Christian Louboutin on why fashion can still make a difference: how the King of Heels worked with Sabrina and Idris Elba to make stilettos (and sneakers) with a message – interview

Sep 9 , 2021

Christian Louboutin at the Palais de la Porte Dorée, in Paris, which hosted a recent retrospective of his designs. Photo: Christian Louboutin

The celebrity designer was inspired by Black Lives Matters to create the Walk a Mile in My Shoes capsule collection, launched a year after George Floyd’s death

Known for his iconic red-soled shoes, the celebratory ‘Christian Louboutin: L’Exhibition[nist]’ show debuted in Paris’ Palais de La Porte Dorée and is heading to China next

Even if you’re not a fashion fan, you’ve probably heard the name Christian Louboutin, the Parisian designer at least partially responsible for the global obsession with stilettos. The phenomenon was perhaps most dashingly embodied in the famous HBO TV series Sex and the City, with fashionista Carrie Bradshaw memorably gushing “hello lover” at a sexy pair of heels in a Louboutin boutique window.

The signature red-lacquered soles, now one of the most recognisable fashion emblems, has become a sign of unparalleled confidence, sexiness and power since Louboutin first created them – by accident – in 1992.

Sketch photo of the “So Kate” heels from Christian Louboutin. Photo: Christian Louboutin

Like the shoes he creates, the designer projects forthright happiness and confidence in our Zoom call. “Fashion is a tool of communication and designers communicate happiness – putting a smile on people’s faces when they wear your designs,” the 58-year-old enthuses. “It becomes difficult to communicate happiness if you are not really happy with yourself.”

More than this, to Louboutin, fashion can also make unheard voices heard. In June 2021, a year after the tragedy of George Floyd’s murder, the designer collaborated with Hollywood power couple Idris and Sabrina Elba on the Walk a Mile in My Shoes capsule collection, his bid to raise awareness around issues of justice and equality, and benefit individuals and communities whose voices are often unheard.

Fashion used to be very elitist in the 60s to 70s. Today it has become democratic, a huge tool of communication ... The fashion community has expanded, and that is a good thing

Christian Louboutin

The Elbas, who are close friends of Louboutin, are active figures in the Black Lives Matter movement. The trio quickly agreed on the significance and timing of the collection’s release – a year after Floyd’s death – to refresh people’s memories and feelings.

Drawing inspiration from historic activists such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, the collection embodies freedom, equality and justice. It includes Louboutin’s signature stilettos and handbags, as well as men’s lace-up leather shoes and trainers, all printed with the slogan “Walk a Mile in My Shoes”. All proceeds from the partnership will benefit five charities selected by the shoe designer and the Elbas.

“We live in a world that is changing very fast and overwhelmed by information. Things get forgotten very fast and some things should not be forgotten that quickly. We thought that some things should not just be information, but stay in your memory, so things can get better,” explains Louboutin. “That is the construction for the collection, to remind in a positive way that things like heavy violence for nothing should not be tolerable. It’s important for us to do that. Life is better when it’s better for everyone.”