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.
Christian Louboutin Explorafunk Black Calf Leather Studded Backpack Silver Spike
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Christian Louboutin Explorafunk Black Calf Leather Studded Backpack Silver Spike - New A bold and unmistakable Christian Louboutin Explorafunk backpack...
Printed leather evening bag CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed leather evening bag . Dust-bag provided. 2 compartments inside with one flat pocket with zip closure. Red rayon fabric lining. SIZE / 21cm X 14cm X 4cm Shoulder strap lenght...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Sweet Charity Heart leather red patent mini crossbody bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Sweet Charity Heart black leather red patent mini crossbody bag Reference: ECLO/A00177 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Sweet Charity Heart Material: Leather Col...
New Christian Louboutin Blue Jean Denim + White Studded Large Shoulder Tote Bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing new Christian Louboutin denim tote bag ! Features copper / rose gold stud hardware on both the front and back. The perfect size that fits everything. Great as a beach bag, wo...
Black Christian Louboutin Mini Shoulder Bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in New York, NY
Black Christian Louboutin Mini Shoulder Bag. This shoulder bag features a leather body, silver-tone hardware, a gunmetal chain-link shoulder strap, and top zip closure. 8" L x 5" H ...
White leather shoulder bag with chain and double flap Christian Louboutin
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
White leather shoulder bag with chain and double flap. The top flap is top-stitched and the underneath one is cover with pointed metal studs. The chain is detachable. Red fabric lini...
Christian Louboutin Nude Suede Vero Dodat Clutch On Chain
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Christian Louboutin Suede Vero Dodat Clutch in Nude. This clutch is crafted of suede with patent leather trim with an outline of the Christian Louboutin cla...
Christian Louboutin Calfskin Loubinthesky Paloma Chain Wallet Clutch
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This striking Christian Louboutin Paloma Chain Wallet Clutch features a black grained calfskin exterior adorned with signature tone-on-tone Loubinthesky Spikes, geometric studs, and ...
Artemis leather evening bag with Paris site-sight shoulder strap C. Louboutin
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black leather evening bag with Paris site-sight shoulder strap. Blue, black and cristal rhinestone, studs, metal Parisian monuments , small c...
Brown & Black Christian Louboutin Studded Leopard Print Patent Bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in New York, NY
Brown & Black Christian Louboutin Studded Leopard Print Patent Bag. This bag features a leopard print patent leather body, gold-tone stud embellishments throughout, an optional ...
Christian Louboutin Tan Sweet Charity Shoulder Bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Christian Louboutin Tan Sweet Charity Shoulder Bag in very good condition. Signature top flap style with tan leather trimmed with white leather edges, a black leather stripe down the...
Christian Louboutin “Sweet Charity” Spiked Mini Bag - '10s
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A captivating expression of Christian Louboutin’s playful yet sophisticated aesthetic, this “Sweet Charity” mini shoulder bag is crafted in smooth white leather and vividly adorned w...
Christian Louboutin Leather Spiked Trictrac Portfolio Top Handle
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Houston, TX
Bold, brilliant and abounding in sophistication, Christian Louboutin designs are treasured by women around the world. The women’s shoe line was launched in the early 1990’s. Shortly ...
Christian Louboutin Leather Loubinthesky Paloma Wallet on Chain
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Houston, TX
Bold, brilliant and abounding in sophistication, Christian Louboutin designs are treasured by women around the world. The women’s shoe line was launched in the early 1990’s. Shortly ...
Christian Louboutin Pony Hair Crossbody Flap Bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Christian Louboutin Ponyhair Crossbody Flap Bag, a statement piece that exudes luxury and sophistication with a touch of edgy glamour. This classic square flap bag is...
Christian Louboutin Loubila Embossed Shoulder Bag in Black Nappa Leather
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Houston, TX
The Christian Louboutin Loubila Embossed Shoulder Bag in black nappa leather delivers sleek sophistication with a subtle embossed finish and unmistakable Parisian edge. Compact yet i...
Christian Louboutin Denim Panettone Studded Coin Purse
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This chic wallet is crafted of light denim embellished with silver-tone spikes and iridescent pearl-finish beads. The 3/4 zipper opens to a partitioned red leather interior . Design...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Sweet Charity scaled leather bow chain shoulder flap bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Sweet Charity grey yellow scaled leather gold studded bow chain shoulder flap bag Reference: TGAS/G00083 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Sweet Charity Material:...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN coral red TRILOUBOUI LARGE SPIKED Shoulder Bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Christian Louboutin 2016 Triloubi Large Spiked shoulder bag in capucine leather featuring gold-tone hardware. The design features three zipper compartments and is line...
