French shoe designer Christian Louboutin poses for photographs during a media viewing of his retrospective exhibition at the Design Museum in London, April 30, 2012 - REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth
CAIRO – 7 January 2018: “If you do what you love, it is the best way to relax.”
- Christian Louboutin
The signature red-lacquered soles that he created have become a symbol of luxury, confidence and beauty; they have empowered women all over the world.
“A shoe is not only a design, but it's a part of your body language, the way you walk. The way you’re going to move is quite dictated by your shoes.”
- Christian Louboutin
His love for shoes began in his hometown in Paris at a young age. The first pair of shoes that he fell in love with were drawn on a sign at a museum’s 50’s exhibit; the sign banned women from wearing sharp stiletto heels, as they would damage the delicate flooring. He would then see the sketch come to life being worn by a woman at a carnival festival in Paris one weekend while he was with his family in the 70’s, he mentioned in an interview with British Vogue at the Vogue Festival.
“A shoe has so much more to offer than just to walk.”
- Christian Louboutin
Both of his parents are French but he deeply loves Egypt. His love for Egypt comes from his father’s side who is of Egyptian descent from four generation past. He now owns a home on the west banks of Luxor, where he escapes to fulfill his design process, which involves him completely isolating himself in a location that he is familiar with, is inspired by and has the weather that corresponds with the seasonal collection that he is designing. He believes that one must sleep and wake up already consumed by the process; hence, the small rooftop apartment he built on top of his factory in Italy.
“A woman can be sexy, charming, witty or shy with her shoes.”
- Christian Louboutin
He started to leave his home at the age of 12, starting with one day a week away, then every weekend, until he permanently left, as he felt that he was mature and responsible enough to do so. His mother’s only concern was that he would be dressed badly for school as he wore pointed shoes, and socks with shorts. His mother would advise him to either remove the socks or shoes.
“The higher the better. It's more about an attitude. High heels empower women in a way.”
- Christian Louboutin
He opened his company at the end of 1991 and now has 107 stores around the world. Louboutin personally visits and meets with the staff throughout the year.
“High heels are pleasure with pain.”
- Christian Louboutin
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