Seeing Red: Barney's Fall Window Display

Ok, so Barneys New York had this literal shoe tree of Louboutins up in their windows a while ago. It was October to be sure, because the Olsens were flaunting their new book all over in town, and it shared the window with the CLs. 

I shot these because I love the fact that they played with the mirror image here; the satin clutch is a CL bag, by the way, as are the others in the second picture below. Enjoy.

Reading Red: Vintage Shoes, With Foreword by Christian Louboutin

Just scrolling through the blogs as usual, and what heaven did we spy over on Stylist? Why, they've reviewed the book Vintage Shoes: Collecting and Wearing 20th Century Designer Footwear  by Caroline Cox, with a foreword by Christian himself. 

According to Stylist, the book is of the coffee-table ilk, so we'll pass on it for now; we don't have a coffee table and prefer smaller distractions for the subway, thank you. Nonetheless, we will head to the bookstore to read Christian's thoughts on vintage footwear. Musty or must-have?

Christian to Create Barbie Heels in 2009

So much news from the Louboutin world these past few days! We'll start with the first, and perhaps most important: Christian will be designing shoes for Barbie as part of her Fashion Week runway show and the general resurgence of the brand. (Did you know that Shanghai just got a whole Barbie store?) Anyways, as always WWD has the goods on the collaboration:

Christian Louboutin is designing pumps in iconic Barbie Pantone 219 Pink, which will make their debut at the special runway show that Mattel Inc. is staging during New York Fashion Week next February. 

Fifty as-yet-undisclosed designers will produce Barbie-inspired outfits for the runway, and each of the 50 models will be wearing the pink Louboutins at the show.

"I guess I always had a little 'girlie side' who liked Barbie," Louboutin said. "Barbie needs to wear great shoes because every girl needs to wear great shoes." 

Now, how do we get our names on the list for both the show and the shoes? February is coming up soon...those other designer names should be released any day now. 

[Image of some already pink Louboutins via Flickr > princesspoochie ]

Sole-Spotting: Jessica Alba for Campari

Photos: Mario Testino for Campari

This is what we like to call "impossibly high." Aside from Jessica Alba's brief  moments of posing for Testino's camera in this sizzling Campari shoot, these Louboutins sadly should be relegated to pedestals instead of the pavement. Heels of this altitude, sirens for the trademark sole, of course figure in much press and therefore elevate the brand.  There's no need to lean or turnaround to show the sole, as simply walking is advertisement enough.

Christian on Madison Ave, NYC

Doesn't look like much, does it? Christian Louboutin's flagship at 965 Madison Avenue is a cuddly nook down a few steps from the street and completely unassuming compared to its attention-whore neighbor, The Whitney Museum of Art. 

Inside, the shoes are displayed as in his other locations: set into clear plexi cubby holes with extra little accessories for interest (flowers or jewels, for example). When we snapped this pic last week, the shoe below was the star of the window. But you know in an economy like this one, retail price never lasts long and now the same shoes (in grey and black) can be found on sale at Saks. Sigh. 

A Red-Soled Ode to: Black Mesh

Vizu and Unknown

Baladi Elba and Air Con

Kitty and Quadrillette

Of all the sexy treatments favored by Louboutin, one of the most prevalent is black mesh with a nude lining. It also happens to be a personal favorite as this writer owns the heeled version of the Baladi Elba above (and Juliana has it in white). 

So why does a showpiece mesh shoe appear in almost every season of CL designs? We think it has to with Christian's love for toe cleavage, as mesh takes it even farther. One of his most well known and cleavage-y styles is the Pigalle, and although not pictured, they are most definitely made in mesh. Shoes like these are made for women who don't walk much, but take taxis and private cars. That probably explains why we don't get enough wear out of our Baladis.

[Images via ShopStyle, Bob Ellis Shoes, Barneys]

Fashionista's Red-Hot Trivia Question

Good to know!! In Fashionista's series of trivia questions, we have this gem from September 24, 2008: "Who could wear red soles in the 17th century?" Of course the answer comes out to be courtiers of the French king, but a commenter gave us a precious further insight:

it was the aristocracy of that period who had the money to be debaucherous and get all wild around town. hence the now infamous saying "paint the town red" because the red paint on the shoes would leave marks everywhere

Hmmm we wonder what the UES would look like if Louboutins did the same? Deep thoughts, people! And just because we feel like it, here's another little Louboutin bonus from some 2007 Fashionista: the CL manicure.

Aggressive Alta Ariella a Talon

From top to bottom. Christian Louboutin's Alta Ariella a Talon python boots are unbelievable. Look how sleek that boot shaft is. And the zipper up the back adds a sexy feminine touch to this look, which we can only describe as aggressive. And maybe ambitious too given the $2,595 pricetag. Perhaps it will go onsale one day?