Christian Louboutin Leather Loubila Large Chain Shoulder Bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Houston, TX
Bold, brilliant and abounding in sophistication, Christian Louboutin designs are treasured by women around the world. The women’s shoe line was launched in the early 1990’s. Shortly ...
Brown & Black Christian Louboutin Ombre Ponyhair-Lined Handbag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in New York, NY
Brown & Black Christian Louboutin Ombre Ponyhair-Lined Handbag. This handbag features an ombre leather body, gold-tone hardware, leopard print ponyhair lining at interior, and du...
Christian Louboutin Python Skin Sweet Charity Bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in London, GB
Christian Louboutin Python Skin Sweet Charity Bag Beige and brown tone bag crafted from exotic snake skin. Gold chain shoulder strap and b...
Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity Case Calf Nude Beige Leather Cross Body Bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Miami, FL
Gorgeous and brand new Christian Louboutin Beige Convertible Flap Bag can be worn as a shoulder bag or clutch. As seen on Rochelle Wiseman. From the Spring Summer 2013 collection!...
Christian Louboutin 2016 Sweet Charity De Paris Pattern Zip Coin Purse
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Add a touch of Parisian charm to your accessories collection with the Christian Louboutin 2016 Sweet Charity De Paris Pattern Zip Coin Purse, a delightful and miniature companion to ...
Christian Louboutin Cabarock Spiked Poupee Leather Tote
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Expertly crafted in Italy from bubblegum pink calfskin leather, this Christian Louboutin Cabarock tote is a sophisticated and stylish...
Christian Dior Vintage Trotter Chain Shoulder Bag – Made in France
By Christian Dior
Located in CACHAN, FR
A rare and elegant vintage Christian Dior shoulder bag crafted in the iconic white Trotter monogram coated canvas with white leather trim and gold-tone hardware. The front flap is ad...
LOUIS VUITTON Black Epi Leather Four Ring Key Holder
By Louis Vuitton
Located in San Francisco, CA
LOUIS VUITTON keyholder in a black epi leather featuring four silver tone metal key rings and one card slot. Made in Spainches Good Pre-Owned Condition. Moderate signs of wear on lea...
H 8 in W 8 in D 3 in
Chanel 1994 Rare Vintage Mini Multi Six CC Logo Crossbody Lambskin Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel 1994 Rare Vintage Mini Multi Six CC Logo Crossbody Lambskin Tote Bag 1991-1994 {VINTAGE 30 Years} Gold Hardware Long strap with classic interwoven chain Drawstring closure Do...
CALVIN KLEIN Black Nylon Backpack Bag
By Calvin Klein
Located in San Francisco, CA
CALVIN KLEIN backpack in a black nylon with leather details featuring a spacious interior compartment with padded device pocket, adjustable straps, and zip closure.Very Good Pre-Owne...
H 3.5 in D 2 in L 6 in
Animal Motif Crystal Clutch In The Style Of Judith Leiber, Great Condition.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Animal Motif Crystal Clutch In The Style Of Judith Leiber Great Condition, No Crystals missing. Silver Strap Inclosed.
H 7 in W 6.8 in D 1 in
Chanel 1995 Vintage Rare Quilted Calfskin Waist Pouch Fanny Pack Belt Bum Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Vintage Quilted Calfskin Waist Pouch Fanny Pack Belt Bum Bag 1995 {VINTAGE 27 Years} Gold hardware Calfskin leather Interwoven classic chain Made...
H 5.75 in W 10 in D 2 in
Valentino Garavani Green Leather Rockstud Shoulder Handbag
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Valentino Measurements (W x H x D): 10"x 5.75" x 2" Weight: 669.00 grams Valentino Garavani green leather rockstud shoulder handbag. The "Valentino" trademark (or hallmark)...
H 13 in W 17 in D 5.5 in
Chanel 2011 Graffiti Watercolor Limited Edition Tote Turquoise Nylon Resort Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Graffiti Watercolor Limited Edition Tote Turquoise Nylon Resort Bag Year: 2011 Silver hardware Removable brown double leather strap Double interwove...
