Just Wrong: Schizophrenia In A Shoe

Oh, boy. No single pair of Louboutins has deserved the "just wrong" label more than these patchwork monstrosities. Why do we say "patchwork?" Well, just look at the obvious influence of the Balenciaga rollerblade shoes from what--was that F/W 07 or 06? And then there's the zipper, straight off the Roditas of last year, and then some pointy studs. We know Monsieur Christian is feeling the studs lately, especially after doing the Rodarte shoes seasons back before they went with Kirkwood, but it's ok to give it a rest on a simply lacey pump.

Then there's the lace. Fishnet is good...lace is dodgey. The only thing we're going to praise in regards to these is the manageable heel height. They are wearable, if you're blind. Louboutin must know what a schizophrenic shoe he's got here, for they're only priced at $835 at Bergdorf Goodman in NY--cheap compared to other recent offers.

[Pic via BG personal shopper]

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.

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 ]

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. 

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.

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