Christian Louboutin Leopard Pumps
View Similar Items
Christian Louboutin Leopard Pumps
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 37 (EU)
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Bridgehampton, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: 6-18771stDibs: LU20124185933
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.
- Nicole Miller Atelier Gown Metallic Gold Dress Size 8By Nicole MillerLocated in Bridgehampton, NYUnique and Beautiful Nicole Miller! Flattering fit, with hidden zipper up the back. Great for any night event. Perfect with heels. Fully lined. In great, unworn condition. Made in US...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Gowns
- La Perla Sleeveless Over Bra Dress Size 44By La PerlaLocated in Bridgehampton, NYLa Perla Black Sleeveless Over Bra Dress with Small Belt and Top StitchCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Nicole Miller Women´s Multi Colorful Dress Size 8By Nicole MillerLocated in Bridgehampton, NYNicole Miller Women´s Multi Colorful Dress Size 8Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Nicole Miller Women´s Green Dress Size 6By Nicole MillerLocated in Bridgehampton, NYNicole Miller Women´s Green Dress Size 6Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Formal Gowns
- Gucci Women´s Denim Fabric Skirt SuitBy GucciLocated in Bridgehampton, NYGucci Women´s Denim Fabric Skirt Suit with From Buckle PocketsCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Skirt Suits
Sold$1,450 - Trina Turk Women´s Gray and Navy DressLocated in Bridgehampton, NYTrina Turk Women´s Gray and Navy Dress, SleevelessCategory
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Avant Garde Roberto Cavalli Magenta Suede Two Tone Thigh High Boots Size 41By Roberto CavalliLocated in Tustin, CAVery avant garde, crafted from the finest leathers, breathtakingly fierce, Italian luxury brand, Roberto Cavalli, thigh high boots. These edgy boots feature pointed toes, a split of...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Boots
$1,120 Sale Price20% Off - Atelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7By Atelier VersaceLocated in Buchanan, MIAtelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7Category
20th Century Italian High Heels
- Atelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7By Atelier VersaceLocated in Buchanan, MIAtelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7Category
20th Century Italian High Heels
- Atelier Versace Black Satin High Heels, Never Worn Size 7By Atelier VersaceLocated in Buchanan, MIAtelier Versace Black Satin High Heels, Never Worn Size 7Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian High Heels
- Rare F. Pinet, France Black and White Leather Platform Fetish Shoes MuseumLocated in New York, NYFrancois Pinet, France black and white leather Platform fetish shoes, 1930s, with towering black and white patent striped elevated platforms and 23cm, 9...Category
1930s French High Heels
- Gucci Brown Jordaan GG Velvet Monogram LoafersBy GucciLocated in London, GBGucci Brown Jordaan GG Velvet Monogram Loafers Smart Classic Designer Shoes CONDITION: This item is a vintage/pre-worn piece so some signs of natural wear and age are to be expected...Category
2010s Shoes