Indeed, these are not your average Birkenstock Arizonas. The crystalised, plush velvet versions of the brand’s most classic styles are enough to get SJP murmuring “hello lover”. “I am always looking for new pieces of jewellery or accessories to decorate our shoes with and it was such fun to add sparkle to Birkenstocks making them truly eye-catching,” says the designer, who recently launched a digital archive spanning his 50-year career.

It turns out the German sandal favourite, which became the unsung brand of lockdown one, has more in common with Mr Blahnik’s hyper-glamorous world than first meets the eye. “Birkenstock has genuine authenticity and continually remains true to its values,” explains the man who was scouted by Diana Vreeland when he was a budding set designer. “We have a shared love of artisanry and ensuring that fit is exquisite – these values are at the heart of everything we both do.”

So which Birks has Blahnik been living in all this time? “Back in the ’70s I bought the Arizonas from Bongenie Grieder in Geneva and wore them for an entire summer – they barely left my feet,” he shares. “Now, I mostly wear them in my garden as they are incredibly comfortable, and the craftsmanship is simply divine – they last a lifetime. Personally, I wear mine with socks from Paul Smith.” Stock up in time for the drop on 24 March at Manoloblahnik.com.