Christian on Rue de Grenelle, Paris

This is the CL Boutique on Rue de Grenelle in Paris. We went inside and it looks a lot like CL boutiques stateside. We wanted to try on several pairs of shoes but we spent the entire day walking and our feet were both dirty and fat as sausages. As if we would subject CL shoes to that sort of torture.

Christina Aguilera is Louboutin's Favorite Girl

Christina Aguilera will only wear Christian Louboutins. In fact, in her last world tour she had custom-made Louboutins for each outfit worn in her concert. In other words, that's fan-frickin-tastic and we're practically foaming at the mouth now reminiscing about her showgirl footwear.

But we have something to whet our appetite. The other night, we got to catch Xtina give a private performance for the launch of Trump Dubai. While we have plenty of video and pictures, we had to show you a close up of her heels.

Christian Louboutins---again. These are 5-inches. And we haven't seen them anywhere yet. Although to be honest, we have slacked in our CL-hunting this summer. OK, maybe for like two weeks. Still we have a suspicion these are custom made as well. Dammit, Louboutin knows what a girl wants.

$710 for This?

Christian Louboutin is selling this shoe for $710. It's a flat. You can't even see the red sole. The description reads:

Metallic leather thong sandal with rose embellishment and posted sling back.

Think CL is trying to tell us something?

UPDATE: The shoe was heavily discounted at the start of June when all the department stores were having huge sales. I think the price was down in the $400s somewhere. STILL way too much.

Saving Your Sole: CLs To Include Extra

OK so I've had this Stylehive post bookmarked for a little while, but I think it's time to discuss:

According to a conversation SH had with some Louboutin reps, all pairs of Christian Louboutins will be including an extra red sole by the end of this year. I'm not holding my breath because the news hasn't really been hyped like it should, and SH originally said: "I was told that Christian was working on something to solve this problem and that Paris would have to be contacted for a definitive answer." Still, Christian if this is true, that would be awesome thanks!

Louboutinus Scarletsolus in Nature!

Just found this on Flickr, thanks to a brilliant shot by missmac. Although the insect has been identified as a Crisomelide Chrysomela sanguinolenta, it's still our beloved Louboutinus Scarletsolus spotted in its evolutionarily original form. Thanks to my moderate knowledge of Italian, I've also discovered that it feeds on only the most sumptious orbs: peppers, tomatoes and melons - yummy! Someday it will grow up into a beautiful adult Very Prive and flit off into the sunset.

Guessing Game: Jillian Lewis

Dressed like the prima ballerina during the entr'acte, Project Runway Season 4 runner-up Jillian Lewis sidles up to the bar during the GenArt Styles Fashion Show last week. In it she was competing again for a top designer prize and $10K, but lost again and flounced off into the sunset as she is wont to do. This pic was snapped by my editor, and despite the yellowish tint to the lighting and her plastic, Barbie-ish legs, I believe I spot Jillian sporting some floral CLs. Now, I've googled and googled looking for a clue to these rougies, but nothing. Let's not forget that Jillian loves herself some expensive footwear, as her first introduction to the Project Runway viewers involved her tossing off $600 Dries van Notens to run through the grass at Bryant Park.

Putting on the Louboutin Ritz

Images via Style.com

If you live in NY, the Met Gala is inescapable. Yes, it's over but the photographic fallout has just begun as outfits are critqued and ad campaign rumors fly. Let's take a look at the two most unforgettable Louboutin moments last night: the Louboutwins and Donna Karan's high steppin.
The Louboutwins: Mary Kate and Ashley were looking crazy nasty in some Diane von Furstenburg, with both dresses mainly highlighting their complete lack of breasts. Our man Christian didn't care though, as their small frames provide him maximum paparazzi exposure. Check out what he's sporting: a hot hot mens version of the Donjon Studded Boots from what feels like forever ago.
High Steppin': Diane von Furstenberg looks like a prize filly with her flowing mane and prancy gait. Showing she's been shod with the scarlet soles, DvF steps higher to differentiate the shoe's trademarks from the carpet.

"Society of the Spectacle" at Louboutin Madison

Christian Louboutin Madison Ave from Flickr: Cynner_SF

Stopping into the new Louboutin shop at 965 Madison Ave between 75th and 76th, the New York Times' Critical Shopper Cintra Wilson finds human caricatures and an argument against capitalism, but sadly few actual shoes. The article will forever go down in history as a testament to the state of American luxury consumption and Louboutin's concept of "very prive." A lovely little excerpt for your reading pleasure:

Louboutin pumps look right at home in the rarefied air betwixt chrome poles and mirrored ceilings, only they are around $900. This makes them not hooker shoes, but merely French.

