Shoe designer Manolo Blahnik has spoken about how he struggles with knowing 'what he can say' in the age of politically correct speech.

The 75-year-old fashion mogul revealed he was 'given a list of things he cannot say to people' for fear of crossing a line.

Speaking to former British Vogue editor-in-chief Alexandra Shulman in The Sunday Times Style, he said: 'I cannot say, "How wonderful you look". I cannot pay compliments... because maybe it can be called sexual harassment.'

Shoe designer Manolo Blahnik, pictured in November last year, admitted he 'doesn't know what he can say' in the current climate, adding 'compliments can be called sexual harassment'

The designer clarified the list was not given to him specifically, adding 'somebody gave it to everybody'.

Blahnik, born in the Canary Islands, moved to London in the late 1960s where he worked for Chelsea boutique Zapata and wrote for a men's fashion magazine.

Despite having no formal training as a shoemaker, by 1973 Blahnik had opened his first shop in Chelsea.

Blahnik's high-profile devotees include longtime friend Dame Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of US Vogue, pictured, who is often spotted in the same pair of nude open-toed sandals

The business, which he runs with his sister and her daughter, remained in the well-heeled neighbourhood for 40 years before moving to Marylebone in 2015.

The luxury brand counts dozens of high-profile women among its fans, including Blahnik's longtime friend Dame Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of US Vogue, who is often spotted in the same pair of nude open-toed sandals.

'Manolos' became a must-have when they were featured on Sex And The City as the signature shoe for Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Carrie Bradshaw.

Another fan of the label is royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle, 36, who chose a pair o £450 Manolo Blahniks for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey last month

Writing in the article, Shulman, 60, admitted she also spent 'most of her last five years editing Vogue striding around in pairs of white courts' that the designer had 'kindly made especially' for her 'with a 90mm heel rather than the standard 100mm'.

Another fan of the label is royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle, 36, who chose a pair o £450 Manolo Blahniks for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey last month - her first public engagement with the Queen.

Speaking to Shulman, Blahnik dismissed comparisons between 'pretty' Ms Markle and Wallis Simpson, wife of the Duke of Windsor.

He added: 'There's no comparison. Maybe she's an American. Maybe she's a divorcee. No wonder she has experience... Wonderful for the child! For Prince Harry.'