proved that a single pair of shoes could ignite conversations about wedding traditions, inspire designers across the spectrum, and remain a red-carpet (and real-life) favorite for well over a decade. Not many heels can claim that kind of legacy.

Still in Style: Availability and Special Editions Today

You might be wondering: Can I still get my hands on these famous blue pumps today? Absolutely, yes – the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi is still going strong, and has even seen a few updates and special editions since its big-screen debut. Far from being a one-season wonder, the Hangisi became a permanent icon in Manolo Blahnik’s collection. The brand continues to produce it in various colors (though that rich royal blue remains the most iconic) and heights, and it’s often readily available at high-end retailers. In fact, Manolo himself has said he considers the style an evergreen classic, and stores like Nordstrom and Farfetch keep restocking it due to ongoing deman (Harper's Bazaar | Manolo Blahnik Hangisi | Natalie Hughes)】.

As of 2025, the original blue satin Hangisi pump (105mm heel) retails for around *$1,295 USD (HANGISI | Blue Satin Jewel Buckle Pumps | Manolo Blahnik)】. You can often find it through the official Manolo Blahnik website or in department stores – for example, Nordstrom lists “Carrie Bradshaw’s Manolo pumps” for $1,295, calling them “regal and timeless” (no argument there! (The 15 Best Blue Wedding Shoes of 2025)】. Occasionally, you might spot slight price variations or sales – Neiman Marcus has carried the style for about $1,195 during promotional event (The 15 Best Blue Wedding Shoes of 2025)】 – but generally, expect to invest around the $1K+ mark for these luxury heels. They’re a splurge, but as any SATC fan would say, true love is worth it.

Manolo Blahnik has also played with the Hangisi’s design over the years, releasing limited editions that make collectors swoon. For the shoe’s 10th anniversary, the brand issued versions in playful prints (including a quirky fabric printed with a Manhattan street map – a cute tribute to the city that made the shoe famous (Harper's Bazaar | Manolo Blahnik Hangisi | Natalie Hughes)】. There are Hangisi flats, mules, and booties now, too, for those who want the look without the 4-inch lif (Harper's Bazaar | Manolo Blahnik Hangisi | Natalie Hughes)】. And for brides seeking that something blue with a twist, Blahnik introduced the Hangisi Bride collection – for instance, an ivory satin Hangisi embellished with a “turquoise” blue crystal buckle, combining the old, new, borrowed, and blue in one dreamy sho (Harper's Bazaar | Manolo Blahnik Hangisi | Natalie Hughes)】. In short, the Hangisi has evolved into a mini-line of its own within Manolo’s offerings.

Even after all this time, the exact blue satin style that Carrie wore is still one of the most popular. It’s not uncommon for it to temporarily sell out (the Carrie effect never died down), but it always comes back in stock thanks to sustained demand. If you’re on the hunt, your best bets are to check Manolo Blahnik boutiques, their official e-commerce, or luxury retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Nordstrom, which regularly carry the Hangisi in various colors. Some brides even source them second-hand or on consignment sites to get a deal on their dream “Carrie shoes.” No matter how you find them, slipping into these blue satin pumps today feels just as special as it looked on-screen – you’re wearing a little piece of fashion history that’s every bit as sexy and glamorous in 2025 as it was in 2008.

Sexy Blue Alternatives for the Bold Fashionista

Let’s say you adore the look of the Hangisi (who doesn’t?), but you also want to explore other options – perhaps at different price points or with a unique twist. Fear not, shoe lovers: there are plenty of sultry blue heels out there inspired by or comparable to Carrie’s famous pair. Here are a few delicious alternatives that deliver major impact:

• SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker “Maddalena” Pump (≈ $545): It’s only fitting that the Queen of Shoes herself, Sarah Jessica Parker, designed a shoe reminiscent of Carrie’s beloved Manolos. SJP’s bridal collection features the Maddalena, a royal blue satin pointy-toe pump with a glitzy jewel-encrusted vamp that looks strikingly similar to the Hangis (SJP’s new bridal shoes look very familiar… | amNewYork)】. In fact, when this shoe launched in 2015, fashion writers noted you could wear one Manolo on one foot and an SJP Maddalena on the other and hardly tell the differenc (SJP’s new bridal shoes look very familiar… | amNewYork)】! The Maddalena (originally sold at Nordstrom for ~$545) is a fabulous option for brides or style mavens who want that Carrie vibe—designed by Carrie herself, no less.

