Manolo Blahnik shoe goods are one of the famous products that have previously been placed under product placement. The placement was done on the American romantic comedy television series Sex and the City, which aired on Home Box Office between 1998 and 2004. (HBO). The placement continued in further Sex and the City sequels, including Sex and the City 2 and The Carrie Diaries, all of which finished in 2014. Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Carrie Bradshaw, displayed the products in the series because she was enamored with Manolo Blahnik's shoes. In several episodes, she flaunts her shoes. Her pair of Manolos that appear in the episodes are custom-designed for the television show. This is further seen when Carrie's boyfriend uses a pair of shoes from Manolo Blahnik to propose to her instead of using a diamond ring.
As a result, the Spanish designer emerges as a household name owing to the increased exposure to many people across the globe watching the television show. The product placement in the series appears to be obvious and keen followers of the program can quickly notice it. The manner in which Carrie shows her shoes around makes it so noticeable that the attention of those watching is drawing to her legs which are adorned with wonderful pair of shoes. The product placement is tied to the main themes in the story that include city life, sex, love and betrayal. Shoes are symbol of elegance and class hence the placed is in line with addressing the themes. Manolo Blahnik brand was able to increase its public awareness in regards to its products and sales increased immensely in the United States where the location of the show took place.
References
Lehu, J.-M. (2007). Branded entertainment: Product placement and brand strategy in the entertainment business. London: Kogan Page.
Segrave, K. (2004). Product placement in Hollywood films: A history.