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.