Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin opened his first boutique in 1991 in Paris. An artist and a craftsman with a passion for shoes, he is now considered to be one of the most influential designers of his time. Louboutin’s collections combine wit, glamour, elegance and technical proficiency like none other. Since the launch of the luxury brand, his creations have been immortalized in museums, on fashion week runways, red carpets, and in pop culture around the world. As a result, the Christian Louboutin brand name and his signature red sole are now among the most valuable trademarks in the fashion industry.

Born and bred in Paris, Christian Louboutin spent most of his time sketching shoes instead of studying, was reportedly expelled from three schools and moved out at the age of twelve to live with a a friend. Determined to polish his natural talent, he trained in drawing and the decorative arts at Académie d’Art Roederer and his fascination with shoemaking began when he visited Museum of African art in 1976 and was fascinated with a sign of a crossed-out stiletto. The image, intended to safeguard the museum's parquet floor, motivated him to handcraft shoes that would "make women feel empowered and confident."

Louboutin travelled to Egypt and India, and returned to Paris with sketches of sinuous heels "teetering on the edge of something outrageous." After approaching couture houses with his designs, Louboutin began his career in 1982 at Charles Jourdan and then freelanced for Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Roger Vivier. In the Eighties, he gave up shoe designing to become a landscape gardener but missed working with shoes and set up his own brand in 1991. 

When Christian Louboutin opened his first boutique on Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau the following year, one of his first customers was Princess Caroline of Monaco. The legendary shoemaker counts Lady Gaga, Madonna, Oprah Winfrey, Danielle Steel, Joan Collins, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Tina Turner, Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyoncé and Britney Spears among his loyal clientele. Louboutin also collaborated with Alexander McQueen, Lanvin and Jean Paul Gaultier, and designed for Yves Saint Laurent's showing which led to litigation involving the trademark of the red soles.

Speaking of red- lacquered soles, it was first designed in 1993 when he was working on a prototype inspired by Andy Warhol's Flowers, with a pink stacked heel, fabric flower and black sole. At that time, he noticed an assistant painting her nails red, took the nail polish and coated the sole with red lacquer. The shoe 'popped' and he immediately perceived that red soles would be his signature style. The outrageous designs never cease to amaze the jet set — the iconic shoemaker has handcrafted shoes with mismatched heels, covered them in studs and spikes, fur and feathers and also designed boots with pockets. 

Among his legendary designs are 'Pigalle' pointed-toe, high -heeled pumps; 'Resillissima' ankle boots with lace panels, Corset d’Amour boot fashioned from leather, black lace and satin and 'Officier' slippers with military-inspired gold threadwork. Another example is his elaborate Marie-Antoinette shoe, co-created with French embroiderer Jean-Francois Lesage, with its strong colours, cannetille embroidery using metallic thread and pearls. 

The men's dress shoes, spiked loafers and lu- kicks is hugely popular as well. In fact, when the first menswear store opened in New York in 2012, Louboutin offered a bespoke service that re-created customers' tattoo as an embroidered element on the footwear. Per The New Yorker, he sells more than 500,000 pairs of footwear each year.

In 2003, Louboutin expanded into women's handbags. The luxury brand topped Luxury Institute's Luxury Brand Status Index for three years when it was declared Most Prestigious Women's Shoes in 2007, 2008 and 2009. In 2009 J Lo wrote her song 'Louboutins' in praise of his shoes, giving them a cross-generational appeal. However, he made headlines for all the wrong reasons in 2011 for a trademark infringement claim of red-soled shoes. 

He claimed Yves Saint Laurent's shoes with red upper, red outsole be revoked and reportedly sought US$1 million in damages. U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero denied the request to stop the sale of Yves Saint Laurent shoes with red soles. In 2012 the court finally ruled that Louboutin would retain the exclusive right to use red soles when the outer portion of the shoe is any color other than red, while Yves Saint Laurent could continue to sell shoes with red soles as long as the whole shoe was red!!

In 2014 Louboutin launched a beauty line and signed a beauty license with Puig in 2018. He later sold a reported 24 percent stake in his namesake label to Italy’s Agnelli family, valuing the business at an estimated $2.7 billion. 

Christian Louboutin’s mission is to embody the pinnacle of luxury through every aspect of its brand, setting a standard of excellence. By meticulously handcrafting each product, be the iconic shoes, elegant handbags, or fashion accessories, the luxury brand aims to represent the highest level of sophistication in fashion. The signature red sole, synonymous with Louboutin, is more than just a visual trademark; it is a symbol of unparalleled quality and exquisite craftsmanship, reflecting the brand’s unwavering commitment to creating luxury goods that are both timeless and innovative.

