"The shiny red color of the soles has no function other than to identify to the public that they are mine. I selected the color because it is engaging, flirtatious, memorable and the color of passion.”
Christian Louboutin is a French footwear designer whose designs have incorporated red-lacquered soles that has become a well known signature.
Louboutin’s interest in shoes was first sparked by a visit to the museum, where he spotted another visitor wearing high heels. From that moment on, he filled notebooks with sketches of his own designs. He first trained with Charles Jourdan, and free-lanced for Chanel, as well as Yves St. Laurent.
Louboutin’s bold use of red on the soles of the shoes, regardless of their color, has made his designs instantly recognizable. The actual heel of the shoes leaves a red imprint behind, a gesture that screams “follow me.” He focuses on sensual elements that give the wearer a flirtatious look.
Louboutin currently has 3 boutiques here in the US. Two are in New York, and one is in California. He has a boutique in London, England as well.