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Who is Christian Louboutin?
Born in Paris, France, in 1963, Christian Louboutin is a globally renowned shoe designer famous for his luxurious and iconic footwear. Louboutin’s passion for shoes began in his early teens, which eventually led him to establish his own line of women’s shoes in the early 1990s. He introduced the now-famous red soles in 1993, a defining feature that would become synonymous with his brand. Over the years, Louboutin expanded his empire, launching women’s handbags in 2003 and a men’s footwear collection in 2011.
Early Life
Christian Louboutin was born into a family with modest means. His father, a cabinetmaker, was often absent, while his mother stayed at home, raising him alongside his three sisters. As a young boy, Louboutin was not particularly interested in academics, and he was expelled from school at the age of 16. However, his life took a pivotal turn when he visited a museum and saw a sign banning high heels. Captivated by the notion of shoes being forbidden in a space, Louboutin began sketching his own shoe designs, sparking a lifelong passion for footwear. His inspiration grew further when a friend introduced him to a book featuring the works of renowned French shoe designer Roger Vivier, who had designed shoes for Christian Dior in the 1950s.
Career Beginnings
Louboutin’s career path was unconventional, marked by early creative endeavors. After his expulsion from school, he worked at the renowned Parisian cabaret, Folies Bergère, where he designed shoes for the dancers. This experience fueled his ambition to design for women in the entertainment industry. By the early 1980s, Louboutin began honing his craft at Charles Jourdan, a prestigious shoe company. He eventually ventured out on his own, opening a shop in Paris in the early 1990s.
In 1993, Louboutin’s creativity reached new heights when he introduced the red soles that would forever define his brand. The idea came about when his assistant, painting her nails, inspired him to paint the soles of his shoes a vibrant red. This bold decision led to an immediate and lasting signature style. His shoes quickly gained a following, attracting high-profile customers such as Princess Caroline of Monaco. Madonna’s iconic music videos featuring Louboutin’s high heels further propelled the designer’s fame, solidifying his reputation on the global stage.
Later Successes
Christian Louboutin has consistently produced innovative and imaginative footwear, maintaining his reputation as one of the fashion industry’s leading designers. Drawing inspiration from his vivid imagination, Louboutin once explained to Marie Claire magazine that he often envisions “a courtesan living out her life in a circus.” His surreal, yet visually captivating creations have propelled him into international acclaim. According to The New Yorker, Louboutin sells over 500,000 pairs of his iconic shoes each year, with prices ranging from approximately $400 to $6,000. With a global presence, Louboutin operates boutiques worldwide, alongside his Paris headquarters.
Louboutin’s influence extends beyond women’s footwear. In 2003, he expanded his portfolio by introducing a line of handbags. His reach broadened further in 2011 with the launch of a men’s shoe collection. Louboutin has since ventured into cosmetics, debuting nail polishes, lipsticks, and fragrances.
In addition to his fashion ventures, Louboutin has embraced creative collaborations. In 2007, he teamed up with director David Lynch for a photo exhibit. His artistic flair also led him to contribute to the design of “Feu” (or “Fire”), a celebrated show at the legendary Parisian nightclub Crazy Horse in 2012.
Trademark Attempts
Given his immense success, Louboutin has diligently worked to protect his designs from imitators and counterfeiters. In notable legal actions, he took fashion giant Yves Saint Laurent to court for using red soles on some of its shoes. In 2012, he also sued Dutch company vanHaren over the same issue. To further combat counterfeiting, Louboutin launched his own website dedicated to addressing the proliferation of fake products.
In his efforts to trademark his signature red soles, Louboutin faced a setback in February 2018 when the European Court of Justice’s advocate general ruled that the color of the shoe sole could not be considered a distinct trademark from the shape of the product. This decision significantly weakened his claims of trademark infringement. However, in June 2018, the European Union’s highest court ruled in favor of Louboutin, stating that the law prohibiting the registration of shapes did not apply in this case, and the matter was returned to a Dutch court for the final ruling.