H 15 in W 15 in D 3 in
Chanel Boating Python Large Classic Shopper Zippered Expandable Tote
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Boating Python Large Classic Shopper Zippered Expandable Tote Year: 2010 Medium zip around boating tote Silver hardware Rubberized CC logo Glazed ...
H 3.5 in W 1.5 in L 6 in
Fendi Leather Micro Monster Baguette
By Fendi
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Fendi Moss Green Leather Micro Monster Baguette Cross body Bag. The bag is crafted in moss green leather embellished with rhinestone and faux pearl accents. It features a silver-tone...
H 6 in W 2 in L 9 in
Art Deco Precious Stone Jeweled Lame Evening Bag
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Evening Bag of sterling silver set with precious stones such as aquamarines, emeralds and rubies in the Neoclassical taste. The tightly gathered pouch body of the bag is of...
H 15.7 in W 15.7 in D 15.7 in
Chanel Vintage Denim Quilted Drawstring Hobo Shoulder Tote Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Pre-Owned 2008-2009 diamond quilted drawstring tote Featuring silver-tone hardware, a diamond quilted finish, an internal logo patch, chain and fabric top handles and a strip...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Backloubi blue brown gingham check spike stud backpack bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Backloubi blue brown gingham check spike stud backpack bag Reference: TGAS/B00741 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Backloubi Material: Fabric, Leather Color: Blu...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Paloma red gold spike stud pink shoulder chain clutch bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Paloma red gold spike stud pink shoulder chain clutch bag Reference: TGAS/B01025 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Paloma clutch Material: Leather Color: Red, Gol...
Christian Loboutin Artemis ostrich feathers shoulder bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Capri, IT
Christian Loboutin Artemis ostrich feathers shoulder bag Black leather Loboutin artemis shoulder bag with gold tone hardware, black patent leather trim, single chain link shoulder s...
Size: One Size | One Size
Christian Louboutin Canvas Nastroloubi Tote
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Houston, TX
Bold, brilliant and abounding in sophistication, Christian Louboutin designs are treasured by women around the world. The women’s shoe line was launched in the early 1990’s. Shortly ...
H 6 in W 2.5 in L 28 in
Christian Louboutin Paloma Navy Leather Spike Gold Hardware Crossbody Clutch Bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Christian Louboutin Gender: Ladies Length: 9.00 inches Height: 6.00 inches Width: 2.50 inches Weight: 690.00 grams Christian Louboutin Paloma Navy Leather Spike Gold Ha...
H 10.5 in W 12 in D 5 in
Christian Louboutin Medium Studded Paloma Tote
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Christian Louboutin Paloma Tote is finely crafted of white grained calfskin leather with white studs and hardware features. It has rolled leather top handles, and a removeable, a...
Christian Louboutin By My Side Multi-color Woven Cross Body Mini Leather Tote
By Christian Louboutin
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Christian Louboutin, By My Side, multi-color woven raffia with leather mini tote. Beautiful little bag woven in bright raffia with rich cognac leather trim including a leather logo a...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Loubis Angel Brown Black Gold Animal Print Clutch Handbag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in San Francisco, CA
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN "Loubis Angel" clutch in a brown and black pony hair featuring an animal print pattern, gold tone hardware with hidden chain link strap, and push lock closure in ...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN purple suede leather fringe heel kiss lock clutch bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN purple suede leather fringe heel kiss lock clutch bag Reference: ECLO/A00153 Brand: Christian Louboutin Material: Suede Color: Pur...
Christian Louboutin Black Satin Keops Evening Clutch Bag with Chain
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Rome, Rome
Make a statement of sophistication and luxury with the Christian Louboutin Black Satin Keops Small Clutch Bag, a show-stopping accessory that exudes glamour and style. This exquisite...
H 4.34 in W 6.89 in
Christian Louboutin Metallic Python Skin Loubi Lula Mini Frame Clutch Bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in London, GB
Christian Louboutin Metallic Python Skin Loubi Lula Mini Frame Clutch Bag Metallic silver Loubi Lula clutch bag crafted from python skin. Featuring crystal embellished silver High ...
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Panettone black leather silver spike stud bowling bag
By Christian Louboutin
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Panettone black leather silver spike stud bowling bag Reference: TGAS/E00804 Brand: Christian Louboutin Model: Panettone Material: Leather, Metal Color: Black, Si...