OS ANGELES – When asked what she wanted for Christmas, High School Musical’s Ashley Tisdale didn’t hesitate: “Christian Louboutin heels.”
Hollywood’s leading ladies can’t seem to get enough of the red-soled shoes that are a fixture on red carpets and at fashion photo shoots. And increasingly, Louboutin’s designs are popular among everyday women who are willing to spend $500-$1,500 a pair.
Though many people can’t pronounce his name (Lu-bu-TAHn), his signature red sole is instantly recognizable.
“I definitely think Christian is, for lack of a better word, the hottest shoe designer that there is out there,” says Filipa Fino, senior accessories editor at Vogue magazine. “He has captivated not only the socialite market but also Hollywood, and it is really the ‘it’ shoe to own right now.”
The red sole “has given him an edge, because it’s a visible touch that brands him. Women tend to feel others notice, and it’s a way of saying you’ve got the shoe.”
Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted in a pair on the set of the Sex and the City movie, a pair showed up in an episode of Dirty Sexy Money, and BMW featured the shoe in a commercial.
In October, Oprah Winfrey revealed a very pricey thank-you gift from Jessica Seinfeld, who had been on the show pitching her cookbook. The gift? Twenty-one pairs of shoes, many of which media outlets identified as Louboutins.
“It’s always a surprise for me when I see my shoes on someone or in a picture. I feel great about that,” says Louboutin, 44, whose first boutique opened 15 years ago in Paris. “I’ve always loved shoes and always wanted to do shoes.”
His collections now include espadrilles, sandals, boots, pumps and evening shoes in heels ranging from flat to skyscraper high. A handbag line (priced $700 and up) was launched this year.
“I’m inspired by many things,” he says. “And I love women, love watching women try on my shoes.”
But not so much that he’d give them away. Louboutin doesn’t play favorites. Unlike designers who send stars courtesy pieces to wear, Louboutin makes everyone pay.
“If things are given for free to you, it has no value in it, and you don’t really worship it.”
So when you see red soles on Nicole Kidman, Catherine Deneuve, Cameron Diaz, Ashley Olsen, Gwyneth Paltrow or Angelina Jolie, you know they’re not freebies.
“He has so much passion and so much heart,” says Olsen, who refers to Louboutin as a best friend. “He’s so talented and has really done it by himself and learned the hard way.”
Like other luxury brands, Louboutin’s trademark red sole has inspired imitations.
“It’s in the hand of lawyers now,” he says. “It’s one thing to be inspired by people, but just to knock off people is not nice.”
Louboutin began painting the soles red because “it is the color of love. It’s the color of passion. Even if a woman is wearing all black, she might choose a red lip or red nails.”
And what could possibly be more festive this time of year?