• Amina Muaddi “Begum” Slingback (≈ $930): For a modern, red-carpet take on the blue jeweled pump, look no further than rising designer Amina Muaddi’s Begum heels. The Begum is a brilliant electric-blue satin slingback with a pointed toe, set on Muaddi’s signature flared stiletto heel, and topped with a crystal sunburst brooch. It’s a favorite of Instagram fashionistas and practically screams “party!” The Begum retails around $900-$1,000 (Neiman Marcus currently has it for about $930 in blu (Amina Muaddi Blue Pumps Shoes for Women | Neiman Marcus)】). Think of it as the edgier, millennial cousin of the Hangisi – equally glamorous, with a dash of artsy flair.

• Badgley Mischka “Josie” Blue Satin Pump (≈ $200): If your style leans ultra-feminine (or if you’re shopping for a wedding), Badgley Mischka offers gorgeous blue satin heels that channel romance at a more accessible price. One stunning example is the Josie pump in icy blue satin, which features a pointed toe and an organza bow detail for a soft, romantic touc (The 15 Best Blue Wedding Shoes of 2025)】. The blend of blue satin and delicate embellishment makes it the perfect marriage of classic bridal and flirty fu (The 15 Best Blue Wedding Shoes of 2025)】. Badgley Mischka’s designs often come in under $250 (and sometimes go on sale for under $100), proving you can get that “something blue” sparkle without breaking the bank.

• Blue by Betsey Johnson “Hazil” Pump (≈ $139): Budget babes, rejoice – Betsey Johnson’s bridal line “Blue by Betsey” has you covered with sexy blue shoes that won’t max out your credit card. The Hazil pump is a fan favorite: it’s a pointed-toe d’Orsay pump available in blue (and other hues) bedecked with crystals for plenty of bling. With a price tag around $139, the Hazil delivers a lot of look for the pric (Sarah Jessica Parker Slips on Carrie's Iconic Blue Manolo Blahnik ...)】. It’s perfect for channeling a Carrie-inspired style at prom, a wedding, or any event where you want all eyes on your feet. Plus, the Betsey Johnson line often hides a tiny blue jewel in the sole or uses blue lining – a cute nod to that “something blue” tradition.

Each of these alternatives offers a flirty twist on the iconic blue pump, whether you’re after designer luxury, a contemporary vibe, or a steal of a deal. The common thread? Daring blue satin, a touch of sparkle, and head-turning appeal.

In Conclusion: The blue satin Manolo Blahnik Hangisi pumps will forever hold a special place in fashion history – and in our hearts (right next to Mr. Big and Carrie’s epic love story). From their noble design roots and cinematic “Carrie moment” to their lasting influence on bridal trends and copycat styles, these heels prove that sometimes a single accessory can define an era. They’re sexy, they’re iconic, and they carry with them a little whisper of New York romance each time you wear them. So whether you splurge on the real deal or flirt with a look-alike pair, channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw and strut with confidence – fabulous blue shoes have a way of making every day feel like a Manhattan fairytale.

Sources:

1. Natalie Hughes, Harper’s Bazaar – *Enduring appeal of the Manolo Blahnik Hangis (Harper's Bazaar | Manolo Blahnik Hangisi | Natalie Hughes) (Harper's Bazaar | Manolo Blahnik Hangisi | Natalie Hughes)7】

2. Manolo Blahnik official site – Hangisi Blue Satin Pump product details and designer quo (HANGISI | Blue Satin Jewel Buckle Pumps | Manolo Blahnik) (HANGISI | Blue Satin Jewel Buckle Pumps | Manolo Blahnik)1】

3. Bloomingdale’s “Something Blue” blog – Behind-the-scenes facts on the shoe’s role in SATC and initial sell-out succe (Bloomingdale: Something Blue) (Bloomingdale: Something Blue)3】

4. Alice Newbold, Vogue UK – Why the Hangisi is still a classic, design history and cultural impa (The Duchess Of Cambridge Proves Manolo’s Hangisi Heels Are Still A Classic-Cool Investment | British Vogue) (The Duchess Of Cambridge Proves Manolo’s Hangisi Heels Are Still A Classic-Cool Investment | British Vogue)4】

5. Brides Magazine – Best Blue Wedding Shoes of 2025, featuring the Manolo Hangisi as an iconic pi (The 15 Best Blue Wedding Shoes of 2025)6】

6. amNewYork – SJP’s bridal shoe line launch, the “Maddalena” pump and its resemblance to Carrie’s Manol (SJP’s new bridal shoes look very familiar… | amNewYork)9】

7. Neiman Marcus – Amina Muaddi “Begum” Blue Satin Slingbacks (price listin (Amina Muaddi Blue Pumps Shoes for Women | Neiman Marcus)4】

8. Brides.com – Discussion of Badgley Mischka “Josie” blue satin pumps (bridal pic (The 15 Best Blue Wedding Shoes of 2025)7】

9. Yahoo! Lifestyle – Affordable alternatives (Blue by Betsey Johnson Hazil pump (Sarah Jessica Parker Slips on Carrie's Iconic Blue Manolo Blahnik ...)4】