Ain't that the truth. You see, environments of chrome and mirrors exist on two different levels; there are the $25 vinyl platforms for one and the $625 patent d'orsays for the other. All that's in the middle is mainstream, and "tell me--what lies at the bottom of the mainstream? Mediocrity." - Visconti's Death in Venice

Christian Louboutin Making In-Store Appearances at Barneys

Women's Wear Daily says our main man Christian Louboutin will be making in-store appearances at the New York and Beverly Hills Barneys New York department stores. (May 1 and 7, respectively.) Here's what Simon Doonan, Barneys New York's creative director had to say :

"Christian's shoes are like the circus coming into town," gushed Doonan, lamenting that he doesn't own a pair. "Louboutins are a total drug and there is no methadone."

Simon! Have you been checking up on us or something? How did you know we were so addicted???

Luckily Simon appears to be just as infatuated with CL as us. WWD said CL sent over some "gouache sketches" for the invitation to these personal appearances at Barneys and Doonan flipped out. He's blowing the sketches up and putting them in the windows of the NY and BevHills stores today. Check out this fushchia fringe stilletto boot. Hott. Not like we could actually fit our ankles into this thing, but still hott.

Christian Louboutin is All Over the Palazzo Las Vegas

These snaps were taken on a recent trip to the Palazzo Las Vegas which boasts a three-story Barneys New York department store in addition to a stand-alone CL boutique. Can you say heaven?

Actually, Vegas is a genius place to have Christian Louboutins for sale. Because if you do get lucky at the tables (or in our case the slots) you can totally spend your earnings on a pair of red-soled shoes. Forget the suite upgrades or the spa treatments! I want some CLs!

Seeing Red: My Roommate's Gold CL Boots

Before heading out last night, my roommate asked of me: "Should I tuck them in, or keep them out?" When I learned she was headed to Le Souk I emphatically responded "Out!"

Then I made her do a Louboutin lean for my camera, and above you can glimpse the very rare (and years back) Christians she received as a gift from a stylist for Vibe Magazine.

This morning I learned that she had been stopped on the street no less than 7 times-- to be complimented, questioned, and generally fawned-over.

That's what happens when you flash the red sole.

Perfect and Polished: CLs in the MePa

Perfection in a single photo. I am loving everything about this image: the nude CLs, the graphic striping, the black Burberry trench...

However, I think this is another case of impossibly high CL heels. You can pretty much see the foot strain on her right leg, but on the other hand is looks totally FIERCE. According to the flickr tags on this photo, it was shot in the Meatpacking District. Of course.

This image comes to us from a talented photographer, Modelizer on Flickr, who often shoots shoe portraits such as this. Hotness.

Via Modelizer/ Racked Flickr Pool.

The Ghost of Louboutin Past

...where we get you through the weekend with a brief glimpse back to memorable dates in CL.

Getty Images

March 2007 - Naomi Campbell wears a pair of black Louboutin boots to the first day of her community service, where she will ironically trade in the CLs for the steel-toed ones slung over her shoulder. Of her ensemble, Naomi said:

"One my first day I wore a Ralph Lauren coat, a cashmere shawl and Christian Louboutin boots. Christian got 12 hundred orders from that day. He wasn’t going to make those boots - now he is."

Just Wrong: Eva Longoria tries too hard

It seems Eva tried to borrow a page from the book of Dita, but opted for the cliffs notes. F-
Source: WireImage

Sole-Spotting: Mary J. Blige does it right

...and the right way is to wear CLs with heels so high, that they be showing themselves. No need for an ankle lean here; simply standing in CL heels this crazy high means people are already looking.

And what an awesome a choice of CLs, as this was her performance with Usher at the Fashion Rocks concert during the S/S 08 Fashion Week in NY. And do you know how I know this? BECAUSE I WAS THERE. Mmhmm that's right--8th row center. And when MJB stomped out onto the stage (you know she could barely walk in these), her soles were bright bright, and since this concert was televised I'm sure the rest of American noticed.

Sole-Spotting: Posh does a perfect Turnaround

Perhaps the riskiest pose for showing off the scarlet soles is the Turnaround. Posh does it to perfection above - effectively making her stand out from other spice girls while drawing your eye down to the brightest thing in the photo: her white Louboutins.

The Queen of the Louboutin lean: Dita von Teese

It is only fair to inaugurate this blog with a first post featuring none other than the master of the Louboutin ankle lean: Dita von Teese.

It is her consistency in posing this way, just so to show the soles, which made me first notice WHO is wearing Louboutins. Everyone seems to have their own way, and this blog exists to showcase the many flavors of Louboutin flashing.

Have you practiced your lean? I have.