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Christian Louboutin
A Christian Louboutin store.

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

Bally Taps Swizz Beatz and Artist Ricardo Cavolo on Capsule Range

The 27-piece Bally Collective, curated by Swizz Beatz collection and designed by Cavolo, features the…

Gwyneth Paltrow and Christian Louboutin Fete Opening of Goop Lab, Capsule Collection

The duo celebrated Goop's first permanent store, at Brentwood Country Mart, and their capsule shoe collection.

Christian Louboutin Names New Head Global Communications

Lavinia Mancinelli comes to Louboutin after 16 years at Gucci.

WWD Law Review: Parental Leave, the Eclipse and Color Protection

The Estée Lauder Cos. Inc. was hit by the EEOC, Amazon's glasses stir issues and Cheerios lose in court.

Heeling Power: Shoes Kicking at High, Low End

Hot fashion brands and fast-fashion players have a leg up on the middle market, observers say.

Evening Emerges at Moda Operandi

Luxury site seeks out and supports emerging talent.

Moda Operandi Goes All In for Handbags, Shoes and Accessories

The luxury e-commerce site diversifies product offerings.

EXCLUSIVE: Printemps to Unveil New Beauty Concept in Paris

Infused with natural light, Printemps de la Beauté now spans 33,333 square feet over three floors.

Jill Kargman Talks Leather Harnesses and Weddings in London

Conversation stretched from euphemistic "wine clubs" to "dick-top facials."

Becca Cason Thrash — and Duran Duran — Return to Louvre for Charity Gala

The Liaisons au Louvre gala raised close to $3 million on its Paris leg, even though some guests canceled due…

Louboutin Takes a Swing at Bike Polo

The shoe guru will host a tournament for the urban and stylish sport at Pitti Uomo.

Louboutin to Showcase Bike Polo at Pitti Uomo Event

The shoe guru has organized a tournament for the emerging sport in Florence.

Christian Louboutin Gets Candid on 25 Years in the Business

The prolific designer touched on career highlights.

In His Words: Christian Louboutin on the Competition, Parisian Women and Why Businesses Fail

"A shoe that's thin and quite delicately shaped can never look good on everyone. It's a bit nondemocratic for…

Christian Louboutin Opens Miami Flagship Boutique

The store showcases women's and men's accessories, as well as Christian Louboutin Beauté products.