Martha Stewart Talks Manolo Blahnik & Merrell At Financo CEO Forum

Now that her marriage with Sequential Brands Group is official, Martha Stewart was making the rounds with her new partners on Monday evening at Financo’s 2016 CEO Forum.

In between mingling with retail and apparel power players, the domestic guru took time out to talk about her top shoe brands.

Stewart, who was wearing her favorite Manolo Blahnik pumps, said she’s a longtime fan of the legendary designer. “I had him on my show,” Stewart said of Blahnik’s 2010 appearance on her daytime talk show, during which she taught the designer how to make milkshakes. Blahnik, meanwhile, wowed the crowd by sketching an intricate shoe live on air.

“He’s the best shoemaker,” said Stewart, who also attended last fall’s FIT event honoring Blahnik with the Couture Council Award.

While she won’t be giving up her Blahniks anytime soon, Sequential CEO Yehuda Shmidman was quick to remind Stewart that Sequential has shoes under its own umbrella.

“Jessica [Simpson]’s last [collection] is very similar to Manolo’s. They’re very comfortable,” Stewart said, referring to another of Sequential’s recent acquisitions.

But Stewart’s shoe closet has plenty of more practical footwear options as well. When she’s out in the garden, her go-to is Merrell slip-ons.