Christian Louboutin
In 1991, Christian Louboutin opened his first boutique in the Galerie Verot-Dodat, a neoclassic covered arcade in the center of Paris.
A self-taught shoemaker, Louboutin got his start in fashion at the age of 16 as an intern at the Folies Bergère, where he created footwear for the dancers. It was a fundamental experience, establishing Louboutin’s signature aesthetic, blending old-fashioned Hollywood glamour with the sultry camp of cabaret and highbrow art and artistry. And according to Louboutin, his trademark red sole came about early on, when he used an assistant’s nail lacquer to cover the marred sole on a shoe sample.
In the early 2000s, Sarah Jessica Parker and costume designer Patricia Field helped boost the brand’s status in the U.S. on the HBO series “Sex and the City” (recall her now-famous “Hello lover” line). Now, Louboutin’s red-soled heels are one of the most coveted fashion items in the world. His popular Kate and So Kate pumps have been worn by many A-list stars. Cardi B famously rapped about Louboutins in her 2017 hit “Bodak Yellow.” And Taylor Swift wore his custom heels and boots throughout her record-breaking “Eras Tour.”
The Christian Louboutin brand encompasses women’s, men’s and kids’ footwear, as well as bags, accessories, beauty and fragrances.
Christian Louboutin
French Fashion Federation Marks 150th Anniversary
Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo greeted guests including Dior designer Maria Grazia Chiuri and shoemaker Christian…
Christian Louboutin Showcases Made-to-Measure Line During Paris Couture
Kristin Scott Thomas and Natalia Vodianova were among guests at an intimate dinner for his latest…
Amber Heard, Lucy Boynton Attend Valentino Show
The actresses discussed their new film projects at a preshow cocktail in the garden of the Hôtel Salomon de…
The Real Real’s Rati Levesque Talks Omnichannel, Bricks-and-Mortar
E-tailer has built its business around pillars such as sustainability and authenticity.
Christian Louboutin Opens New Boutique at Wynn Las Vegas
The designer took inspiration from the architectural contrasts of his hometown, Paris.
Christian Louboutin Wins Legal Battle Over Signature Red Soles
The Court of Justice of the European Union sides with luxury footwear designer Christian Louboutin and his…
Christian Louboutin Claims Victory in Legal Dispute Over Signature Red Soles
The ruling comes from European courts in a dispute with Dutch company Van Haren.
Christian Louboutin Claims Victory After EU Court Ruling on Red Soles
The European Court of Justice supported the shoemaker's claim that the use of a specific shade of red on its…
Christian Louboutin, Shanghai Tang Honored at 2018 China Fashion Gala
Co-hosted by the China Institute and the China Beauty Charity Fund, the third annual gala honored designers…
Yves Saint Laurent’s Muse, Revisited
In a new biography, Christopher Petkanas recasts the history of Loulou de la Falaise as that of an exotic…
Shoes Play a Starring Role at Nordstrom’s New NYC Men’s Store
Christian Louboutin, Nike and more exclusives on the footwear floor.
French Beauty Sales Boom Abroad, Idle at Home
Exports from France grew 12 percent in 2017 versus 2016.
Christian Louboutin Signs Beauty License With Puig
The move is to take the beauty business "to the next level."
Olivela Launches Beauty Category
The newly launched e-commerce site, which works to pair philanthropy with luxury shopping, has launched a…
Christian Louboutin Defends Position in Red Sole Case
The brand took the unusual step of speaking out to the public in an ongoing legal case.