One of Manolo Blahnik’s biggest admirers turns out to be Queen Elizabeth II. In the name of Her Royal Majesty, British Culture Secretary James Purnell, bestowed the title of Commander of the British Empire on the man who continues to keep the shoe fetish alive.

"Manolo Blahnik is one of only a handful of designers whose name is synonymous with their product," Purnell said of the 65-year-old footwear king.

<<Manolo Blahnik honoured by the Queen.
Photo: Michael Roberts - ManoloBlahnik.com

A rare photograph of the woman often described as the world’s first supermodel (no it is not Janice Dickinson) sold at an auction for almost $200,000. A 1950 shot of Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn, snapped by husband and famous fashion photographer Irving Penn, appeared on the cover of Vogue.

The Swedish beauty graced the front of every fashion magazine during the 1930's to 50's usually dressed in exquisite gowns, long gloves and spectacular hats. She was known for her 17 inch waist and diet of small meals.