The essence of Christian Louboutin’s mission lies in its dedication to the artistry of fashion. Every collection is designed to celebrate individuality and elegance, offering customers a unique sense of style that is distinctly Louboutin. This pursuit of perfection is evident in the meticulous attention to detail, the use of premium materials, and the innovative designs that push the boundaries of traditional fashion norms. By fusing creativity with heritage, Louboutin not only creates products that stand out but also ensures that each piece carries the essence of the brand’s luxurious spirit and commitment to excellence.

Moreover, Christian Louboutin strives to maintain its reputation as a global ambassador of luxury by consistently delivering an unparalleled customer experience. Whether in its flagship boutiques or through its digital platforms, the brand seeks to convey a sense of exclusivity and sophistication that aligns with the exceptional quality of its products. This holistic approach ensures that every interaction with the brand—from the initial encounter to the final purchase—reflects Louboutin’s mission to be a beacon of luxury, elegance, and innovation in the fashion industry worldwide.

Christian Louboutin’s vision is to create footwear and fashion accessories that transcend fashion, becoming symbols of sophistication, individuality, and artistry. His iconic red soles have become one of the most recognized and valuable trademarks in the fashion industry, symbolizing the heady combination of luxury and allure that defines the Louboutin brand. Each season, Louboutin brings a unique, exotic touch to his designs, drawing on his deep appreciation for diverse cultures and aesthetics. His creations speak to those who value beauty, hand-craftsmanship, and bold self-expression.

Inspired by his love for exploration and discovery, Louboutin’s designs often embody elements of the exotic. He frequently incorporates motifs, colors, and materials inspired by the vibrant cultures and landscapes he encounters on his travels. This integration of global influences gives his shoes and bags a distinctive character, merging traditional craftsmanship with a modern, avant-garde sensibility. Whether it’s the intricate hand embroidery reminiscent of Middle Eastern bazaars or the vivid hues found in tropical landscapes, each piece tells a story of cultural exchange and creative inspiration.

Louboutin’s vision extends beyond fashion, aspiring to celebrate and elevate the art of shoemaking itself. His dedication to innovation, coupled with an unwavering commitment to quality, ensures that every design not only captures the eye but also displays artistry and authenticity. By continuously pushing the boundaries of traditional design and incorporating elements from his explorations, Louboutin creates timeless pieces that inspire and captivate. His work is a testament to the belief that fashion can be both an expression of personal identity and a reflection of the rich tapestry of global culture.

Christian Louboutin won the 2019 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion. The brand- with its towering stilettos and red lacquered soles- topped the Luxury Institute's annual Luxury Brand Status Index for three years running and was declared the most Prestigious Women’s Shoes in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Christian Louboutin’s collections are acclaimed for their distinct designs, luxurious materials, and exceptional hand craftsmanship. The luxury brand’s iconic red-soled shoes have become a symbol of sophistication and style, with each collection featuring a diverse collection of footwear. From the classic Pigalle stiletto to the daring So Kate and the whimsical Lou Spikes sneakers, Louboutin offers something for everyone. 

In addition to women’s footwear, the luxury brand also boasts a wide selection of men’s shoes, showcasing bold designs with signature embellishments and high-quality finishes. The luxury brand continually reinterprets its designs with seasonal collections that draw inspiration from global cultures, art, and Louboutin’s own vivid imagination, ensuring each piece is both timeless and contemporary.

Beyond its famed footwear, Christian Louboutin has expanded its repertoire to include handbags and fashion accessories. These collections feature the same attention to detail that define the luxury brand’s shoes. From structured totes and sleek clutches to embellished backpacks, each piece is crafted to complement the luxury brand’s footwear while standing out as a statement accessory in its own right. Louboutin’s bags are often adorned with the same bold spikes, intricate hand embroidery, and vibrant colors that characterise his shoes. The luxury brand also offers a selection of small leather goods, including wallets, cardholders, and belts, all of which embody the same luxury and craftsmanship synonymous with the Louboutin name.

Christian Louboutin’s services include offering customers a personalized and immersive experience. The brand’s boutiques, located in prestigious locations around the world, provide a luxurious ambience where clients can explore the collections and receive assistance from knowledgeable staff. For those seeking something truly unique, Louboutin offers bespoke services, allowing customers to create custom shoes or bags with their choice of materials, colors, and finish. Additionally, the brand’s online presence extends this high level of service, providing a seamless shopping experience with detailed product descriptions, style recommendations, and exclusive online collections.