Christian Louboutin:

5 Things You Probably Don't Know about the Famous Shoe Designer

Actress Teresa Palmer in Christian Louboutin shoes at the premiere of I Am Number Four.
Christian Louboutin's red-soled heels are commonly seen on the red carpet. Here, actress Teresa Palmer is seen wearing platform evening shoes at the premiere of 'I Am Number Four.' -- February 9, 2011, Westwood, California. Jason Merritt/Getty Images
By Desiree Stimpert
Updated on 05/07/19

You know Christian Louboutin shoes when you see the red soles, and you know they're worn by some of the world's most famous women. But how much do you really know about the creator of these sexy shoes?

Here are a few bits of interesting trivia about the beloved shoe designer.

Louboutin Manicure

Christian Louboutin's famous red soles were inspired by an employee's nail polish, so it's only fair that those same red soles inspired a manicure called, what else, but the "Louboutin Manicure."

The trend involved painting the underside of the fingernail tip red, and the top of the nail black, so what looked like normal black polish delivered quick flashes of red, much like catching a fleeting glimpse of a Louboutin sole.

Christian Louboutin Shoes with Blue Soles

For a short time, some Christian Louboutin shoes were available with baby blue soles.

Intended to provide the "something blue" for brides-to-be, these creations were only available via special order, and were very short-lived. Production was eventually stopped due to trademark issues.

The Way to Louboutin's Heart

Women far and wide have a weakness for Louboutin shoes. So what does the designer himself have a weakness for?

Books. And colorful ties. That he doesn't wear.

Hmmm ... I know a few shoe fanatics with a similar problem.

In an interview with Financial Times' How to Spend It magazine, Christian Louboutin said:

"If I go shopping, it might be to buy two or three more ties, which I never wear, or shirts from Charvet on Place Vendome. Here they have the most magnificent coloured ties: it's like looking at a lovely garden. I have tons of them at home and I am perfectly happy not to wear them."

Designing Hills Instead of Heels

After completing his work with famed shoe designer Roger Vivier in 1989, Christian Louboutin briefly left the fashion industry to work as a landscape designer. He returned in 1992 with his own collection of footwear.

Christian Louboutin Stores

Every Christian Louboutin boutique is different, though they all share one thing in common: each was designed and decorated by Louboutin himself.

Additional Sources

  • The Museum At FIT Presents "Sole Desire: The Shoes Of Christian Louboutin" (Press Release from The Museum at FIT)
  • Christian Louboutin Biography Christian Louboutin Official Site