“Every second, I am looking for one thing: beauty and happiness,” says Manolo Blahnik. “Okay—two things!” Since opening his first shop in London’s Chelsea neighborhood in 1973, the designer’s business has grown into a global brand with more than 300 points of sale worldwide, four women’s collections per year and a fervent fan base. And while women have been the primary beneficiaries, lining up for shoes and personal appearances from Blahnik, his label is now expanding to include shoes for men.

In February, he will launch...