Christian Louboutin Mafaldina Spikes 70 Sandals Sz 40 NWT
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 40 (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Paradise Island, BS
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2093220408802
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: Paradise Island, Bahamas
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Christian Louboutin Kate 85 Glitter Pumps Sz 38.5By Christian LouboutinLocated in Paradise Island, BSThe Kate is a classic pointy pump with a wearable 85 mm stiletto heel. With its timeless appeal and sleek lines, this carryover version is an absolute essential in the wardrobe of an...Category
2010s Italian Heels
- Christian Louboutin Mafaldina Spikes 70 Sandals Sz 41By Christian LouboutinLocated in Paradise Island, BSChristian Louboutin's Mafaldina Spikes sandals merge the sensual with the rebellious. Comprised of barely-there leather straps with tough-luxe studs, they're complete with soles dipp...Category
2010s Italian Sandals
- Christian Louboutin Kate 85 Glitter Pumps Sz 39By Christian LouboutinLocated in Paradise Island, BSThe Kate is a classic pointy pump with a wearable 85 mm stiletto heel. With its timeless appeal and sleek lines, this carryover version is an absolute essential in the wardrobe of an...Category
2010s Italian Heels
- Christian Louboutin Fetish Du Desert 100 Patent Pink/Multi Sandal Sz 38.5 NWTBy Christian LouboutinLocated in Paradise Island, BSChristian Louboutin introduces the Fetish du Desert sandals. While the satin ankle straps are immediately statement-making due solely to their size, look closer and you’ll see they’r...Category
2010s Italian Sandals
- Christian Louboutin Kate 85 Glitter Pumps Sz 36By Christian LouboutinLocated in Paradise Island, BSThe Kate is a classic pointy pump with a wearable 85 mm stiletto heel. With its timeless appeal and sleek lines, this carryover version is an absolute essential in the wardrobe of an...Category
2010s Italian Heels
- Christian Louboutin Pyraclou 110 Toile Sandals Sz 36 NWTBy Christian LouboutinLocated in Paradise Island, BSDotted with signature spiked embellishment and braided raffia trim, these platform wedges are finished with a dramatic tiger stripe design. Cotton upper. Open toe. Adjustable ankle s...Category
2010s Italian Sandals
- Jimmy Choo, Patent leather cork wedgeBy Jimmy ChooLocated in AMSTERDAM, NLJimmy Choo, Patent leather cork wedge. The item is in very good condition. • CONDITION: very good condition • SIZE: 39 • INSOLE MEASUREMENTS: 25.5 cm • HEEL MEASUREMENTS: 10 cm ...Category
2010s Shoes
- Rare Brand New Chanel Ballerina Size 39 Tan Bow Tie ShoesBy ChanelLocated in Pasadena, CARare Brande New Chanel Ballerina Tan Leather Shoes. Wondderful Bow tie accents in the front with the Double CC underneath. The sole is a beautiful tan sole that accentuates the enti...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Low Heels
- Valentino Red Slip On Stiletto Bow and Polka Dot Heels, Women's PumpsBy ValentinoLocated in Milford, DEValentino Red Slip On Stiletto Bow and Polka Dot Heels. These pumps feature fabric polka-dots on cream-colored genuine leather. Heel height: 3.5 in / 9 cm EU Size 38. Genuine le...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Heels
- Red Valentino Slip On Stiletto Pink Leather Heels with Strap, Women's PumpsBy ValentinoLocated in Milford, DERed Valentino Slip On Stiletto Pink Leather Heels with Strap, Women's Pumps These pumps pink patent leather upper with button-closure ankle straps a...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Heels
- GIANVITO ROSSI light taupe suede LATTICE LACE-UP Sandals Shoes 39By Gianvito RossiLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Gianvito Rossi 'Lattice' caged lace-up sandlas in light taupe suede. Have been worn and are in excellent condition. Measurements Imprinted Size 39 Shoe Size 39 Inside...Category
2010s Shoes
- PRADA taupe PYTHON Flat Espadrille Sandals Shoes 36.5By PradaLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Prada raffia flat sandals in sand and grey python with a beige sole. Have been worn once or twice and are in excellent condition. Measurem...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Shoes