Christian Louboutin Patent Leather Open-toe Pump
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Width: 2.76 in (7 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Indianapolis, IN
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3882222479252
Christian Louboutin
The iconic red-soled shoes by Christian Louboutin (b. 1963) have made it onto almost every red carpet since the French designer opened his first boutique in Paris in 1992. His fantastical heels have gained attention and praise for their provocative heights and arching shapes, leading the designer to be nicknamed the “King of Stilettos.”
Since childhood, Louboutin was artistic; he began sketching shoes at the age of 10 and later studied drawing at the Académie d’Art Roederer. However, it was the regular visits to the Musée national des Arts d’Afrique et d’Océanie, then in the Palais de la Porte Dorée, that inspired his interest in women’s shoes. Growing up in the Paris neighborhood of the museum, he regularly spent weekends there and became fascinated by a sign asking women not to wear heels on account of the antique wooden floors. The severe arch of the heel on the sign and the violent red slash through it inspired him to think about shoes as something that could be dangerous and powerful in their allure. As he has said, “I wanted to create something that broke rules and made women feel confident and empowered.”
Breaking rules came naturally to Louboutin, who dropped out of school at the age of 16 and traveled to Egypt and India. When he returned to Paris in 1981, he had his mind set on shoe design and was hired by French fashion designer Charles Jourdan whose women’s shoe designs had been popular amongst the Paris elite since 1919. Louboutin later worked as a freelancer for such fashion houses as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Roger Vivier.
When he went out on his own and opened his first boutique in the Galerie Véro-Dodat covered passage, Princess Caroline of Monaco became his first famous client. The now-revered red sole emerged with his third collection, when Louboutin noticed an assistant painting her nails bright red. He tried applying the polish to a sole and was enamored with the results. Soon, his glossy, red-bottomed heels were all the rage in the fashion world.
Today, Louboutin sells his wares in department stores and over 50 Louboutin boutiques across the world. Beyond shoes, he has also expanded into accessories, beauty lines and handbags, launching the Passage collection of bags in 2014, inspired by the location of his first boutique. Conceptual pieces like his 2007 “Pumps,” now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, have taken his stilettos to the extreme with a ballet-like en pointe silhouette balanced on a spiked heel. Louboutin is a go-to designer for celebrities, including Blake Lively, Mariah Carey, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Lopez (who has a song about the famed shoes), among hundreds of others. In February 2020, a retrospective of his career opened in the Palais de la Porte Dorée where it all began.
Find vintage Christian Louboutin shoes, sneakers, handbags and other items on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Indianapolis, IN
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Louis Vuitton Bom Dia Flat Comfort Mule PinkBy Louis VuittonLocated in Indianapolis, INThe Louis Vuitton Bom Dia Flat Comfort Mule in Pink is a stylish and comfortable footwear option that encapsulates the brand's commitment to...Category
2010s Italian Shoes
- Valentino Garavani Rockstud Pointed-toe Patent Leather Pump RedBy Valentino GaravaniLocated in Indianapolis, INThe Valentino Garavani Rockstud Pointed-toe Patent Leather Pump in Red is a striking and elegant footwear choice that exudes sophistication and glamour. Crafted from luxurious patent...Category
2010s Italian Shoes
- Louis Vuitton Handkerchief Cotton & Wool WhiteBy Louis VuittonLocated in Indianapolis, INThe Louis Vuitton Handkerchief in Cotton & Wool White is a sophisticated and versatile accessory that reflects the brand's commitment to quality materials and timeless design. The ha...Category
2010s Handkerchiefs
- Chanel Printed Cotton Multicolor ScarfBy ChanelLocated in Indianapolis, INThe Chanel Printed Cotton Multicolor Scarf is a vibrant and chic accessory that embodies the essence of Chanel's iconic style. Crafted from soft and lightweight cotton, the scarf fea...Category
2010s Italian Scarves
- Louis Vuitton Monogram Classic Shawl GreigeBy Louis VuittonLocated in Indianapolis, INThe Louis Vuitton Monogram Classic Shawl in Greige is a refined and sophisticated accessory that embodies timeless luxury. Meticulously crafted, the shawl features the iconic LV mono...Category
2010s French Scarves
- Louis Vuitton Plastic Sunglass Dark TortoiseBy Louis VuittonLocated in Indianapolis, INThe Louis Vuitton Plastic Sunglasses in Dark Tortoise offer a timeless and sophisticated accessory for any occasion. Crafted from high-quality plastic, the sunglasses feature a combi...Category
2010s Sunglasses
- Alexander McQueen Black Velvet Embroidered Armadillo Curved Wedge Pumps Size 40By Alexander McQueenLocated in New York, NYAlexander McQueen Black Velvet Embroidered Armadillo Curved Wedge Pumps Size 40 Condition is new without original box.Category
2010s Italian Shoes
- Valentino Suede and Fox BootBy ValentinoLocated in Water Mill, NYValentino Suede, Fox and Silk Ribbon Black 4.5" Heel BootsCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes
- Salvatore Ferragamo Vintage Black Evening SandalsBy Salvatore FerragamoLocated in Water Mill, NYSalvatore Ferragamo Vintage Black Silk Evening Sandals size 9.5 R 4.5' healCategory
Late 20th Century Italian Shoes
- NEW GUCCI 1990 camel suede Platform PumpsBy GucciLocated in Genève, CH-Suede leather -Camel color -Block heels -125 mm heel -Sold with dustbag and box -New condition -Size 40 FRCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes
- Prada shoes IT36By PradaLocated in Rubiera, REPRADA Open-toe shoes in patent leather in the colors of turquoise, light green and light gray Size IT 36 Heel cm. 3 Made in Italy New with boxCategory
2010s Italian Shoes
- Platform heels 1993 Vivienne Westwood ginghamBy Vivienne WestwoodLocated in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZHplatform heels 1993 Vivienne Westwood. Vivienne Westwood, the renowned British fashion designer, is credited with popularizing elevated heels in the early 1990s. These heels were ch...Category
1990s Shoes