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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

Behind the Scenes of Christian Louboutin’s FN Cover Shoot

See the exciting moments behind the designer's recent cover shoot in Los Angeles.

Christian Louboutin on Why Tough Times Call for Extraordinary Shoes

What a ride! After 25 years in the biz, Monsieur Louboutin gets candid about what drives him.

Christian Louboutin on His Roundabout Route to Shoe Design

The designer spoke to Fern Mallis in front of a sold-out crowd at 92Y about his inspiration to design…

Christian Louboutin Brings Sport & Fashion to Pitti Uomo

Pitti Uomo and Christian Louboutin will bring together fashion and sport during a unique (any mysterious)…

Christian Louboutin, Federico Curradi and Alanui to Host Events During Pitti Uomo

Bally, Hilfiger Edition and PS by Paul Smith will be among the brands presenting their collections at…

At Work: Jen Weinberg, 20th Century Fox Television Executive

The vice president of talent relations and special events for the production company behind "Feud" and…

Look Good Feel Better Holds Second Annual Auction With Charitybuzz

The charity, which is expected to raise over $100,000, will help women with cancer improve their…

Fern Mallis Flies to India to Secure Christian Louboutin for Fashion Icons Series at 92Y

Since opening his first store in Paris in 1992, Louboutin has sold footwear, handbags, small leather goods…

6 Memorable Quotes From FN Summit Headliner Christian Louboutin

The famed shoe designer will take the stage at the anticipated FN event in Miami next month.

Fashion Favorite Blanca Li Talks ‘Goddesses & Demonesses’

The seasoned choreographer reveals details about her latest show and its custom couture.

Exclusive: Christian Louboutin Taps Artist CJ Hendry for Exhibition

The famous red-sole shoemaker got the Instagram breakout artist to work in color for the first time.

Louboutin, Tiffany Chime in on Converse Trade Dress Appeal

The brands didn't take sides in Converse's fight for broader protection of its All Star shoe design, but took…

WWD Law Review: Full Disclosure on the Oscars Red Carpet, and Louboutin’s Red Soles

The week in legal action ranged from whether stars should disclose their red carpet deals to Alibaba blaming…

Louboutin & the Law: Switzerland Turns Down Red Soles Trademark Request

The shoemaker has gone to court around the world to defend its monopoly on red-soled heels.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Fashion From Cher & Elton John’s Las Vegas Concerts

Iconic costume designer Bob Mackie shares details on Cher's new costumes, while Patrick Cox tells the story…