Shutters (and heels) click as Manolo Blahnik returns to Hong Kong ... to launch a festival of old soles

It's been almost 20 years since Manolo Blahnik last set foot in Hong Kong. So it's understandable that the Spanish fashion designer's rare appearance at Lane Crawford's boutique in the IFC Mall attracted a bevy of enthusiasts.

The exclusive cocktail event on Wednesday night was in honour of Blahnik's latest collaboration for the upmarket store, which includes a collection of 10 reissued shoe styles from Blahnik's 40 years in the trade.

Also being stocked by the store are Blahnik collaborations with other luxury brands, such as suitcases from Globe-Trotter, leather gloves from Causse and Olmetto x Lane Crawford silk scarves featuring illustrations from Blahnik's private archive.

The designer didn't show up until an hour or so after the party began. Before he arrived, his female fans were well behaved, nibbling on caviar canap?s and sipping Veuve Clicquot champagne, but as soon as he made his entrance, the cameras and smartphones came out, and almost all wanted to be photographed with the legendary shoemaker.

Although in his late 60s, Blahnik was the consummate dandy, in a pale purple suit and pink suede shoes. As he slowly mingled with the enthusiastic crowd, Blahnik stopped to shake hands or pose for pictures with his fans.

'Come, another photo before I faint,' he joked. 'Now let's sit down.'